Arizona Overpowers San Diego, 38-20
Published on September 2, 2003 under Women's Professional Football League (WPFL)
San Diego Sunfire News Release
PHOENIX - The San Diego SunFire absorbed major injuries in a 38-20 loss to the Arizona Caliente on Saturday night at North High School Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.
San Diego, which dropped to 1-3 in WPFL play, lost its two starting running backs in the contest. Railene Ritzberg suffered an arm injury early in the second quarter, while Jasmine Sveum departed the game early in the third period with a back injury. Both players are listed as day-to-day on the SunFire injury report.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Caliente netted the first two touchdowns of the game on three and one yard runs. Arizona scored again later in the second when Angel Saad connected with Jackie Jarabek on a 20-yard touchdown pass. The SunFire got on the board before halftime on a Sveum two-yard run for a score. The SunFire opened the scoring in the third with the longest scoring play of the game. Aisha Ruffo and Carmen Cruz connected on an 85-yard pass play to cut the Arizona lead to 18-12. The Caliente answered back with a 10-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter to increase its lead to 24â12. SunFire quarterback Ruffo scored on a two-yard sneak to begin the fourth quarter. Athena Reyes made good on the two point conversion to cut the Caliente lead to 24â20. However, Arizona answered back with two late tallies to put the game away. The Caliente remain one of just four undefeated teams in the league. The San Diego and Arizona are now tied, 2-2, in the all-time series.
SUNFIRE STAR â Quarterback Aisha Ruffo was 13 for 22 for a total of 226 yards 1 TD and no interceptions
TWO-WAY STUD - Carmen Cruz. On Offense, Cruz had 9 receptions for 180 yards and 1 TD. On Defense, Cruz was the second leading defender with eight tackles.
ROOKIE WATCH - Angela Corinne had eight tackles and her third interception in as many games.
NEXT GAME - The SunFire next travels to Houston for a Saturday night game against the three-time WPFL Champion Energy.
Women's Professional Football League Stories from September 2, 2003
- Northern Ice Hold Contest to Name Their Mascot - Northern Ice
- Arizona Overpowers San Diego, 38-20 - San Diego Sunfire
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