Fusion defeats Pittsburgh -- again!

In each of the two previous games, played in Bedford, the margin of victory was one point. This time, they increased that to two points, thanks to a last-second scramble by Fusion quarterback Casey Stinson who made it to the end-zone as the clock ran out in this hard-fought game.

The Passion scored first, near the end of the first quarter and again, soon into the second, bringing the score to 14-0, Pittsburgh. Shortly after the two-minute warning before the half, the Fusion's Erica Ware scored on a 2 yard run, and as the clock ran down Shannon Anderson caught a six-yarder from Stinson. Jennifer Sheldon successfully converted the extra point both times, ending the first half with the score tied 14-14.

The Fusion's second touchdown was set-up following an interception by the Fusion's Denise Alexander at the Passion's 43 yard line. Stinson connected on four straight pass plays to Shauna Nevel which moved the ball to the Fusion 15. Martina Latessa then carried to the 11. A penalty on the Passion took the ball five yards closer to the goal line and the final play of the half saw Anderson score her only TD of this game.

Pittsburgh scored again in the third before the Fusion offense took over. Shortly after catching a 25 yard toss from Stinson, Lisa Heinl grabbed another one, a six-yarder to score with 6 minutes remaining. Sheldon's kick was good. Two minutes later, Peru Barber intercepted a pass from Passion QB Horton and ran 66 yards, only to have it called back on a penalty. Two plays later, Heinl again took off for the end zone, this time on a 75 yard pass play. Nevel passed to Jacque Martin for a two-point conversion. At the end of three quarters, the score was Cleveland 29, Pittsburgh 20.

Early in the fourth quarter, Stinson was intercepted, leading to a quarterback sneak TD by Horton but the extra point attempt failed. Three minutes later, she ran it in for 41 yards and the kick was good. Score: Pittsburgh 33, Cleveland 29. Anderson, Nevel and Latessa combined to get the ball to the 8 yard line with 4 seconds left on the clock. Not finding a suitable target, Stinson scrambled successfully, turning the Pittsburgh cheers to deafening silence.

Stinson completed 22 of 35 attempts for 255 yards and rushed for 37 more, with one interception. Pittsburgh's QB Horton completed 9 of 26 for 202 yards, rushed for 70, and was intercepted twice. Neither QB was sacked.

Leading receivers for the Fusion were Heinl with 114 yards on 4 receptions; Nevel with 111 yards on 10 catches, and Anderson with 8 for 40 yards. Latessa led the running attack with 88 yards on 22 carries, while rookie Ware had 43 yards on 12 carries. Anderson also returned 3 kickoffs for 17 yards.

For the defense, Alexander had 3 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 interception and deflected 3 passes. In addition to her interception, Barber had 1 solo and 3 assists. Elizabeth Wozniak had 5 solos and 5 assists, while Stefanie Russo had 3 solos and 4 assists. Kimberley Rex had 1 solo with 5 assists.

Next week, June 3, is the final home game for the regular season, as the Columbus Comets visit. Both teams sport a 4-1 record for the season. Kickoff at Bedford Bearcat Stadium is 7:05.

On June 10, the Fusion travel to Erie.

For tickets or more information check the Fusion web-site or call the team office at (440) 816-1457.