April 29, 2019
The Pittsburgh Passion defeated the visiting Grand Rapids Tidal Waves on Saturday, April 27, by a score of 53-0 at Joe P. DeMichela Stadium.
Quarterback Angela Baker returned from game ending injury two weeks ago to lead the attack. Baker connected with Krystal Cozzo, Jana Meister and twice with Ellie Mularski for four touchdown passes in the 1st half. Baker was also credited with a touchdown run to put the Passion up 39-0 just before the half.
The Passion would continue to dominate in the 2nd half. Running back Brandy Polinick ran for a 1-yard touchdown run. Defensive back Diamond Rodriguez returned a fumble recovery to end scoring at 53-0 in favor of the black and gold.
Angela Baker led the charge with 177-passing yards, 61-rushing yards including a touchdown run, and a career high 5 touchdown passes. Cozzo, Mularski and Meister combined for 11 receptions, 165-yards and 5 touchdowns. Mularski and Cozzo were each credited with 2 touchdowns a piece.
The strong offensive line was led by veterans Kaitlain Niedermeyer, Lauren Ferragonio, Samantha Simeone, Kim Zubovic, Kelly Bell, Michelle Smiley and Erica Shoecraft.
The defense recorded its 48th shutout in team history. Niedermeyer, Zubovic, Julie Ionta, Amanda Coles, Kay Campbell and Monica Richards contributed heavily to this effort. Randee Murray and Liz Costanzo both recorded a sack. Linebackers Hannah Daman, Frankie Kilmer, Chance Willis, Devon Conner, Kaylee Bowden and Diamond Rodriguez delivered hard hits. Rodriguez led the group with 8 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery which she returned 48-yards for a touchdown. Niedermeyer added 7 tackles and 2 sacks. Daman and Tenisha Spencer each recorded 1 interception. The secondary play of Rebecca Ehrgood, Cozzo, Spencer, Ashley DiCicco and Jennifer Bova shut down the Tidal Wave’s air attack.
The Passion (2-1) are set to host the Baltimore Nighthawks next Saturday, May 4, at Adamson Stadium on the campus of California University of Pennsylvania at 6:30 pm. For more information on this venue and ticket sales, please visit www.pittsburghpassion.com.
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Photo by HyXposure Photography