EAGAN, Minn. (April 29, 2025) — In a historic and thrilling weekend at the Minnesota Vikings' TCO Performance Center, the UW-Stout women's flag football team captured the first-ever Midwest College Women's Flag Football League Championship, capping off an unforgettable postseason run with a 46-31 victory over Augustana University (S.D.) in the winner-take-all final.
Entering the double-elimination tournament as the No. 4 seed, the Blue Devils showed toughness, composure, and determination in every game — each a one-score contest until the championship finale.
UW-Stout opened the tournament with a 41-36 win over Augustana, then beat top-seeded Augsburg University 34-31 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, the Blue Devils avenged a regular-season loss by defeating Concordia College (Minn.) to advance through the winner's bracket undefeated.
Augustana battled back through the consolation side to earn a rematch in the championship. With UW-Stout yet to lose, the Vikings needed to beat the Blue Devils twice to win the title — a challenge that began with one of the most dramatic games of the tournament.
In the first championship matchup, the teams traded scores throughout. UW-Stout tied the game at 35 on the final play of regulation. Augustana scored first in overtime and added the extra point to take a 42-35 lead. The Blue Devils answered with a touchdown and went for a walk-off two-point conversion, but were stopped short — setting the stage for a decisive final game.
In the rematch, the Blue Devils came out firing. They took control early and never looked back, dominating from start to finish in a 46-31 win to secure the inaugural league championship.
"It was an unbelievable day of football and a truly special moment for our program," said head coach Duey Naatz. "This team showed incredible resilience and belief in one another all weekend. They earned every bit of this championship."
The Blue Devils' offense was electric throughout the tournament. Quarterback Allison Letcher guided the unit with poise and precision, while Sam Schaeffer, Kate Holst, Adalyn Lehman, and Anna Mutch came through with big-time plays when it mattered most.
On defense, Amanda Giesen and Mia Schmoll led the charge with key interceptions and timely stops in high-pressure moments.
For their outstanding performances, Letcher and Lehman were named All-Conference on offense, while Giesen and Schmoll received All-Conference honors on defense.
As part of the championship celebration, the Minnesota Vikings presented both teams with custom Oakley sunglasses. The Vikings, who sponsored the league and hosted the championship at their world-class facility, were instrumental in creating an unforgettable experience.
"The Vikings have been amazing partners," Naatz said. "Their commitment to growing women's flag football in the Midwest and the opportunities they've provided these student-athletes mean everything. We're incredibly grateful."
The Blue Devils walk away as the first champions in league history — a title earned through grit, teamwork, and a season of truly memorable experiences.
