Pittsburgh Passion Notebook: Team brings 2-game win streak to Highmark this weekend
By Larry Snyder
Last Saturday, the pride of the Passion defense was on display for everyone to see at the Aviator Sports complex in Brooklyn, as Pittsburgh shut out the New York Sharks 35-0. The win allowed Pittsburgh to improve their record in the Women’s Football Alliance to 2-1. Also, it was the first time in franchise history that the Passion posted back-to-back shutouts with the victory the week before 42-0 over the Toledo Reign.
The Passion defense brought the pressure as linebackers Ebony Ivy and Tia Montgomery each had a sack against the Sharks. Defensive end Olivia Griswold led the team in tackles with five. Rookie linebacker Amy Betterton had four tackles, and she recovered her own forced fumble during the game. Defensive back Krystal Cozzo had four pass deflections to go along with her four tackles on the night.
Pittsburgh’s offense was lighting up the scoreboard against the Sharks defense as starting quarterback Lisa Horton went 9-of-19 for 109 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Also, Lisa got it done on the ground, as she ran four times for a total of 35 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Angela Baker was the favorite target for Horton as she hauled in 6 passes for 89 yards and both touchdowns. Rookie fullback Candice Snyder was the leading ball carrier with 16 carries for 75 yards and one touchdown for the evening. Running backs Melinda Henderson and Erika Kurawa each had three carries for 27 yards apiece.
NEXT UP: On Saturday, April 27 the Passion will be back at Highmark Stadium for a 7:05 p.m. kickoff with the Columbus Comets. The Comets come into Week Four with a record of 2-1. The team will celebrate their Second Annual Community Night on the 27th. Pittsburgh will have a bye week on Saturday, May 4. The Passion will be back in action at Highmark Stadium against the Boston Militia on Saturday, May 11. For more information, please visit the team online at: http://www.pittsburghpassion.com/
PASSION PRIDE: Rookie fullback Candice Snyder now leads the team in touchdowns with four, and is the leading rusher with 230 yards.
In the game against New York, kicker Amy Fallon was five-for-five in her PAT’s. She is now 13-of-14 on the season for the Passion.
Angela Baker, from Slippery Rock University, proves her versatility by also contributing on special teams as she has two punt returns for 50 yards in the first four weeks of play.
Forty-five players from 15 states have been selected to play for the 2013 U.S. Women’s National Team in football. Team USA will compete June 28 to July 6 in Vantaa, Finland in the second International Federation of American Football Women’s World Championship. The IFAF Women’s World Championship is an eight-nation football tournament held every three years. Pittsburgh Passion defensive back Sharon Vasquez will be on the 2013 squad.
The United States won the inaugural IFAF Women’s World Championship gold medal on July 3, 2010 with a 66-0 victory over Canada at Zinkensdamms IP Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden. Vasquez was the defensive Most Valuable Player of the game. Passion defensive lineman Olivia Griswold also played for Team USA that year.