Crush Make Playoffs for First Time
June 17, 2003 - National Women's Football Association (NWFA)
Connecticut Crush News Release
NEWINGTON, CT â June 17, 2003 â The Connecticut Crush continue to make history this season, clinching the final playoff spot in the Northern Conference with an 18-0 victory on the road versus the Maine Freeze this past Saturday. As a result, the Crush finished in second place in the Northern Division with a 6-2 regular season record; the first winning season in the team's 3-year existence.
In a rematch of last week's game, the teams came out fighting from the opening kickoff. For Maine, it was a chance to showcase a much-improved team in the final game of the season. For Connecticut, it was a critical win to move into post-season play. Although each team was successful moving the ball down the field, great defensive play on both sides held the game scoreless for most of the first half. Then in the closing minutes of the second quarter, Quarterback Donna Bruce (#9) connected with Kim Palmer (#13) on a 9-yard touchdown pass. A missed extra point attempt sent the Crush into halftime with a 6-0 lead.
The fierce Crush defense came out even stronger in the second half. Cornerback Jody Higgins (#21) intercepted a pass to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Bruce. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful and the score was 12-0 to end the third quarter. In another spectacular effort, Defensive End Stefanie Lake (#96) blocked a punt deep in Maine territory. The offense took over and Bruce threw her second touchdown pass of the game, an 8-yard pass to Phillipa Scott (#85) for an 18-0 lead. The Crush downed the ball on the final possession as time expired.
Crush players have an extra week to prepare as the First Round of the playoffs is scheduled to begin Saturday, June 28th. The sixth seeded Connecticut Crush will travel to Washington D.C. to take on the third seeded DC Divas. Kickoff is 7:00 PM. For more details on the 2003 Connecticut Crush season including game summaries and playoff information, visit the team website at www.crushfootball.com.
National Women's Football Association Stories from June 17, 2003
- Crush Make Playoffs for First Time - Connecticut Crush
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