Will Rice, GSA win in powderpuff first round to go to semifinals

By Nicki Chamberlain-Simon     11/18/13 6:00pm

The Graduate Student Association and Will Rice College won their quarterfinal matchups with a single score late in the second half of their respective games. As they move onto the semifinals this weekend, GSA will take on Sid Richardson College, and Will Rice will face McMurtry College. Both Sid Rich and McMurtry had a first-round bye, but all four teams are now one win away from making it into the championship game.

 

GSA vs. Brown (6-0)

---

---

 

Despite only scoring one touchdown, GSA commanded the field for the majority of the game. GSA managed to reach the red zone twice in the first half, but two Brown defensive stands forced it to a turnover on downs. Towards the middle of the second half, GSA made it to the end zone and put six points on the board. Brown responded with a long drive late in the fourth quarter that carried them all the way to the 3-yard line. However, after a pass on fourth down fell incomplete with little time remaining, GSA secured the first-round victory. 

GSA quarterback Stacy Pesek said that despite only successfully converting once on offense, the defense gave the team the edge it needed to win.    

"Our defense was on target all night, and they really won the game for us," Pesek said. "Sid will be the toughest team we've played yet, so we plan to keep our defense sharp." 

 

Will Rice vs. Lovett (6-0)

 

Will Rice defeated two-time defending powderpuff champion Lovett College in overtime on Sunday. The first-round game took place Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. and had a similar start to the GSA/Brown matchup earlier in the day. Will Rice was unable to earn a first down for its first few drives, and Lovett maintained possession of the ball for most of the first half. After a delay of game penalty, Lovett was unable to score after reaching the 5-yard line. Another scoreless half brought the game to overtime, and Will Rice was unable to score on its first possession. However, on its second offensive play in overtime, Lovett threw an interception to senior Brittany Carter, who would return the ball over 90 yards for the winning touchdown to move Will Rice to the next round.

---