FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2019
The Passion opened its 2019 season with a nail biting 26-20 win over long time rival, the Cleveland Fusion, at Joe P. DeMichela Stadium.
The Fusion opened up the scoring Saturday night early in the 1st Quarter. Angela Baker, receiving the nod as starting quarterback, responded with a 6-yard touchdown run. Kicker Franki Kilmer contributed with an extra point, putting the Passion up 7-6.
Cleveland surged ahead in the 2nd Quarter. Baker, in collaboration with new offensive coordinator and former Passion quarterback, Lisa Horton, again broke through the Fusion’s defense and to get a 1-yard touchdown run. Kilmer’s effort put the Passion up 14-12 going into the 2nd Half.
The Passion came out of the locker room ready to leave it all on the turf. Baker quickly marched her squad down the field, and connected with wide receiver Krystal Cozzo to find the back of the end zone to put the Passion up 20-12.
The Fusion battled back to tie the game at 20-20 mid-way through the 4th Quarter. However, the Passion offense refused to be beaten at home. Running back Kia Foster dashed in the end zone to end scoring at 26-20.
Angela Baker threw for 240 yards and a touchdown and also ran it in for two touchdowns on 37 rushing yards. Krystal Cozzo had 6 receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown. Kia Foster had the game winning touchdown and ran for 26 yards.
On defense, Kaitlain Niedermeyer was credited with 8 tackles and 1 forced fumble. Kim Zubovic recorded 7 tackles and a fumble. The secondary added 9 tackles and a sack from Diamond Rodriguez and 7 tackles from Rebecca Ehrgood.
On Special Teams, Franki Kilmer converted 2 extra points and Jana Meister pinned Cleveland deep with 3 booming punts.
The Passion (1-0) are on the road next weekend as they travel to D.C. to take on long time rival the D.C. Divas.
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Photo by HyXposure Photography