REDLANDS, Calif. – Hope International made a statement in the opening drive of its inaugural flag football season, setting the tone early and never looking back in a convincing 34–0 victory over Redlands on Tuesday.

The Royals struck first when quarterback Anahi Morales connected with Jazmine Simental on a 16-yard touchdown pass to cap the opening drive and give HIU a 6–0 lead. Morales stayed hot, finding Madison Powell for another touchdown, then converting the extra point with a pass to Nicole Cruz to push the advantage to 13–0. Morales later showcased her versatility, breaking free for a 27-yard touchdown run, with Ja'Niya Haley adding the conversion on the ground to make it 20–0 at halftime.

HIU continued to roll in the second half. Nia Gille took over at quarterback and connected once again with Simental on a 3-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful extra-point throw to Cruz, extending the lead to 27–0. The scoring was capped when Haley punched in a 7-yard touchdown run, and Morales found Ana Sedic for the extra point to seal the 34–0 final.

Offensively, Powell led the way with a standout performance, hauling in eight receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, the Royals were lights out, posting a shutout in their first-ever contest. Nataly Arevalo anchored the defense with six flag pulls, while Samantha Myers applied constant pressure, recording four flag pulls and two sacks.

A historic debut for Hope International, marked by explosive offense, stifling defense, and a complete team performance from start to finish.