13/07/2025
WHAT A GAME!!
D.C. Divas 35, Pittsburgh Passion 34
In one of the most thrilling games of the 2025 season, the D.C. Divas pulled off a stunning second-half comeback to defeat the Pittsburgh Passion, 35-34, and punch their ticket to the WFA National Championship Game for the first time since 2016.
🔥 1st Half: Pittsburgh Controls Early
Pittsburgh came out firing, taking a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter with a touchdown pass from quarterback Marcelina Chavez to Angela Cardillo. After a few exchanged punts, Pittsburgh struck again in the second quarter—this time with backup QB Emma Gurley, who entered the game after Chavez went down with a leg injury. Gurley capped off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to make it 14-0.
DC finally answered just before halftime when Amanda Congialdi connected with Sophronia Sallard for a crucial touchdown with 25 seconds left, trimming the deficit to 14-7. Chavez returned to action just before the break.
🔁 2nd Half: Momentum Shifts and Madness
Pittsburgh extended its lead in the third quarter with a 12-yard touchdown run by Chavez, but DC kept pace with a strike from Congialdi to Siena Britt, cutting the score to 20-14. Pittsburgh countered quickly with a Devon Peace touchdown run and then recovered the ensuing kickoff, setting up a drive that ended with a 2-yard plunge from Ellisyn Mularski to open the fourth quarter. With under 15 minutes left, the Passion led 34-14 and seemed in full control.
But the Divas had other plans.
🧨 4th Quarter Comeback
DC began their charge with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Congialdi to Hermonie Buckman, followed by a defensive stand and another score—this time a run by Whitney Simms to make it 34-27. After forcing a turnover on downs, DC drove again. Facing 4th and 8 near midfield, Congialdi converted with a gutsy scramble before Simms scored her second touchdown of the night. Congialdi followed with a successful two-point conversion run to put DC ahead, 35-34, with just over a minute remaining.
On the final drive, Pittsburgh fumbled, and the Divas recovered—sealing an incredible comeback victory.
🏆 D.C. Advances!!
With the win, D.C. Divas Football advance to the 2025 WFA Pro National Championship, where they’ll face the winner of the American Conference Championship between the St. Louis Slam and Minnesota Vixen.
⭐ Player of the Game ⭐
Amanda Congialdi – QB, D.C. Divas
📊 Stat Line:
Passing: 4 Touchdown Passes
Rushing: 1 Two-Point Conversion Run
Clutch 4th Down Conversion in final drive
Led 21-point 4th Quarter Comeback
