Recap vs. New York Sharks – May 16, 2009

Recap vs. New York Sharks – May 16, 2009

Divas Remain Unbeaten With 21-7 Win Over New York
DC 21, New York 7
By Rich Daniel

New York, NY – The D.C. Divas expect a tough football game every time they go to Brooklyn to face the New York Sharks, who are in their tenth season of play. The Divas weren’t let down when the Sharks put up a tough struggle at home, but the Divas managed to come away with a 21-7 win.

After a scoreless first half, the Divas (4-0) marched the ball 64 yards on the ground to begin the second half and grind out a 6-0 lead. Claudia Hogan’s one-yard blast in her first carry of the game gave the Divas the lead. The offensive line battled one of the better defensive lines in the league and opened holes throughout the second half. Okiima Pickett brought her career-best effort of 117 yards on 22 carries. The Divas’ running backs ran for a season-high 223 yards on the day.

The Sharks (3-2) were within striking distance until a key mistake gave the Divas an advantage. Alissa Imbragulio recovered a New York fumble that led to the Divas’ first score of the fourth quarter. Allyson Hamlin’s one-yard quarterback keeper made it 12-0 and the Divas added the two-point conversion for a 14-0 margin.

Hamlin later added an eight-yard scoring strike to Tara Kallal. Kathryn Hemlock added the extra point for a 21-0 lead that proved to be insurmountable. New York added the final touchdown with just less than two minutes to play, but the Divas cruised to a convincing victory.

In four games this season, the Divas’ defensive unit has only allowed 14 points. The Divas now hold a 3-1 series advantage over the Sharks since the teams began playing each other in 2007.