Sharks Keep Warriors At Bay In 45-0 Romp
By Merle Exit

Monica Marsh runs the ball in for a TD at last Saturday’s shutout game against the Bay State Warriors. Photos by Tom Gotsch

The New York Sharks professional women’s tackle football team (5-0) shutout the Bay State Warriors last Saturday, 45-0, extending their
regular season winning streak to 25 and giving them sole possession of first place in the Mid-Atlantic division of the International Women’s Football League.

New York’s defense worked over the Warriors’ offense, forcing five fumbles that the Sharks converted into four touchdowns. The Sharks had 254 passing yards and 179 yards on the ground.

The Sharks first score came when quarterback Val Halesworth threw to Jen Blum. Andra Douglas’ extra point attempt was blocked.

New York’s defense was stingy as Donna Spilotras and Lynn Lewis kept sacking the Warrior’s quarterback.

Karen Mulligan dodges a Warrior tackle.

When the Sharks got the ball back five plays later, Monica Marsh ran in for the second touchdown and a12-0 lead.

In the third quarter, New York’s Michelle Brown recovered a fumble, which led to another score as Halesworth first passed 28 yards to Dana Donahue Sparling, then did her own running for both the touchdown and two extra points.

Trailing 20-0, Bay State again lost the ball, and on their own 11-yard line that led to New York’ fourth TD as Veronica Simmons recovered the ball and quickly lateraled it to Courtney Eaton who ran it to make it, 26-0.

Eight plays after another Bay State fumble, Monica Marsh ran the ball, which widened the lead to 32-0.

There was no relief in sight for the Warriors thanks to the Sharks superb defensive play.

The NY Sharks defense continued to stymie the Warriors and caused a fourth fumble. The Sharks recovered followed with a 39-yd touchdown reception by Karen Mulligan. This time Jenny Graf kicked the extra point and the Sharks led 39-0 in the third quarter.

In the final quarter Halesworth was rested and Douglas took over as quarterback. A botched punt attempt by the Warriors, deep in their own territory, gave New York the ball on Bay State’s 10-yard line. Douglas hit Jen Blum and Graf’s kick was blocked, making the final score 45-0.

On Saturday, the Sharks face
the Chicago Force in a game that
will likely determine the Mid-Atlantic
division winner. For further infor- mation go to the website of www.nysharksfootball.com.