Lions Defense Shines Late Despite Doubleheader Loss to Eastern in Women's Flag Football Action

Game 1 Recap: Eastern 33, Penn State Schuylkill 0

March 24, 2025 | Schuylkill Haven, PA

Penn State Schuylkill opened its home doubleheader against Eastern University but struggled to gain traction on either side of the ball in a 33–0 loss. Eastern set the tone early with a quick touchdown drive and added a safety later in the first quarter to go up 9–0. Despite some promising drives, Schuylkill was unable to find the end zone.

Eastern's offensive balance—265 total yards—and a relentless defense that forced an interception and limited the Lions to just 89 yards played a major role in the outcome. Quarterback Nadia King led Schuylkill's offense with 52 rushing yards and 36 passing yards, but the team couldn't capitalize on key possessions.

The Lions' defense saw standout efforts from Ryliegh Sinko and Sierra Wishnefsky, who combined for 14 tackles. However, Eastern's dynamic duo of Kira Green and Kyla Massenburg proved difficult to contain, combining for over 180 total yards and multiple scores.

Game 1 Key Stats – Penn State Schuylkill:

• Nadia King: 4-of-15 passing, 36 yards; 9 rushes for 52 yards

• Malak Mowafi: 3 receptions, 27 yards

• Ryliegh Sinko: 9 solo tackles

• Sierra Wishnefsky: 5 solo tackles

• Haley Brown & Avagale Jones: 3 tackles each

• Interception: Triniti Freeman (10-yard return)

Game 2 Recap: Eastern 21, Penn State Schuylkill 0

March 24, 2025 | Schuylkill Haven, PA

In the nightcap, Penn State Schuylkill showed improved execution on both sides of the ball but ultimately fell short again, dropping the second game 21–0 to a well-rounded Eastern squad.

Eastern capitalized on short fields and explosive plays in the first half, scoring all 21 of their points before halftime. While Schuylkill's defense held Eastern scoreless in the second half, the Lions were unable to break through offensively, despite leading in first downs (7–6) and generating more total offense than in the first game.

Quarterback Nadia King went 6-of-7 for 43 yards before Ryliegh Sinko and Kay Lee Morgan stepped in under center. Makayla Hill led the ground game with 39 yards on just four carries, while Malak Mowafi led all receivers with 6 catches for 31 yards. The defense again held strong in the second half, with Triniti Freeman grabbing an interception and Cheyenne Whitehead breaking up two passes.

Game 2 Key Stats – Penn State Schuylkill:

• Nadia King: 6-of-7 passing, 43 yards; 3 rushes, 17 yards

• Makayla Hill: 4 rushes, 39 yards

• Malak Mowafi: 6 receptions, 31 yards

• Triniti Freeman: 1 interception (10-yard return)

• Cheyenne Whitehead: 2 pass breakups

• Ryliegh Sinko & Sierra Wishnefsky: 4 tackles each

The Lions will look to bounce back and close out the season strong on Saturday, March 29, in Atlantic East action at Holy Family, where they'll take on both Centenary and the host Tigers.