Tempe, Arizona, September 8, 2001
New York was playing their last road game of the season while Arizona was playing their first game ever. The Arizona Titans (0-1) are a brand new team in the IWFL and play out of Tempe, Arizona.

It was a hot evening in Tempe, with the game time temperature still in the 90’s as the two teams took the field. A mere 35 degree difference than the Sharks’ game in Syracuse last week. The Sharks (5-1) were putting a 3-game winning streak on the line while the expansion Titans were looking to prove their mettle in front of a noisy home crowd.

Taking advantage of Arizona’s inexperience, the Sharks attacked at the line of scrimmage to win the game handily, 20-0. New York kept the ball on the ground and continually ate up yards. Rushing the ball a season high 33 times, the Shark running game ran a total of 255 yards, also a season high. Raven Marshall led the attack with 114 yards on 17 carries and scored one touchdown. Courtney Eaton was not too far behind rushing for 113 yards on 10 carries and scoring two touchdowns. The rest of the scoring was done on the foot of Valerie Monaco who converted 2 out of 3 extra point kicks.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Sharks were in fine form again. They stopped Arizona cold with their third shut-out of the season. There were interceptions by Val Halesworth and Lori DeVivio and a blocked punt by Missy Marmorale. To show you how strong the defense has been all season, the Sharks allow on average only 5 points per game.

The Sharks come home next week to start a 4-game home stand. They will be playing the Syracuse Sting on Sunday, September 16th at 5pm at Kane Stadium in Secaucus, New Jersey. They will then host the Arizona Titans on Saturday, September 22 at 2pm at Stony Brook University. Tickets are available for these games and the rest of the home stand. To purchase tickets, please contact Crystal Tupin, Assistant General Manager. By phone: 646 552-5798 or by email: tickets@nysharksfootball.com.

Scoring Summary
Second Quarter
NY – (00:08) Marshall 4 yard run (Monaco kick)

Second Quarter
NY – (01:51) Eaton 2 yard run (kick failed)

Fourth Quarter
NY – (11:17) Eaton 39 yard run (Monaco kick)