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Island Stunnerz upset in Bud Light GWTFL

THE last time Team Legacy met up with the Circle K Island Stunnerz in the Bud Light Guam Women’s Tackle Football League playoffs, the Stunnerz prevented them from making the championship game in the six-person league.

In this season’s eight-person league, the two teams collided on Saturday afternoon for rights to this season’s championship. In dominating fashion, Team Legacy got some revenge by defeating the Stunnerz 18-8 to celebrate their first championship in the league’s second season.

“It was a really good game, I think it all came down to who wanted it more and I know every girl wearing a Legacy uniform wanted it 10 times more than any one person on that field,” Legacy’s Adrianna “The Hammer” Cruz said. “We also played with an intensity I had never seen before but held our composure through the entire game. I continued to tell the defense throughout the game that it’s not over and we don’t celebrate until the last whistle is blown.”

Serious trouble

Circle K ran into some serious trouble nearly the entire first half as the Legacy defense forced several turnovers. It was possessions after turnovers that led to Legacy building a commanding lead at the end of the first half. The trio of Gia “The Cheetah” Sarusal, Shawnnel “The Gazelle” Castro and Jessica “The Beast” Taitague were each credited with a rushing touchdown to lead the way and give their team an 18-0 lead going into the break.

Upon returning from the break, fans in attendance witnessed a much different Stunnerz team than the opening half. Playing like the team they are known to be, the Stunnerz finally ended their scoreless drought and put their first points on the board. Vanity Palomo zeroed in on Legacy quarterback Morgan Reyes and read a pass intended for Castro that she picked off. Palomo was able to take the ball 55-yards downfield for a touchdown. A successful PAT cut the deficit to 18-8.

Forced legacy fumble

Not too long after the score, the Circle K defense forced a Legacy fumble that was scooped up by Bridgette LeBlanc. The turnover put the Stunnerz in good field position and within striking distance. Just when things were looking bright for the Stunnerz, the Legacy defense turned it up a notch and continued to force their opponents back on negative yardage. Legacy’s Ciera Arriola put a halt to the Stunnerz attempt at a comeback after intercepting a Leann Villagomez pass attempt. The final seconds on the clock ticked away and when the final whistle was blown, Legacy raised their hands victorious and celebrated their championship.

“We worked together like no other and we pushed until the end. We wanted this so bad and we got it,” Castro said. “Winning and becoming a champ is the best feeling I’ve ever felt. I wouldn’t be here without my team and the supporters that stand by us, our families and SB sisters. For me, winning and becoming a champ is the best feeling I ever felt. It honestly puts me speechless but I wouldn't be here without my team and the supporters that stand by us.”

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