Toledo Impressive In Win Over Thunder
May 18, 2004 - National Women's Football Association (NWFA)
Toledo Spitfire News Release
The Indiana Thunder was unable to avenge three prior losses to the visiting Toledo Spitfire on Saturday night due to inspired performances from both the Spitfire offense and defense. Toledo opened with three quick 1st down conversions, but at 2nd & goal the Spitfire lost the ball on a botched handoff. However, the Thunder fumbled two downs later and Heather Hebert recovered for the Spitfire. Casey Stinson tossed a 4-yard pass to Jori Welchans two plays later for the score at 8:46 in the 1st. The point-after try was missed. The remainder of the half was filled with possession changes, but no points were put on the board. At the end of two quarters, it was Toledo 6, Indiana 0.
Coming into the 3rd quarter the Thunder offense looked revitalized, but was quickly worn down by the Spitfire defense. Toledo was led by Amanda Thames with 15 tackles (10 solo, 5 assist) and a fumble recovery. Leah Hawkins had 9 tackles (8 solo, 1 assist). The defense remained strong throughout the game, bending, but not breaking.
Spitfire QB Casey Stinson, playing more like herself than in the past two games, was 17/29 (59%) for 161 yards, throwing for one TD, and had 8 carries for 122 yards with two rushing TDs. One of those was a breakaway, 81-yard TD run at 4:26 in the 3rd quarter. April Gladieux had 10 receptions for 75 yards, Heather Inderrieden 3 for 49, and Jori Welchans 4 for 37 with a touchdown reception. Stinson capped off the Spitfire scoring with a 4-yard TD run in the 4th, but overall it was definitely a team effort. Total offense: 334 total yards, 173 rushing, 161 passing.
The Thunder scored a lone TD in the 4th quarter and were successful on a 2 pt. conversion, but will have to wait until next season to see if they can break the Spitfire curse. As the time clock ticked down to zero, it was the Toledo Spitfire 18, Indiana Thunder 8. The Thunder, now 2-3, head to Cleveland to take on the Fusion next weekend. The Spitfire, 3-2 in the Great Lakes Conference, have a BYE week and will be preparing to take on the Fusion in Toledo's home finale May 29th at Bulldog Stadium. You can hear that game online by joining Mik Gonzales and Tracey Roberts for the play-by-play at http://cherokee.totalink.net. Kickoff is at 7:05/EST.
National Women's Football Association Stories from May 18, 2004
- Toledo Impressive In Win Over Thunder - Toledo Spitfire
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