Recap vs. Keystone Assault – April 30, 2011

Recap vs. Keystone Assault – April 30, 2011

D.C. Divas Halt the Assault, 49-0
DC 49, Keystone 0
By Rich Daniel

Recap • Statistics

Harrisburg, PA – The D.C. Divas moved their all-time record to 78 wins against only 21 losses with a key division victory over the host Keystone Assault, 49-0.

The stars of the game for the Divas (4-0) were their wide receiving corps. Nicknamed the “Air Squad”, the Divas’ wide receivers had a breakout night with ten-year veteran Tara Kallal leading the way with two touchdown receptions. Her first of the night was an 18-yard, perfectly placed strike by Allyson Hamlin that gave the Divas a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

The second may have been the best catch of her decade-long career. Kallal somehow corralled an over-the-shoulder drop in the bucket toss while falling to her knees as she tumbled through and out of the end zone, giving the Divas a 28-0 lead. “I’m really confident running that route,” said Kallal. “It’s like Old Faithful, but I remember staring at the referee after hitting the turf wondering if I was in or out.” The catch was reminiscent of the dagger she delivered in 2007 to the Detroit Demolition in the Divas’ first win over their then-archrivals.

On a night with six different receivers contributing catches, the running game also found a way to flourish with four different backs finding the end zone. Kenyetta Grigsby continued her impressive season with two touchdowns. Rachelle Pecovsky and Stephanie Walker both added short-yardage success stories to the touchdown tally by following an offensive line that continues to impress. Okiima Pickett ripped off a 37-yarder for the Divas’ final score, and Caroline Duckworth recorded her seventh extra point kick of the game to cap the 49-point output.

The Assault (0-3), on the other hand, were completely stymied by the D.C. defense. The Divas defense recorded its second shutout of the season, led by linebacker Tea Törmänen from Finland. Tormanen was named the game’s defensive MVP and is having a breakout year in her second season with the Divas.

The Divas return home on May 7 to host the 100th game in team history as they take on the Northeastern Nitro. The Divas will be only the third team in women’s football history to achieve this milestone, along with the New York Sharks and the Sacramento Sirens. Tara Kallal declared, “It’s a great feeling to still be able to perform at this level. It feels just like it did when we began to be part of something very special. It’s not easy to get to 100 games but it has been so worthwhile.”