Despite playoff loss, season pleases Krunch
By BRAD BLOOD
Special to The Star

OKLAHOMA CITY — The tears rolling down Tyhra Cheatem's cheeks said it all.

Cheatem's Kansas City Krunch lost in the second round of the National Women's Football Association playoffs to the Oklahoma City Lightning 21-7. But Cheatem, a defensive tackle, has reason to be happy for the benefits the team has provided for women.

“I know it's a loss and all of that, but this is just paving the way for women in the future,” Cheatem said. “I love Oklahoma City, and I wish them all the best, and I love Kansas City.

“I just have to remember that this benefits women all around.”

Last season, the Krunch finished 5-3. Though the Krunch finished this season at 7-3, beating the cross-state rival St. Louis Slam late in the regular season meant a lot. The win put the Krunch in the playoffs.

“We lost twice to St. Louis,” Cheatem said. “And we just could not allow them to end our season. We knew we were more disciplined, and we had better attitudes, and we just had to win that game.

“We had to show people back home that we are the division champions of the Midwest. That's what we've earned.”

Another goal the team established was to increase the fan base. About 100 Krunch fans made the trip to Oklahoma City.

“Our fan base has increased dramatically,” Cheatem said. “There's just a lot of support for women in general.

In Saturday's game, Lightning running back Iliana Calderon ran in a four-yard touchdown that gave Oklahoma City a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. The score came on the Lightning's first possession with 11 minutes, 15 seconds to play in the quarter.

After Lemeisha Roland scored on a double-reverse, Calderon then added another touchdown with a two-yard run with 12:43 left in the second quarter.

Lightning kicker Ashley Gothard added the extra point, which put Oklahoma City up 21-0.

The lone Krunch score came off a Dorothy Haughton 66-yard interception return of a pass from Lightning quarterback Kim Mitchell.

After the two losses to St. Louis, a team unity formed that ended up in a four-game win streak.

“We've improved drastically over the season,” said tailback Tequella Morris. “We've gotten to a point where we've wanted to be.”

The goal was to get to the championship game. Although the Krunch fell short, Cheatem said the momentum of getting into the playoffs will spill over to next season.

“Our coaches have already started recruiting,” Cheatem said. “I hear they are going to try to keep our girls together and do athletic things over the summer.

“It's going to be a great season next year.”