REDDING, Calif. – Hope International flag football won its ninth consecutive game, defeating host Simpson 26-12 on Saturday behind a 304-yard passing effort from quarterback Anahi Morales. 

HIU is now 10-2 on the season, including a perfect 7-0 in GSAC play.

The freshman completed 25 of 33 passes with four touchdowns, with three of those scores coming in the second quarter as the Royals built a 19-7 lead. 

Morales started the scoring with 10:17 left in the second quarter as she connected with Madison Powell on a 25-yard TD strike. 

The Red Hawks tied the score at 6-6 on a 66-yard pitch and catch from Sophia Wright to Amani Watkins, but the Royals scored twice more before halftime.

HIU used a Morales to Jazmine Simental 30-yard pass for a score, and the conversion was good for a 13-6 lead. 

The Royals added an insurance score in the fourth quarter and the Red Hawks also produced a touchdown for the final 26-12 line.

Simental led the HIU receiving corps with 97 yards on four catches, two of which went for touchdowns. Madison Powell added six receptions for 79 yards and a score, while Layla Mayes hauled in seven catches for 76 yards.

Larissa Perez led the defense with nine flag pulls, including three for loss. Nataly Arevalo had eight flag pulls and Nahla Nelson contributed an interception. 

HIU heads to the desert on Wednesday, April 8 to face Arizona Christian and host OUAZ on Wednesday, April 8 at 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., respectively.