 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
|
|
||||
|
|||||
Quick
Links |
||||
|
Sponsors
|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rich Daniel PAYBACK: DIVAS DEFEAT DEMOLITION TO REMAIN UNDEFEATED Landover,MD—The most anticipated regular season game in the history of women’s professional football was well worth the wait. It took three long years, two different leagues and one inspired effort, but the D.C. Divas finally earned their revenge against the Detroit Demolition. In front of a boisterous home crowd at the Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex, the determined Divas twice came from behind, than withstood a furious, fourth quarter rally, en route to a dramatic, 24-22 victory. The showdown between the preeminent teams in the IWFL did not disappoint. The outcome of this back and forth, see-saw affair remained in question until the final seconds, a fitting conclusion for a game that was a virtual dead-heat on the final stat sheet. The narrow, two-point victory improves the Divas record to 4-0 on the season and avenges a pair of year-ending playoff losses to Detroit following the 2004 and 2005 regular seasons. “I’m so proud, so very, very proud” said Head Coach Ezra Cooper of his team. Cooper and his staff were an integral victory component. Trailing by 5 points at halftime, the coaches called for an onside-kick to open the third quarter. The gamble worked to perfection when stalwart defender and special-teams ace Vickie Lucas fell on the loose ball near mid-field. The gutsy decision paid off handsomely. After a 34-yard rumble by running back Rachelle Pecovsky-Bentley, backfield mate Tiffany Matthews finished the drive with a short touchdown run. Matthews, the most valuable player on offense for the game, helped the offense control the ball and the clock throughout the third and fourth quarters. The Divas did not attempt a pass in the second half. “This really means a lot,” Matthews admitted afterward. “It’s unbelievable. We stayed strong, stayed together and pulled through. It’s awesome.” Defensive end Sharina Western echoed that sentiment. “Heart, pride, poise. That was Divas football.” Western was one of several defensive standouts, forcing one fumble, recovering another and recording the Diva’s lone quarterback sack. As a unit the D.C. ‘D’ forced four turnovers and held the powerful Detroit offense to just 9 second half points. A critical, fourth quarter defensive stand turned back a Demolition two-point conversion attempt and helped preserve the victory. For their steely resolve and superlative effort the entire defense was awarded a game ball. The jubilant post-game celebration was rare for a regular
season game; an equal combination of smiles and laughter, cheers and hugs,
joyful tears and victory cigars. In the end, however, came words of caution
from Coach Cooper. “Enjoy this one for now, you’ve earned
it. Remember, it’s just one The Divas are attempting to accomplish an unparalleled feat in 2007: back-to-back championships, in two completely different leagues. A three game home stand continues on June 9th, 2007, against The Boston Rampage. Tickets are available on-line through the team website, http://www.dcdivas.com. The Divas are comprised of women of varied professional
and athletic backgrounds from all over the Washington metropolitan area.
Together, these brave pioneers continue to shatter traditional sports
stereotypes, while advancing athletic opportunities for women everywhere.
### For more information or to schedule an interview with
the D.C. Divas please contact: |
|||
 |
|
|
||
 |
[Contact
the D.C. Divas] [Gold
Divas Club] [History]
[Home Field Information]
[In The Community] ©2000
- 2007 All Rights Reserved - D.C. Divas is a registered trademark of the
D.C. Divas |
|||
|
|
|
 |
Press
Box