Only a week after a very successful first week back on the FLL, the Saints Ladies tied their cleats, tightened those headbands and adjusted the flags once again. The second gameday of the year took place in Wiener Neustadt under perfect football weather conditions. The Saints were set to face only two opponents this time, the Vienna Vikings and the Dark Angels.
Up first were the very experienced team and a club with rich Football history: the Vienna Vikings who had clearly come to play. The offense did their thing throughout the game, with QB Sassi leading the team to touchdown after touchdown. Favorite target in this game was none other than the Tower of Power herself: Jess! Another standout performance in the offense came by rookie Kari, who played her first gameday in Wiener Neustadt. She scored a whooping 12 points, which would make even some veteran players jealous. The opponents tried to find holes in the Saints’ defense and succeeded once or twice per half. An interception from defense titan Sophie, taking the opponents last hopes away. In the end our ladies decided this game 47-24 in their favor.
On their second games the Saints faced a newcomer in the league: the Dark Angels, a young and promising team. Even though this was the two teams’ first introduction, both units of the Saints fired in all cylinders. Defensively, the team didn’t allow any scores and a minimal number of first downs. Absolute star of the show was the other rookie who was playing her first ever game of flag football, Ines. After a much-needed Quarterback sack she topped it all off with an athletic play on the ball that ended in an interception. Not a way bad to start your flag career! The offense put on an excellent performance, as well, scoring a total of 54 points, which is still not the Saints highest score of the year. One thing is for sure; the champs are still hungry! End score: 54-0.
(Scores: #84 Jessica M.: 18p, #19 Sarah L. 16p, Sophie S.: 13p, #2 Anja P.: 6p, #79 Karime G.: 1p, Interceptions: #59 Ines K.: 1x, Sacks: #39 Lisa W.: 1x, #59 Ines K.: 1x TD Passes: #10 Saskia S.: 7x)
Another gameday in the books, another awaits on the 11th of May. The Ladies meet up two very difficult opponents in Innsbruck, where they hope to return in June for the Sport Austria Superfinals to raise the FLL trophy once again.
Next Gameday @ American Footballzentrum Innsbruck, 11 May
11:15 Saints vs. Tigers
12:30 Saints vs. Constables
The following photos were provided to us by @Holly Kellner.
Saints Ladies are back after Back2Back championship wins! FLL season 2025 raised the curtain on 30th of March, earlier in the year than usual. After cold pre-season trainings, that started as early as mid-February, Saints Ladies were ready to try their hand at playing flag football again. Excitement was high for everyone, but especially for our 4 rookies that joined the team after last season (fret not, you will hear about them soon) and newly crowned Head Coach Holly.
First up against the Saints in Ravelin Football Center were the Vienna Knights. Both teams now each other well enough, having had interesting offensive games against each other through the years. Saints offense came out firing in all cylinders, while our defense needed a bit of warming up, dusting off and then starting up their engines. QB Sassi routinely found her receivers for a total of 9 TD passes and 60 points! Even some defense veterans got some fun offensive drives. The Knights also had a high scoring offensive game, especially in the first half, but the Saints were able to clean their defense in the second half helped by a sack from star blitzer Lisa. Saints won with an end score of 60-32 and a sparkly debut for two of the rookies Sarah and Leonie.
After a short break, the Saints went into the afternoon session to tackle the last two games of the day. The next opponents were the Istropolis Invincibles from Slovakia, who newly joined the FLL this season. New opponents mean uncertainty, but we have never backed down from a challenge. It soon became clear that Franny was the MVP of this game, since she was tearing up the middle of the field and our opponents defense drive after drive. Defensively the team had to adjust to the Invincibles run offense and backfield motions, but they successfully managed to do that without much difficulties, allowing no scores from the opponent. Highlight of the game was a TD run from defense captain Saskia for a total of 48 yards! The Saints win their second game 54-0.
Last but not least, the Saints faced one of their most difficult opponents in the FLL, the Amstetten Thunder. Although the two teams have had close and fought-out battles through the years, Thunder has yet to defeat the Saints. We know they get hungrier every time, so underestimating the Thunder ladies was never an option. As expected, the game was a back-and-forth between the two teams, no one allowing easy touchdowns. Sassi threw 6 TDs in this game helping the offense score a total of 39 points, 14 of which were scored by center extraordinaire Anja! The opponents kept our defense on their toes for most of the game, but two interceptions from defense captain Saskia (one of which a clear assist from rookie Leonie!) helped the team decide the game in their favor with a score 39-28.
Following a hiatus that lasted almost as long as a full-term human pregnancy, a brand new FLL season has finally graced Austria. The title defense for the Saints Ladies started on a bank holiday Thursday in Wiener Neustadt, with a blinding sun that was very much shining until it wasn’t (more on that later). The start of the new season saw some changes to the ladies’ coaching staff, as the team bid a teary goodbye to Coach Lila with the most heartfelt gratitude, and warmly welcomed Coach Holly back to the Saints family.
Set to face the Saints on this inaugural 2024 gameday were the Vienna Vikings, the Tiroler Adler and the Amstetten Thunder.
Captains Saskia and Saskia worked their magic at the coin toss, don’t ask what exactly, but the Vikings started the game with the ball on offense. Saints’ defense made sure to not allow the opponent to get anywhere near the Endzone, allowing the offense to quickly take the field behind them. Successful passes down the field led to a consistent drive that was crowned by a Franny touchdown (FUN)! And so it goes, for the remaining of the first half, the defense steadfast on its task to keep the opposing team from scoring and the offense doing its job of scoring every drive (except for that one we don’t talk about).
In the second half, the Saints decided to mix it up, by sending defense veterans Saskia and Sophie into the offense after they had cashed in an interception each earlier in the game. Surprisingly to nobody, they both managed to score touchdowns as well. On the other side of the ball, defense was not able to stop the opponent as efficiently as it had done on the first half, allowing for 12 points to be scored after consecutive long drives from the Vikings. However, a special shoutout goes to the team’s new addition Lisa, who put herself on the board with her first QB Sack of the season.
After a short break, barely long enough to have a small snack and a sip of water to quench the thirst, the Saints met their next opponents on the field: Tiroler Adler. Yet again, the opposition started the game with the ball in their possession and once again defense stole that ball to give it back to the Saints offense, which had no choice but to honor the effort and score. Saints defense achieved that result every drive of the first half, facilitated in part by an interception and a sack from Esther, the latter indirectly denying Liz what would have been her first FLL interception (kind of rude if you ask Liz). Offense responded in kind, ending the first half with a comfortable lead of 27:00.
Similar to the first game, a trade off between offense and defense took place, with Jess and Franny joining the defensive ranks this time around. Unlike the first half, the opponents were able to score on each offensive drive, totaling in 18 points. Saints QB Sassi threw for another 2 touchdowns on this half, securing the win for the second time of the day.
Remember how the sun was shining, and the ladies were having fun? Well, that did not last, as the heavens opened up in the afternoon, accompanied by lightning and thunderbolt. Unfortunately, that is not football weather, and the much anticipated third game against the Thunder (pun not intended) was interrupted shortly before the end of the first half. The match is therefore, to be rescheduled and played completely anew at a later date.
Although the first gameday concluded prematurely, the 2024 season is in full swing and the Saints Ladies take the field once again on the 15th of June in Schwechat to continue their title defending journey.
Next Gameday 15.06.2024:
11:15 vs Vienna Constables
12:30 vs SC Indians/Badgers/Vipers
Die folgenden Fotos wurden uns von Marie zur Verfügung gestellt.
Die folgenden Fotos wurden uns von Andreas zur Verfügung gestellt.
The 7th of October, the most awaited day of the season had finally arrived and the Saints Ladies could not be more excited. The Superfinals were set to take stage at the Ravelin Footballzentrum and for the third time in FLL history, the Ladies were set to play for the gold medal and title of National Champions, a feat yet to be achieved but very much desired. The Saints’ mental and emotional status leading up to the this final could only be describes as diverse. There were obviously the nervous, the excited, the extremely(!) hyped and finally, the ones in denial, lying to themselves that it was just another ordinary day in Simmering.
Under the still shining autumn sun, the stage was set, cameras ready, flags flying proudly and the fans were ready to witness a rematch of FLL titans, returning for the second year in a row: DeLaSalle Saints Ladies vs Vienna Constables Ladies. After the ceremonials, the teams introduction and the national anthem it was time to get down to business. Captains Saskia and Sophie represented the team in the coin toss, but as fate would have they had to take that L and hope it was the last of the day.
The Saints Offense, comprising of SafeHandsTM and CrispRoutesTM Receivers Jessica, Franny, Claudia, Anja and Steffi and BulletThrower QB Sassi took the field first in high spirits and confident strolls. First snap, first catch and the jitters seemed to have been gone, this final was indeed underway. Confidently, the unit marched down the field with short completions, crowned by an excellent first down catch by Claudia. The Saints were therefore in prime position to score first in the game and hit the ground running. That was unfortunately not the case, as the Cons defense heroically managed to defend two short-yardage situations in front of their endzone.
Defense was immediately called to attention after that, to defend the castle and not allow the enemy to get hold of the scoreboard and sneakily add 6 points to their tally. For a lot of the drive the goal was looking achievable, even though the Cons offense patiently marched down the field. However when it came down to a long 4th and goal the opponents succeeded to convert not only for the six points but for another thanks to the PAT.
Everything was going to plan for the Cons and nothing for the Saints it seemed like, but the offense took the field once again to do what they have done time and time again during the season. As if the spectators were watching a rewind of the first Saints offensive drive, this second one proved very similar. The ball was carried easily past the first down and beyond, securing a manageable 3rd and goal, but the big scary Endzone was not a friend of the Saints, yet again. Strong coverage and blitzing from the Cons side, secured them another no-score drive and this was looking like an uphill battle for the Saints Ladies.
With a gold medal on the line and with last year’s loss still fresh in their minds, the defense had no time to wallow in self-pity, so along they went facing the Constables experienced offense. Although they succeeded to keep the opponents on their toes, forcing a long drive, the safe hands of the opposing receivers were enough to add another 6 points to their score, taking it to 13:00. This game was unfortunately starting to resemble last year’s loss pretty accurately, since the Cons were scoring every one of their drives with the Saints not being able to retaliate.
Some saying goes on about the third time being a charm, and so it was for the Saints offense. QB Saskia connected with WR Jess on a long pass from the Saints’ own 10 yard line, and long legs did the rest. Saints Ladies were finally on the board, and after a flawless catch in the Endzone by Steffi on the PAT, the new score did not seem as desperate anymore: 13:7
With the end of the first half in sight, the Saints Defense had one goal in mind, stop this last drive and give their receivers a much needed breather to start the second half in a better position. Typical now of their offensive drives, the Cons took their time and a total of 7 downs to get in the red zone. Yet again, no defense seemed capable to stop them, as they scored another touchdown from a short yardage situation on the 4th down. Having been drilled with the notion that Extra Points are of extreme importance, the defense set to do their absolute best to at least end the half on a small high. No such was luck was to be had. At the end of the firs half the scoreboard showed 20:7 for the Vienna Constables.
Slightly demoralised, thinking of other final losses and what Gods they might have angered in their past lives, the Saints Ladies needed a stern talking to. And that is exactly what they got, as HC Tudor made it very clear in his half-time speech that there was still all to play for and if they opponents could win a half by 13 points, so could his beloved team.
With the feeling that they had nothing to lose anymore, Saints DBs Sophie, Saskia, Alba and Esther had no choice but to play relentlessly, risk some more and give the ball back to the offense. After a slow start and allowing a quick first down, the big girl pants came on and the Saints stopped their opponents for the first time in this game, with a bit of help WR (turned scary blitzer) Jessica sealed the drive with a QB Sack. It was not looking like mission impossible after all… But it was indeed, since the team could not capitalize on this stop. A wonderful deep catch from Jess was ruled out of bounds and the Cons had the ball again.
What seemed impossible in the first half, became routine in this one, as rookie Esther deflected a ball in the Endzone. She did that, between two opponent receivers and on 4th down, undeniably cementing the title of Saints Rookie of the Year (Author’s note: at least in my eyes). As most of the second half was gone, the offense felt indeed some pressure to score in this drive. After a patient start, where all 4 downs were used to get over the first down line, a crucial catch from Claudia secured the much needed breather. The Cons defense did not know what hit them as, QB Sassi went for a deep throw right from the first down and found there as always Jessica, who yet again gifted her team with 6 points. New score: 20:13
As the game was getting hotter with every passing second, defense knew that each drive and each snap of the ball was crucial. Again, with a little help from Jess, aka the Tower of Power, a 4th down sack of the QB gave the ball back to the Saints offense. It was now or never. The Saints struggled slightly as the Cons defense proved yet again why they topped the FLL table in the regular season. After a drive that consisted of exactly 8 snaps, QB Sassi took matters into her own hands in 4th down and goal. In need of exactly 11 yards to reach the Endzone she threw a dime in the back corner of the endzone, where only WR Jessica could reach. Euphoric, but still knowing the game was on the line, the offense lined up for the PAT. Wouldn’t you believe, small but mighty Franny catches the ball in the middle of the opposing Endzone. Saints tie the game 20:20. Everyone was now thinking about the comeback story. Was this final that was proving to not be for the faint of heart, achieve a Hollywood ending? One last drive had to be played before the credits rolled.
The players on the field, undoubtedly all felt the weight of the whole season on their shoulders, be it the Saints defense or the Cons offense. Narrowly missing a stop before the first down mark, the Saints defense found itself yet again in their own half. So this was it. A 4th and short in the Saints Redzone. Ball is snapped, receivers run their routes, ball is in the air, but Captain Sophie said not in my house! An excellent deflection in the endzone sends the final in Overtime. The Saints Ladies had woken and like seasoned infomercial presenters had shouted: “But wait, there’s more!”
Unlike the NFL, the Overtime rules here were simple: Each team gets 4 downs from the midline to score in the Endzone. As fate would have the Constables offense took this opportunity first. First pass is incomplete, second an incredible catch, third stopped short of the endzone, but the opponents manage to score on their last opportunity. Another do or die moment on the Extra Point, another deflection from Captain Sophie in the Endzone. Cons lead 26:20 with the Saints getting the ball one last time.
QB Saskia fires a quick ball on first down, Steffi catches easily. On the second down Jess runs a sneaky out and up in the endzone and what does she find there? The perfectly placed ball thrown by Sassi. The Saints have tied the game for the second time, but this time they have one more shot. With everything on the line, the Saints receivers line up, no time for nerves only focus in their eyes. Ball is snapped, QB Saskia Stribrny quickly scans the field, and with ice cold determination throws a bullet to none other than the legend herself, the unanimous MVP of the game, Jessica Macharia. Ball is confidently caught, Saints are the National Champions of Austria!
After a long and winding road of coming always so close, the Saints Ladies had finally done it. Gold was theirs, the curse was broken and the elation immeasurable. At the end of a gruelling season with unfortunate injuries, but a lot of work and dedication by every single player and Coaches Tudor and Lila, the team could finally write their name in Austrian Flag Football history.
Celebrations were definitely in order, as the continued success of the team was followed by individual ones as well. Two of the Saints Ladies made it to the 2023 All Star Team, the usual suspects: Saskia and Jessica Macharia. The latter, unsurprisingly was awarded as Offense MVP of the final game, adding another accolade to her enormous bling collection.
A rollercoaster of a season came to an end in the most beautiful of ways and the Saints Ladies are off to a well-deserved offseason break. Fret not, they will be back to rigorous training in the new season, shenanigans and all. There’s a title to defend after all!
