[Ed. note: Thanks to Chelsea Zahn of the PGH Passion for this article and the accompanying image. See you on Saturday, Chelsea!]
Image © Pittsburgh Passion, used with permission.
In the first series of the game Amanda Haeg lined up as Quarterback and pitched to Lisa Horton for a 73 yard touchdown-pass to Wide Receiver Rachel Wojdowski. After the ensuing kickoff, Wojdowski returned a 34 yard interception for a Passion touchdown to make it 14 – 0 in the first two minutes of the game. Still in the first quarter of the game, Tight End Lorraine Stanek scored her first career touchdown on an 11 yard reception. The Passion defense answered with another turnover with a forced fumble by Tia Montgomery and Kaitlin Neidermeyer with the recovery. The series continued with a 28 yard touchdown run by Passion Running back Ciara Chic contributing to a 28 – 0 score against Cincinnati. With four minutes left in the quarter, Horton throws a reverse handoff to Wide Reciever Angela Baker for a 12 yard touchdown run, followed by Wide Receiver Amanda Haeg 3 yard run for a Passion Touchdown to finish the score at 42 – 0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Passion open the second quarter with an exciting, first-ever punt return for a touchdown in a post-season game for Pittsburgh by Angela Baker’s 42 yard return, making the score 49-0. Continuing, Passion Fullback Candice Snyder had one of two touchdowns, with her second touchdown of the night in the third quarter of the game closing out the score 63-0. Defensive Back, Melissa Gasdick contributed in the third quarter with an exciting fumble recovery.
[minimal_table]| Cincinnati | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ▶ Pittsburgh | 42 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 63 |
The Passion offense was lead by Quarterback Lisa Horton with 112 passing yards and passing 2 touchdowns. The Passion were at the top of their run game with Running back, Ciara Chic with 79 yards rushing and one touchdown with Fullback Candice Snyder who had two touchdowns and 41 yards rushing. Rookie, Running Back Sarah Niedermeyer had six carries for 30 yards rushing.
With their first shut-out of the post-season, the defense was lead by Rookie, Defensive Tackle Monica Williams with five tackles and one sack against the Sizzle. Defensive Back, Melissa Gasdick had five tackles and one fumble recovery. Lineman, Kaitlin Niedermeyer had four tackles and one fumble recovery. Defensive Back, Autumn Kramer pitched in with one interception on defense.
Special teams also contributed greatly to the high scoring game. Rookie, Valarie Riley with four outstanding tackles on special teams. Passion Kicker, Amy Fallon tied a Passion record with the most PATs in a single post-season game with 9 for 9 Extra Points tonight against the Sizzle.
The Pittsburgh Passion will travel to Massachusetts next Saturday, to play the Boston Militia on June 22nd. For more information, visit www.pittsburghpassion.com.
