Brockport, N.Y. — The No. 2-seeded Brockport women's flag football team will host No. 3-seeded Hartwick in the Empire 8 Tournament semifinals on Tuesday, April 21, at 4 p.m. After defeating Hartwick on the road last Saturday, the Golden Eagles earned home-field advantage for the semifinal matchup.
Familiar Foes: In the second meeting this season, Saturday's matchup saw Brockport overcome a 19-7 halftime deficit to clinch the No. 2 seed for the Empire 8 Tournament with a 27-25 victory.
Megan Gerber rallied the squad with an outstanding all-around performance, leading Brockport in passing (109 yards, TD) and rushing (137 yards, 2 TD) while adding three catches for 41 yards. She also made an impact on defense with three flag pulls and a sack. Madison Beardsley added 96 yards and a touchdown through the air, completing 12 of 20 passes.
Addy VanDewater continued her strong freshman campaign, delivering in the second half with a touchdown and finishing with six catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns. She enters the postseason as Brockport's top outside threat, leading the team in receptions (30), receiving yards (507) and receiving touchdowns (12) in conference play (8 games).
Defensively, Ariana Kennedy led the team with 10 flag pulls and a sack, while Lauren Cundra made a significant impact in the secondary with eight flag pulls, two pass breakups and a key interception.
Stepping Up: Over her last three outings, Trelani Harper has emerged as a key downfield target for the Golden Eagles. Harper has recorded three or more receptions in each of her last three games, totaling 14 catches for 203 yards and three touchdowns. She enters the postseason with the team's second-highest total of five receiving touchdowns in conference play. The sophomore also contributes on special teams, punting 18 times for 557 yards and placing five punts inside the 20-yard line.
Passing Prowess: Madison Beardsley enters the Empire 8 Tournament on an impressive streak, throwing at least one touchdown in each of her last four games. Splitting time at quarterback with Megan Gerber, Beardsley holds a 17-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio in conference play, passing for 986 yards in eight games. Gerber has also made significant contributions through the air, throwing for 581 yards and eight touchdowns in Empire 8 play. The multi-sport senior is a major dual-threat, rushing for a team-high 821 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Defensive Dominance: Brockport's defense features multiple playmakers, with the unit recording 50.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks and 12 interceptions against conference opponents. Lauren Cundra leads the team with five interceptions and 10 pass breakups, along with 40 flag pulls and five tackles for loss. Ariana Kennedy (55) and Cymbri Jefferson (50) lead the team in flag pulls, with Kennedy adding six tackles for loss and two sacks. Hannah Roxstrom has also disrupted opposing offenses, totaling seven pass breakups, three interceptions, four tackles for loss and three sacks.
Up Next: With a win, Brockport will face the winner of No. 1-seeded SUNY Geneseo and No. 4-seeded Elmira on Friday, April 24.
