The Purdue Northwest Women's Flag Football team split its Saturday doubleheader in Aurora, Illinois, falling to host Aurora, 28-12, in game one before rallying for a 12-6 come-from-behind victory over Marian (Wis.) in game two.

The Basics

• Records: Purdue Northwest (3-2), Aurora (6-0), Marian (Wis.) (0-2)
• Location: Aurora, Ill.
• Attendance: 101

Game 1 vs. Aurora
Inside The Numbers

• Aurora outgained Purdue Northwest 236-94 in total offense.
• The Pride were held to -38 rushing yards while Aurora totaled 48 on the ground.
• Purdue Northwest threw for 132 yards on 17-of-30 passing with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
• Aurora finished with 188 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air.
• The Spartans recorded eight sacks defensively, limiting the Pride offense throughout the game.
• Iycis Hardin (Chicago, Ill./Wendell Phillips) led the offense with seven receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns.
• Cherish Sanders (Chicago, Ill./Wendell Phillips) recorded 11 total tackles to lead the defense.
• Emma Anderlik (Lombard, Ill./Willowbrook) added nine tackles and an interception.

Game 1 vs. Aurora
The Breakdown

• Aurora controlled the game from the start, scoring in each of the first three quarters to build a 22-0 lead. The Spartans capitalized on strong field position and defensive pressure, recording multiple sacks and forcing turnovers.
• Purdue Northwest found the end zone in the fourth quarter as Marilyn Myrick (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) connected with Iycis Hardin (Chicago, Ill./Wendell Phillips) for two touchdown passes, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome. Aurora added a late score to secure the 28-12 decision.

Game 2 vs. Marian
Inside The Numbers

• Purdue Northwest totaled 259 yards of offense, including 254 passing yards.
• The Pride finished 27-of-43 passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
• Marian rushed for 145 yards but was limited through the air with four interceptions.
• Iycis Hardin (Chicago, Ill./Wendell Phillips) led the defense with four interceptions and 36 return yards.
• Marilyn Myrick (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense.
• Emma Anderlik (Lombard, Ill./Willowbrook) and Alexis Wade (Union Mills, Ind./South Central HS) each hauled in a touchdown reception.
• Cherish Sanders (Chicago, Ill./Wendell Phillips) led the team with 61 receiving yards on six catches.

The Breakdown
Game 2

• Marian struck first in the second quarter, taking a 6-0 lead into halftime behind a strong rushing attack led by Daniela Chaname.
• The Pride responded in the second half as the offense found its rhythm through the air. Marilyn Myrick (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) led multiple scoring drives, connecting with Emma Anderlik (Lombard, Ill./Willowbrook) for the tying touchdown in the third quarter.
• In the fourth quarter, Purdue Northwest completed the comeback as Myrick found Alexis Wade (Union Mills, Ind./South Central HS) for the go-ahead touchdown with less then 30 seconds remaining to make it 12-6.
• The defense sealed the victory down the stretch, forcing multiple interceptions, including key plays from Iycis Hardin (Chicago, Ill./Wendell Phillips) to prevent Marian from regaining the lead.

Up Next

• Purdue Northwest continues its inaugural season as the Pride compete in the Siena Heights Invite starting on Friday, April 17 with two games in Adrian, Michigan.