Recap vs. Keystone Assault – April 9, 2011

Recap vs. Keystone Assault – April 9, 2011

Strong Rushing Attack Helps Divas Down Keystone, 55-6
DC 55, Keystone 6
By Neal Rozendaal

Recap • Statistics

Landover, MD – The powerful rushing attack of the D.C. Divas was clearly on display Saturday, as the Divas rushed for three first-quarter touchdowns and dispatched the Keystone Assault, 55-6.

The Divas defense put the home team ahead early. Defensive back Nicole Fisk returned a Keystone interception 41 yards for a touchdown, and Caroline Duckworth kicked the extra point to give the Divas a quick 7-0 lead. The Divas (2-0) then added to the tally with three rushing touchdowns in the first period. Okiima Pickett rushed for two touchdowns in the opening frame, a one-yard carry and a four-yard rush which put the Divas on top, 21-0.

Wide receiver Ashley Whisonant made her mark on the game with two outstanding plays. Whisonant scored her first career touchdown on a rushing attempt from seven yards out, and Duckworth converted her fourth extra point kick as the Divas took a 28-0 advantage into the second quarter. The Assault (0-1) got their only score of the game to cut the Divas’ advantage to 28-6, but Whisonant responded immediately. She took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 70 yards for an electrifying kickoff return touchdown, and the Divas led, 35-6.

Running back Lindsay Sollers finished off the Divas’ scoring in the half with a one-yard touchdown run. Duckworth’s sixth extra point kick of the half gave the Divas a 42-6 edge at intermission.

The Divas were still firing on all cylinders as the third quarter began, running back the second half kickoff 72 yards for a touchdown. The defense remained solid as well, shutting the Assault out in the second half. The D.C. defense was led by T.K. Washington, who had six tackles in the game with four of those tackles for loss.

Shawntese Charles capped the scoring for the Divas with a five-yard touchdown reception on fourth and goal. The Divas improved to 2-0, winning their second of three home games to start the 2011 season.