JENKINTOWN, Pa. — The Harford Community College women's flag football team etched its name into history on April 3, defeating Manor College 52-0, capturing the first win in program history during its inaugural 2026 season—while also becoming the first junior college program in both the state of Maryland and NJCAA Region 20 to record a victory in the emerging sport.

For a team built from the ground up over the last year, the breakthrough moment represented more than just a mark in the win column—it was validation of rapid growth, resilience, and belief.

"[This] first win shows the dedication and sacrifices by these student athletes and my coaching staff," said head coach Andre Smalls. "The first junior college win for the state shows the teaching and development of the program is progressing."

After navigating the expected learning curve that comes with a first-year program, Harford delivered a complete performance, showcasing improvement on both sides of the ball.

Harford's defense proved to be the difference in its historic win from the outset. The Fighting Owls recorded four interceptions in the game, three of which were returned for points—accounting for the bulk of the scoring and shifting momentum firmly in Harford's favor.

Ayca Kazak led the defensive surge with a standout performance, totaling two interceptions and returning both for touchdowns. She also led the defense with six tackles.

"Lifting each other up. That was the key for the win." Kazak humbly replied when asked about her individual performance and how it helped guide the Fighting Owls to victory. "We knew that we could do better after [our first game of the day against Cedar Crest]. And I feel like we proved that against Manor."

Amya Goodsell added another game-changing moment, picking off a pass and returning it 17 yards for a touchdown to further extend the lead. Caryne Nelson also contributed defensively with an interception and an 11-yard return, helping the Fighting Owls consistently flip field position.

While the defense delivered the headline moments, Harford's offense played a complementary role, controlling possession and moving the ball when needed. The Fighting Owls totaled 52 rushing yards on seven attempts, with Briana Taylor leading the way with 34 yards on four carries. Her ability to gain positive yardage helped keep the offense on schedule. Additional contributions came from Goodsell, Alyson Gonzalez Alvarado, and Nelson, each adding to the ground game.

Overall, the performance reflected a team beginning to find its identity. The defense's opportunistic play-making, combined with steady offensive execution, allowed Harford to take control and maintain it throughout the contest.

In the context of the program's inaugural season, the win over Manor stands as a defining moment. It not only marks the first victory in school history for women's flag football but also highlights the Fighting Owls' rapid development—turning defensive pressure into points and setting the tone for future success.

The Fighting Owls faced Cedar Crest College in the front end of a double header. Although Harford lost the game 12-6, it turned out to be the catalyst that would propel them to victory later that day.

Offensively, Harford leaned on a balanced attack against Cedar Crest that was led by Taylor, who emerged as a key playmaker. Taylor paced the ground game with 62 rushing yards on 15 attempts, setting the tone for the offense. Contributions also came from and Nelson who combined for 51 yards on nine receptions and Goodsell and Samantha Guzman who had 36 yards on three receptions yardage.

Defensively, Harford delivered one of its strongest efforts of the season. Nelson anchored the secondary with two tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception, while Nehir Safkan added two tackles and two pass breakups of her own. Goodsell led the defense with five tackles, followed closely by Kazak with four and Nyla Dinkins with three.

The victory is especially significant given the context. As a first-year program, Harford's roster features a mix of athletes new to flag football, many of whom come from other sports backgrounds. The transition has required adjustments in spacing, timing, and strategy, all of which were on display in the team's steady progression leading up to the win.

Beyond the immediate result, the milestone underscores Harford's role as a trailblazer. With women's flag football continuing to expand at the collegiate level, the Fighting Owls are helping lay the foundation for the sport within the junior college ranks in Maryland and Region 20.

In many ways, this first victory is just the beginning. It provides a tangible benchmark for a young program and sets the stage for continued growth as the season unfolds. For Harford, history has been made—but the momentum is only building.

"I believe our team is developing and becoming more confident with each practice and game," Smalls said. "This team will [continue to be] competitive as always."