PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Passion shined brightly in a busy night of Pittsburgh sports. The Passion crushed the Cincinnati Sizzle 63-0, posting the highest margin of victory in Passion playoff history.
In the first series of the game Amanda Haeg lined up at 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, a forced fumble by Tia Montgomery and Kaitlin Neidermeyer recovered. The series continued with a 28 yard touchdown run by Passion running back Ciara Chic making the score 28 – 0.
With four minutes left in the quarter, Horton tossed a reverse handoff to wide reciever Angela Baker for a 12 yard touchdown run, followed by wide receiver Amanda Haeg’s 3 yard run for a touchdown to make the score at 42 – 0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Passion opened the second quarter with a first-ever punt return for a touchdown in a post-season game. Angela Baker’s 42 yard return made 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 closing out the scoring 63-0. Defensive back Melissa Gasdick contributed in the third quarter with an fumble recovery.
The Passion offense was led by quarterback Lisa Horton with 112 passing yards and 2 passing touchdowns. The Passion were at the top of their run game with Ciara Chic, 79 yards rushing and one touchdown and 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 led by rookie defensive tackle Monica Williams with five tackles and one sack. 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.
Special teams also contributed greatly to the high scoring game. Rookie Valarie Riley had four 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.
The Passion travel to Massachusetts next Saturday to play the Boston Militia on June 22. For more information, visit www.pittsburghpassion.com.
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