Recap vs. Baltimore Nighthawks – May 31, 2008

Recap vs. Baltimore Nighthawks – May 31, 2008

Divas Win Third Straight, Top Baltimore, 41-6
DC 41, Baltimore 6
By Neal Rozendaal

Landover, MD – The D.C. Divas appear to have righted the ship.

After a 1-2 start, the Divas won their third straight, defeating the Baltimore Nighthawks, 41-6. The Divas scored two touchdowns in each of the first three quarters on their way to a convincing win.

Divas quarterback Allyson Hamlin shined in the first half, throwing two touchdowns in the opening period. After Hamlin’s first touchdown throw, the Nighthawks (1-5) evened the score with a touchdown of their own to Baltimore wide receiver Marqita Roman.

But the Divas (4-2) had a quick answer. Hamlin’s second scoring toss of the contest was a 53-yard bomb to wide receiver Nikki Williams that gave the Divas the lead, 13-6, after one quarter of play.

The Divas running game got into the act in the second quarter. LaShawn Foust plowed into the end zone from one yard out to put the Divas ahead, 21-6. Hamlin’s third touchdown strike of the half, followed by another successful two-point conversion, handed the Divas a 29-6 advantage at halftime.

The third quarter was another strong one for the Divas offense, as they again tallied two touchdowns. Okiima Pickett broke free on a 32-yard run for a score, and Foust added her second touchdown of the game, a two-yard carry that gave the Divas a 41-6 lead.

The Divas defense, meanwhile, continued to play a terrific game and kept the Nighthawks off of the scoreboard through the final three quarters. The fourth quarter was scoreless, as the Divas substituted several reserves into the game and penalties and an ejection of a Nighthawks player marred the action.

The Divas are back in action next Saturday for their final road game of the season against the New York Sharks. The Divas’ home finale will be played the following week on June 14 against the undefeated Pittsburgh Passion.