Cleveland Fusion Wins Again!

It was perhaps, a slightly uneven match up, considering that Cleveland can draw players from a population base four times that of Erie. However, team sports being what it is, there are always limitations.

The Illusion fields a team half the size of the Fusion, if you only count bodies; but heart and will are unlimited, and in that context, the Illusion are winners. On a different night, a different playing field, they could easily have scored at least two touchdowns, and possibly more.

In actuality, with a rather balanced attack: 209 yards passing, 187 yard rushing-the Fusion scored all the points on six touchdowns, a two-point conversion and three extra points. Fusion quarterback Casey Stinson completed 9 of 20 attempts for 165 yards with no interceptions and no sacks. Shauna Nevel completed one of three for 22 yards. She also had four receptions for 68 yards, and rushed once for 5 yards.

Fullback Lisa Heinl was the leading receiver with 76 yards on 5 catches, while Shannon Anderson had 3 receptions for 48 yards. Rookie running back Erica Ware was the leading rusher for the Fusion with 74 yards in 12 carries. Anderson rushed for 42 yards, returned one kickoff for 10 yards, and 2 punt returns for 46 yards.

On the defensive side, Denise Lurry had 1½ sacks (Stephanie Balochko had the other half) and Alana Bader had one. Desiree Alexander and rookie Jolie Jesensky each had one interception. Stefanie Russo led the defense with six tackles, three of them solo attacks, while Elizabeth Wozniak had three solos, and one assist.

Wozniak was also responsible for the safety incurred by the Illusion in the 3rd quarter. Carla Lindsay totaled up 5 tackles, 2 of them solo; Bader had 4 assists; Balochko had 4 tackles, of which 1 was solo. Bader and Mary Erne each deflected a pass.

This Saturday, May 6, the undefeated, division-leading Cleveland Fusion travel to Columbus to battle the Comets. Kickoff is at 7:05 pm. For tickets or more information check the Fusion web-site or call the team office at (440) 816-1457.