Winston-Salem State University made history Saturday by winning the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s inaugural Women’s Flag Football Championship, defeating Fayetteville State University 9-6 in a defensive battle at Johnson C. Smith University’s Irwin Belk Complex.

The two-day, single-elimination tournament featured eight CIAA teams competing for the first flag football title.

The championship game remained scoreless until the second half when Winston-Salem State took control. Fayetteville State conceded a safety to put WSSU up 2-0, followed by a Rams touchdown drive that extended their lead to 9-0 after a successful extra-point conversion.

Fayetteville State mounted a late comeback, scoring a touchdown with under a minute remaining. But Winston-Salem State’s defense held firm, stopping the potential game-tying 3-point conversion attempt to secure the victory.

The tournament saw a major upset when top-seeded Virginia Union University fell to Fayetteville State in the semifinals. CIAA officials called the event a landmark moment for women’s collegiate sports. The conference plans to expand the tournament next year as more schools add flag football programs.