Recap vs. Baltimore Nighthawks – April 26, 2008

Recap vs. Baltimore Nighthawks – April 26, 2008

D.C. Divas Win Home Opener, 35-6
DC 35, Baltimore 6
By Rich Daniel

Landover, MD – After losing their opening game for the first time since their inaugural season in 2001, the D.C. Divas knew they needed to rebound quickly. Thankfully, for the Divas, there’s no place like home.

The Divas hosted the first-year Baltimore Nighthawks and won their first meeting with their newest Beltway rivals by a 35-6 score. The Divas (1-1) were powered by their special teams and Kathryn Hemlock. Hemlock returned five punts for 143 yards and made two spectacular returns for touchdowns.

The Nighthawks (1-2) fought valiantly on defense but ultimately yielded three touchdowns, one on the ground and two through the air. Divas quarterback Allyson Hamlin gave her usual steady performance, throwing two touchdown passes in the victory, while wide receiver Tara Stephenson finished the game with seven catches for 80 yards and a touchdown.

It was a critical, hard-fought battle for the D.C. Divas in their home opener. The Divas hit the road again next Saturday for a showdown with the defending national champion Pittsburgh Passion.