Recap vs. Pittsburgh Passion – May 22, 2004

Recap vs. Pittsburgh Passion – May 22, 2004

D.C. Divas Overcome The Throws of Passion, 28-14
DC 28, Pittsburgh 14
By Rich Daniel

Recap • Statistics

Pittsburgh, PA – The D.C. Divas and the Pittsburgh Passion came into this heated match-up with undefeated records. But it was the Divas’ defense that shut out the potent Passion’s offense for three quarters en route to a 28-14 victory. The win put the Divas in first place in the Mid-Atlantic Division, as they attempt to win their second straight division crown.

Offensively, the Divas (6-0) were on fire under the leadership of quarterback Allyson Hamlin. Hamlin’s record passing day of 369 yards set the mark for most passing yards in the Divas’ four-year history. “It’s a great night to be a Diva,” said Hamlin. “The defense was great, and we were able to get on them early. We will have a tough one on our hands in two weeks when they come to our place.”

Hamlin was 22-of-34, with eight of those completions going to Nikki Williams, a wide receiver who caught Hamlin’s only touchdown pass of 40 yards. Williams, who was named the offensive MVP of the game, set a single-game franchise record with 190 receiving yards. Wide receiver Vickie Lucas added six catches for 89 yards and was one of eight Divas to catch a pass.

The Passion (4-1) had their own passing combination, with quarterback Lisa Horton completing 14 of 36 passes for 262 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Ellen Hauser caught seven of Horton’s passes for 197 yards and one touchdown, but the Divas’ defense held the potent Pittsburgh offense to their lowest output of the season. The Divas have outscored their opponents this season, 274-28, and have registered four shutouts in six games. Defensive back Kathryn Hemlock was named the defensive MVP of the game after a two-interception, six-tackle performance.

Even in the midst of such lopsided passing numbers, the Divas’ running game continued to provide a foundation for success. The Divas used a hurry-up offense in their second possession of the game and ran off an eight-play, 76-yard drive that resulted in a three-yard touchdown run for Donna Wilkinson. Wilkinson has a team-leading 14 touchdowns this season and has amassed 710 rushing yards in the team’s six victories.

The D.C. Divas will be making an appearance at the Washington Mystics-LA Sparks WNBA game on Tuesday, May 25, to spread the word about Washington’s only playoff football team. The Divas resume training on Wednesday, May 26, as they prepare for their next game on June 5. The Divas will finish out the regular season with home games on June 5 and June 12. Both games begin at 6 PM at Eastern High School and feature Metro access and free onsite parking.