The Rebellion set the tone early in the first quarter, with a blocked punt by Sabrina Kessler recovered in the end zone by Katie Claxton. Defensive touchdowns are worth nine points in the WNFC, so the play gave San Diego a 10-0 lead after a successful extra point by Jen Strother.
Utah fought back on the next possession, with Jessica Cannon powering her way into the end zone for a five-yard score on a pitch play. This cut the lead to 10-7 by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, turnovers played a pivotal role, with both teams struggling to maintain possession. San Diego's Melina Melaxos's fumble was recovered inside Utah's red zone, but the Rebellion defense retained possession with an interception by Nisha Taylor.
San Diego held on to a 10-7 lead at halftime.
The Rebellion came out strong in the second half, with quarterback Danny Trainor finding an open Erica Arie on a pitch and catch for a 23-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 17-7.
The San Diego defense continued to shine, forcing turnovers and keeping the Falconz at bay.
In the fourth quarter, Natalia Escoto’s interception set up Trainor's 21-yard touchdown pass to Taylor, who made a spectacular catch in traffic on 4th and 12, extending the lead to 24-7 with 6:59 left to play.
Despite a late-game effort by Utah, including another recovered fumble on the San Diego 22-yard line, the Rebellion defense held strong against the triple option, securing the win.
Alone in first place in the WNFC's Pacific Conference, San Diego looks to carry this momentum forward as they return home next Saturday to host the Seattle Majestics.
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