NY Sharks Remain Undefeated After 20-0 Win Over Montreal Blitz
By Merle Exit

Jen Blum scored all three touchdowns last Saturday in the NY Sharks 20-0 shutout against the Montreal Blitz Photo By Amber Hopkins

The New York Sharks professional women’s football team won its third straight game — and notched its 20th shutout in three league seasons — last Saturday with 20-0 shutout against the Montreal Blitz.

The Blitz was stymied right off by the Sharks’ defense when Lynn Lewis sacked Montreal quarterback Samantha Rapoport. Two plays later, the Blitz were forced to punt.

At first it seemed as though the Sharks offense had improved from the sloppy play and mistakes of the two previous games, but the wretched play continued in the first half.

A Sharks’ fumble was recovered by the Blitz and NY running back Lakisha Grant sustained a leg injury on the play. Both Montreal and New York continued to fail to mount any offense.

Nikki Gwinnett showed off her kicking skill with punts of 61, 51, and 40 yards Photo By Tom Gotsch

In the second quarter, NY quarterback Val Halesworth hit Jen Blum (114 yards, 3 TDs) for a 24-yard gain to Blitz’ 41-yard line. But Virginia Leon was injured on a subsequent play and a leg injury forced her out of the game.

It looked as if Montreal might score on a 17-play drive and a Sharks penalty, which took them to the New York 8-yard line with under two minutes left in the half. But QB Rapoport fumbled on a sack by Missy Marmorale, who recovered for the Sharks, but NY failed to take advantage when kicker Jenny Graf missed a 25-yard field goal attempt.

Both teams lacked any offensive punch at the start of the second half. Early in the third quarter the Sharks finally broke the scoreless tie when Halesworth hit Blum on a 26-yard touchdown pass play. Graf kicked the extra point to give the Sharks in the lead with 7-0.

In the fourth quarter the Shark’s defense took center stage when Veronica Simmons blocked a Blitz punt. A few plays later, Halesworth again connected with Blum for a 10-yard touchdown. Graf added the extra point and the Sharks led 14-0.

Rose Addison puts a crushing hit on Montreal’s QB Samantha Rapoport. Photo By Amber Hopkins

Montreal continued to fail to generate any offense as the Sharks’ offense moved the ball down field as Marmorale connected with Blum that resulted in a third TD on a 29-yard play, which gave New York a commanding 20-0 with 13:01 left in the game.

Despite the Blitz’s efforts the Shark’s defense prevented them from gaining any momentum. As the game neared its end, Halesworth was rested and replaced by Andra Douglas, but the Sharks failed to score again as its defense continued to stop the Blitz with interceptions by Darleen Hall and Crissy Hilla.

The Sharks’ next game is on May 8 against the Chicago Force followed by a May 15 battle against the Bay State Warriors, the team that they defeated to earn the 2003 Eastern Division Conference victory.

For further informaxtion, go to the website of www.nysharksfootball.com.