Chargers Fall Short in OEC Final, 32-27
Despite a back and forth battle, the Chargers drop to the Lasers.
IRVINE, CA – Chargers Women's flag football (18-6, 5-3 OEC) came up just short in the OEC Final with a 32-27 loss to the Irvine Valley Lasers (15-4, 6-2 OEC).
The Chargers showed resilience throughout the contest after Irvine Valley opened the scoring midway through the first quarter to take a 7-0 advantage. Cypress responded in the second quarter behind quarterback Maddy Banks, who connected with Devoni Ray on a spectacular touchdown catch in the front right corner of the end zone to cut the deficit. Banks then found Mia Cabral for the tying PAT, evening the score at 7-7.
Later in the quarter, Banks continued to lead the offense, first hitting Lelani Lito for a big gain that moved Cypress deep into scoring territory before finding Cabral again for a touchdown to give the Chargers their first lead of the day, 13-7. Cypress carried momentum into halftime after Michea Wells came up with a key interception near the 20 yard line to halt an Irvine Valley scoring threat.
After the Lasers briefly regained the lead in the third quarter, Cypress answered once again. Banks delivered a touchdown pass to Lito, and another successful conversion pass to Cabral put the Chargers back in front, 20-14 entering the final frame.
Cypress extended its lead early in the fourth quarter when Banks hit Ray on a long completion to set up another touchdown strike to Cabral. Banks then connected with Melony Bernabe on the PAT, giving the Chargers a 27-14 cushion. Wells followed with her second interception of the game, helping Cypress maintain control.
Irvine Valley mounted a late comeback in the final two minutes, scoring twice in rapid succession to close within one point before capitalizing on a final possession to take the lead for good.
Despite the tough finish, the Chargers capped off an outstanding season by earning a spot in the inaugural Orange Empire Conference Championship game, closing the year with a strong run that showcased the growth and success of the program.
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