Phoenix, AZ – January 24, 2026
 
In its first game of the spring semester, the Grand Canyon University Women's Flag Football team defended itshome turf, defeating Arizona State University, 25–0, under the lights at GCU's Practice Soccer Field.
 
The GCU offense turned the ball over deep in its own territory on the first possession of the game, forcing the Lopes' defense to set the tone – which it did with a flurry of batted down passes, including one defended by Laina Hammen in the back of the end zone.
 
The first score of the game came midway through the second quarter when GCU junior quarterback Ella Bernier connected with Didrika Valentin on a short touchdown pass. Bernier went right back to Valentin for the extra point – firing a dart over the middle to put GCU up, 7–0, heading into halftime.
 
GCU came out of the locker room sharp, and Bernier wasted no time adding to the lead—finding JaidaMiles over the middle for a third-quarter touchdown, though the extra point attempt was knocked down at the line.
 
In the fourth quarter, Bernier launched a deep ball to Hammen, who took it the distance for a touchdown. Tocap off the night—and punctuate her strong all-around performance—Bernier scrambled 35 yards down the field for a touchdown on the final play. The game ended without an extra point attempt.
 
"We're grateful for the opportunity to compete against a great ASU team," said GCU Head Coach Brian Tice. "I'm proud of our team and their effort. This is another step in the right direction for our program and Women's Flag Football as a whole."

The full game can be watched here courtesy of Ruiz Sports.
 
The Lopes will now travel to Glendale to take on Arizona Christian University on February 6.