Recap vs. Boston Militia – June 11, 2011

Recap vs. Boston Militia – June 11, 2011

Divas Gain Playoff Advantage Despite 27-16 Loss
Boston 27, DC 16
By Rich Daniel

Recap • Statistics

Boston, MA – The D.C. Divas traveled to Boston to face their archrivals, the Militia. The Divas lost on the scoreboard, 27-16, but gained a victory nonetheless. Boston will be the Divas’ first-round playoff opponent on June 25, and if the Divas beat the New York Sharks next weekend to finish the regular season, they will host the Militia in the first round of the playoffs.

The Militia (7-1) jumped to an early 7-0 lead, but Divas kicker Kathryn Hemlock planted a 17-yard field goal to make it 7-3 at the end of the first quarter. The Militia tacked on another touchdown to go ahead by ten points.

Trailing 13-3 in the second quarter, the Divas (6-1) again responded. The Divas’ passing attack struck for three straight completions, which set up a two-yard touchdown run by Kenyetta Grigsby. Grigsby would finish the game with 155 yards on 30 carries.

Boston would strike back before the half on just two plays and took a 20-10 halftime lead. The third quarter saw Boston methodically extend the lead to 27-10 with a power running game. But the Divas would respond strongly to start the fourth quarter. Allyson Hamlin had a string of three straight completions, the third going for a 28-yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked, but the Divas were within 27-16. Hamlin finished the game having completed ten of 17 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown.

On the ensuing offensive series, the Divas threw an interception, ending their hopes of winning the game. But the contest wasn’t over. The Divas defeated the Militia, 35-20, in the season opener, so Boston needed to win the rematch by 16 or more to clinch home field for the first round playoff meeting between these two on June 25.

Boston made a deep drive to try to claim home field advantage for the first round of the playoffs. But the Divas stopped the Militia on fourth down and ran the clock out on a 27-16 defeat, preserving the opportunity to host the Militia in the first round of the playoffs with a win against the Sharks.