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Illusion Opens the Season with a Win

April 17, 2006

TOLEDO, OHIO - When Martha Swick crossed the goal line with one minute and 11 seconds left in regulation Saturday night, she did more than set the stage for an 8-0 Illusion victory over the Toledo Spitfire.

The versatile Erie Veteran parlayed a 27-yard interception return into both a touchdown and a pair of firsts in Illusion franchise history – back-to-back wins and success in a season opener.

The mini-win streak dates back to a 44-0 win against Toledo in Erie’s season finale at Mercyhurst’s Tullio Field last year. Despite scoring fewer points this time around, Erie head Coach Bob Beres said he thinks Saturday night’s win reflects significant improvement over last year.

“It was the most complete game we have played as a team since I began coaching three years ago,” Beres said. “The score is a little deceiving. Toledo is a much improved team this season. We went up against a good team and took a lot of positive steps.”

Along with Swick’s game winning effort, Beres also praised the play of his offensive line. “We had two rookies who stepped up and helped our veterans on the line take charge of the game,” Beres said. “I was very impressed. It allowed us to establish a solid running game.”
Tiffany Peterson anchored the Erie ground attack, rushing for 110 yards on 22 carries. She also caught a pair of passes and added the two-point conversion following Swick’s TD.

The Illusion line also allowed quarterback Julie Kemling to tally an 8 for 17, 60-yard passing performance, and to contribute another 44 yards rushing on 11 carries. While it’s taken four seasons for the Illusion to finally post a season-opening win, Beres said he believes the tests and trials shared by his 20-plus veterans during that lengthy learning curve paved the way for Saturday night’s win. “We came together and played as a family and a unit. It’s been a long growing process, but that’s why we were ale to pull the game out in the end.”

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