ST. PAUL, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict flag football team (5-1) wrapped up back-to-back jamborees with an impressive 5-1 record and will head into the postseason as one of the top four seeds in next Saturday's double-elimination playoffs at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minn.

CSB outscored its three opponents, 85-38, on the day and finished the two-week stretch with a 163-63 scoring advantage, continuing to show rapid growth in its inaugural season.

CSB Head coach Joe Bartos praised his team's development and versatility.

"Many of our players had the opportunity to make contributions on both sides of the ball," said Bartos. "And it was exciting to defeat the reigning champions (UW-Stout)."

After a narrow loss earlier in the day, the Bennies responded with a dominant win to close the jamboree.

"Following the tough loss to Augustana, we were able to put together a big win over Northwestern-St. Paul, which showed how important it is to quickly reset and compete," added Bartos.

Through six games, Saint Benedict is averaging 27.2 points per game while allowing just 10.5. The Bennies have scored 20 or more points in five of six contests and held four opponents to seven points or fewer.

Standout Performers

First-year quarterback/linebacker Peyton Boyd (Farmington, Minn.) led the offense with seven total touchdowns on the day and now has 10 on the season.

First-year quarterback Nora Schmidt (Shoreview, Minn.) had four TD passes on Saturday, and has totaled eight touchdown passes as well as a scoring run across the jamboree.

Sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Drew Buslee (Eagan, Minn.), who had four touchdowns and a pick-six today, has hauled in seven touchdown receptions and added two interception returns for touchdowns. 

First-year wide receiver/defensive back Lily Ryan (Arden Hills, Minn.) had a pair of TDs today while first-year wide receiver/defensive back Avary White (Stillwater, Minn.) scored two through the air and now has three scores on the season.

First-year wide receiver/defensive back Erin Kennedy (Minneapolis, Minn.) recorded two touchdown receptions, while first-year running back/defensive back Alaina Pundsack (Shoreview, Minn.) added a receiving score today and now has two total touchdowns. First-year Hanna Tree (Pine Island, Minn.), also caught a TD, her second of the season.

Today on defense, Ellie Hellenbrand (Lodi, Wis.) and Alexis Olson (Rosemount, Minn.) each recorded interceptions returned for scores, joining Buslee with defensive touchdowns.
 

Saint Benedict 20, UW-Stout 13

The Bennies opened the Northwestern-St. Paul Jamboree with a 20-13 win over the reigning flag football champion UW-Stout to improve to 4-0 at the time. Boyd connected on touchdown passes to Buslee and Ryan, while Schmidt found Pundsack for another score to lead the offense.

Augustana 27, Saint Benedict 25

Saint Benedict suffered its only loss of the two jamborees in a tight 27-25 contest against Augustana. Schmidt threw three touchdown passes to Ryan, White and Kennedy, while Boyd added a touchdown strike to Buslee. White also caught a successful extra point pass from Schmidt.

Saint Benedict 40, Northwestern-St. Paul 0

The Bennies closed the day in dominant fashion with a 40-0 shutout of Northwestern-St. Paul. Boyd tossed four touchdown passes, connecting with White, Buslee, Kennedy and Hanna Tree. The defense added three pick-sixes, with Buslee, Hellenbrand and Olson each returning interceptions for touchdowns.

Saint Benedict now turns its focus to the playoffs next weekend in Eagan, carrying strong momentum from a 5-1 showing across the two jamborees.