Women's Football: Second Half Burst Helps Rebellion Defeat Vegas in Season Opener

Photo Credit: San Diego Rebellion Instagram

After two seasons playing for the Oregon Ravens, Danny Trainor made her debut as the new starting quarterback for the San Diego Rebellion. She made an immediate impact, scoring all three touchdowns to help the Rebellion (1-0) begin the season with a 21-7 victory over the Las Vegas Silver Stars (0-1) on Saturday night at Escondido High.

Former Rebellion standout Adriana Guttierez, returning to her hometown to face her former team, scored the only touchdown for Vegas with a 5-yard run. This gave the Silver Stars a 7-0 lead with 3:48 left in the 1st quarter. 

However, the Rebellion responded with 21 unanswered points. Trainor connected with Nisha Taylor for a 28-yard touchdown on 4th-and-18, tying the game at 7-7 with 8:50 remaining in the half. Shortly after, Trainor completed a screen pass to running back Melina Malaxos, who raced 44 yards to the end zone, putting San Diego up 14-7 with 6:01 left in the half.

San Diego's defense dominated the second half, forcing three turnovers. Linebacker Katie Claxton started the turnover spree with an interception, while Daisy Avila intercepted a pass in the end zone, thwarting Vegas's attempt to tie the game. Trainor added a quarterback scramble for a touchdown as time expired in the third quarter. Cornerback Markeisha Perry's interception on the 5-yard line with 7:23 left to play effectively sealed the win for the Rebellion as they head to Salt Lake City next week to face the Utah Falconz, who will be seeking revenge after the Rebellion ended their season with a 48-20 playoff defeat.