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vs.
CHICAGO FORCE - Kansas City Storm
[5/26/2007]
Result: 21-0 W

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CHICAGO POST FIRST SHUTOUT OF SEASON

May 26, 2007

Contact: George Howe, Media Relations (773) 368-4848
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, IL. The Kansas City Storm came into town boasting an impressive 3-0 record last Saturday and hoped to continue their winning streak and beat Chicago for the first time in franchise history. Despite a steady downpour all afternoon that didn't dampen the spirits of the few hundred dedicated Force fans, Chicago got contributions from up and down their roster and cruised to a 21-0 victory to even their season record at 2-2.

The Force didn't waste any time. On third down of Kansas City's opening offensive series LB Jennifer Dulski blitzed Storm QB Ursula Copeland, who coughed up the ball. The fumble was recovered by lineman Luella Gesky on the Force 37 yard line. Chicago kept the ball on the ground. Rookie RB Esther Henigan stepped into the starting position for injured Melissa Smith and slashed and cut her way on four of the six running plays to set up QB Angie Bandstra's one yard plunge for the opening score. Tricia Charbonneau added the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Henigan, a first year player, finished the day with 17 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. "Henigan was fantastic today," said Head Coach Jim Stahl. "As a rookie she has a great upside and a bright future."

Bandstra was steady all game with a nice mix of runs and passes. (5 carries 26yrds. 3 of 6 passing for 27 yards) Chicago struck again at 12:42 of the second quarter after a nine yard pass completion to WR Tashaunda Shumpert and a Storm face mask penalty, the ball was spotted at the ten yard line. One play later, Henigan ran it in for the score. The missed extra point made it 13-0. The Force closed out the scoring with 2:32 left in the contest when game day offensive MVP Sally Beaumont carried the ball three straight times, the last one from five yards out for the touchdown. QB Sami Grisafe threw a crisp pass into the waiting arms of Kim Marks in the back of the end zone for the two point conversion. Beaumont, a five year veteran back after missing most of the 2006 campaign with a torn ACL, had an impressive break-out game rushing 14 times for 76 yards. "The blocking up front made my job easy," explained Beaumont. "I felt a little rusty out there but kind of got in a groove." Beaumont's effort wasn't lost on the coaching staff. "Sally is a hard worker and team player," said Stahl. "She made the most of her opportunity. She was the Beaumont of old."

Hat's off to the Force offensive line led by captain Keesha Brooks, Stacey Baker, Rosalyn Bennett, Jessica Andrasko, Dawn Pederson and and FB Bridget Fahrner, who had the Storm defenders on their heels all day long.

It was no accident that Kansas City didn't score a point. The Force defense kept pushing back the Storm as they were only able to record two first downs. Late in the first half Kansas City put together their only real scoring opportunity when they penetrated into Force territory at the 46. One play later, Force CB Debbie Sanchez intercepted Copeland to quickly extinguish the threat. Game day defensive MVP and rookie, Kim Marks led all defenders with five solo tackles, and made her presence felt with a few bone crunching hits. Accolades go out to the entire defense. Ericka Bell-Coleman, Becky Thuestad, Shelley Picha, Jessica McPeake, and Luella Gesky were outstanding. "The front eight were special today and I'm pleased with the effort," said Defensive Coordinator Chris Maniatis. "We had so many three and outs. They kept them off balance. It's nice to get the shutout."

The Force reserves were called upon with six minutes remaining to preserve the shutout. Special mention goes to; Venus Roman, Jenn Schulz, Keno Enge, Traci Gardner, Sharmaine Lee, Lori Kunc (who had a nice nine yard run) Kara McCafferty, Christine Wheeler, Michelle Kania, Amy Mahood, Kim Reed, Diane Didier, Kristina Kucar, and Trish Nelson.

The Force host the Iowa Crush Saturday June 2. Kickoff is 3pm.

For more information visit www.chicagoforcefootball.com