Photo Credit – BenU Eagles website
Ryan Tucker | Sportswriter
History was made as the Benedictine Eagles Flag Football team recorded their first win in program history when they beat North Park 24-19 last Wednesday. The program started in the 2025-2026 school year.
“Being a part of the founding of BenU’s flag football team is such a surreal experience,” said Hannah Pripusich.
Quarterback, Weronika Zeliszckak, threw for 144 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for 177 yards and three touchdowns. Wide Receiver, Leilani Gawne, caught five passes for 71 yards and the go-ahead touchdown with 32 seconds left. Meena Bridgewater recorded a game high of 10 flag pulls for the Eagles defense.
“Now that we have our first win under our belt, I feel that all the girls are feeling more confident. It’s obviously frustrating going through a whole season with no wins like last year. So finally getting our first win reminds us that our hard work is paying off and to keep going,” said Pripusich.
It was a back-and-forth game with the Eagles winning 12-6 at halftime. North Park tied the game but not for long as the Eagles offense had a 35-play drive leading into a Zeliszckak 19-yard rushing touchdown. With two minutes left in the game, North Park went on to score a touchdown and get the extra point to take the lead 19-18. But the Eagles scored a game winning touchdown with 32 seconds remaining to clinch the win.
The Eagles will play Marian University twice on Thursday, April 16 at home at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
