Sacramento vs Arizona

The Sacramento Screamers traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, to play the club's first ever regular season USAFL games last weekend.

The  game was between the Screamer's women and Arizona Lady Hawks, and although the Lady Hawks eventually won by 29 points it was a hard fought battle!

Despite losing the game, the weekend was a huge success for the Screamers as they continue to increase the participation of Sacramento residents in Australian Football at the national level.

The highlight of the weekend was that about 30 percent of the players were playing their first ever game of Footy. And it was literally a baptism of fire for the newbies as they played in very tough conditions including high temperatures and wind. In addition to this it is certainly worth noting that only two Australians participated in the game.

The Screamer's women had a huge challenge in front of them taking on the more experienced Lady Hawks. And it was inexperience that brought the Screamers undone in the first quarter. Despite having the wind in their favor they could only score 3 behinds, whereas the Lady Hawks kicked 2 goals against the wind to establish an early lead. The speed and agility of Las Vegas local Jennifer (Ace) was an early highlight.

The Lady Hawks had the wind at their back in the 2nd quarter however inaccurate kicking and determined defense from first gamers Erin Sheaffer and Tiffany Yuan and from veteran USAFL women's player Amy Bishop prevented the score from blowing out. A goal by another first gamer in Yani Castillo provided the Screamers with some hope. The Lady Hawks went into half time with a 25 point lead.

The Screamers started to find some form in the 3rd quarter with Amy Stewart, and Freedom players Jessica Estrada and Elaine Schreiber, finding plenty of the footy. Jess kicked 2 goals and Amy chimed in for one before an unfortunate incident resulted in her twisting her knee and ankle. Thankfully the injuries were not as serious as first thought however she will be out of action for a month at least. The Lady Hawks kicked two goals of their own however the margin had been reduced to 19 points at 3 quarter time.

The fourth quarter was all Lady Hawks but again inaccurate kicking and solid defense kept the final margin to 29 points. This is a testament to the Screamer's who fought valiantly all day against a more experienced opponent. Best-On-Ground Jessica Estrada was supported well by Las Vegas local Jennifer and Yani Castillo. The rest of the team in Amy Stewart, Amy Bishop, Elaine Schreiber, Fallon Thomen, Erin Sheaffer and Tiffany Yuan all contributed well.

Of course the weekend was concluded in the grandest style possible with some good ol' fashioned Vegas-style celebrations. Thanks a heap to Kurt Anderson, the Gamblers and McMullan's Irish Pub for hosting the weekend and also to the Arizona Lady Hawks for joining us for this historic event!

Finally a massive thank you to all the Sacramento and Golden Gate players for making the journey and for helping in the many, many ways each of you did. Quite simply this was a special weekend that won't be forgotten.

Sacramento Screamers vs Arizona Lady Hawks

Q1 0.3.3 v 2.3.15
Q2 1.6.12 v 5.7.37
Q3 4.7.31 v 7.8.50
Q4 4.7.31 v 8.12.60

Goals: J. Estrada (2), A. Stewart, Y. Castillo
Best: J. Estrada, Y. Castillo, A.Stewart,
Players: J. Estrada (C), E. Schreiber (C), A. Bishop, E. Sheaffer, T. Yuan, Y. Castillo, A. Stewart, F. Thomen, M. Sweeney.
Coaches: S. Tyebjee, M. Chen.
Umpire: M. Bishop

Full Match Report at http://sacfooty.webs.com/news.htm#739237331