Recap vs. Erie Illusion – May 1, 2004

Recap vs. Erie Illusion – May 1, 2004

D.C. Divas Make the Illusion’s Offense Disappear in 34-0 Victory
DC 34, Erie 0
By Rich Daniel

Recap • Statistics

Erie, PA – The D.C. Divas took a lesson from David Copperfield’s act tonight and made an team’s entire offense disappear, limiting the Erie Illusion to less than 100 total yards en route to a 34-0 victory.

The Divas (3-0) used a magical defense to register their second shutout of the season. Six players recorded five tackles or more for the D.C. defense, which was led by defensive tackle M’Bwende Anderson, who recorded a sack and a team-leading seven tackles. “We took them for granted somewhat, and the 30-minute delay for lighting got us off to a slow start. But we regrouped as a champion should,” said Anderson, who was named the defensive MVP.

Offensively, the Divas racked up 427 yards of total offense, with 303 coming on the ground. Running back Donna Wilkinson racked up 156 yards and four touchdowns, and LaShawn Foust added 55 rushing yards as well. Quarterback Allyson Hamlin was her usual accurate self, going five-of-eight for 124 yards.

The Illusion (0-3) may not have scored, but they put up a competitive battle against the Divas, particularly in the first half. “Erie has gotten a lot better, and we took them too lightly for my taste. We had to fight for this victory, and we know we have a game in store for us next week,” said head coach Ezra Cooper.

The D.C. Divas will host the Illusion next Saturday at Eastern High School; game time is 6 PM. The Divas will team up with the American Heart Association during the game to tackle heart disease. All fans attending the game will receive a free heart disease screening kit. Twenty percent of the Divas’ roster or their family has been affected by heart disease in some way. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America today.