LEBANON, Tenn. - - Cumberland University began its inaugural season for flag football by splitting a double header in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Phoenix traveled to Samford stadium to face LaGrange College and Huntington College to kickstart a new era for Cumberland University. In their first ever game, Cumberland pulled out a 12-8 victory over the LaGrange Panthers. 

Scoring the first points in school history, Brianna Taylor took back a 15 yard interception to the endzone, breaking the game open at 6-0. Cumberland were solidly defensive after that point, allowing less than 94 total yards of offense in the win.

Cumberlands lone offensive points came from Madison Woodard, connecting with Gabby Orsi for a six yard pass. Woodard was efficient with her passing attempts as she went 23-41 for just under two hundred yards.

Despite the victory in game one, Huntingdon found a way to overpower the Phoenix in game two, which ended in a score of 48-0. The Hawks tallied 327 total yards with 303 through the air and 24 on the ground. The defense held strong by holding Cumberland to 2 yards a play, grabbing an interception, and getting three sacks.

The bright spot for the Phoenix was an interception by ShaNaiya Robinson in the closing seconds of the game. The offense had 114 total yards and led the game in first downs with six, three rushing and three passing. Marley Hyde helped the offensive effort by leading the rushing and receiving categories.

The Phoenix flag football team will be back in action on Thursday, March 5th where they will host (RV) Graceland University at Nokes-Lasater field at 5:00 PM.