PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Passion are 2-0 with a shutout over the Philadelphia Firebirds in a 42-0 victory. The Passion scored through the air and on the ground with the trademark Passion trickery, led by Passion Quarterback, Lisa Horton’s two touchdown performance. Passion defense was led by Linebacker, Olivia Griswold and Defensive End, Kim Zubovic with 7 tackles each. Passion Linebacker, Tia Montgomery and the rest of the Passion Defense also made huge contributions in their winning performance tonight.
The first series started strong as the Passion scored with a 10 yard rushing touchdown from Passion Free Safety, Alex McAtee. On the next series defensive end Defensive End, Jessica Nelko recovered a fumble. The first quarter concluded with the score 7-0.
The Passion opened up the second quarter with Linebacker, Beth Amato recovering a loose ball. Quickly after, Horton connected with Wide Receiver, Rachel Wojdowski for a 2-yard touchdown strike to go up 14-0. The extra point attempt was a missed handled and pitched to Amy Fallon who ran in for the 2-point conversion to go up 15-0 early. On the ensuing kickoff, McAtee recovered the ball off the defender who mishandled the kick. The first half ended with the Passion defense taking control early and setting up the offense for the quick scores.
The second half began with the defense taking the field first putting relentless pressure on the Firebird offense. Horton threw a perfect strike to Wide Receiver, Angela Baker for a 12-yard touchdown to go up 22-0. On the lastplay of the third quarter, pressure from Defensive Tackle, Shelley Victor forced a wild pass which was intercepted by Montgomery for a 62-yard touchdown return, her 2nd career defensive touchdown, to put the Passion up 28-0 going into the fourth quarter.
Midway through the fourth quarter, after exchanging possessions, the Passion scored one more time, set up by Wide Receiver, Sue Reed’s 24-yard reception along the right sideline, complimented by 1-yard rushing touchdown from Fullback, Kadesha Clark. The Passion led 35-0 after the point by Kicker, Amy Fallon. Late in the game, McAtee scored a 43-yard punt return touchdown, her second of the day.
The Passion move to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in the Mid-Atlantic division. The Passion will travel to Brooklyn, New York to play the Sharks in their final road game on April 26th, before they return back to Pittsburgh for the Passion Home Opener on May 10th vs. the Montreal Blitz. For more information, visit pittsburghpassion.com
