The win capped an impressive reversal for the Independent Women's Football League team that waited four games into last season to score its first touchdown.

"These girls came out and gave me a 110 percent," Major said. "It's hard to put in the paper the hits I heard tonight."

Major saw hard hits and a lot of scoring, mostly from rookie quarterback Tynnetta Rasheed. Rasheed, a former Iowa State basketball player, ran for four touchdowns while completing five of 11 passes for 88 yards and two more touchdowns.

"It's nice we don't have to wait until the end of the season to get a win," Rasheed said.

For 987 fans, the game meant not only an opportunity to see friends competing, but a chance to be part of women's football.

One of those fans was Lanette Larson of West Des Moines, who attended the game with her husband and three children, Jordan, Meredith and Jake. Larson said her kids were more than pleased with their first IWFL experience.

"They were excited to come out," said Larson. "They think it's cool to watch women play football."

Co-owner Melody Major, the coach's sister, said she was happy with the attendance.

With many fans returning from last year's inaugural season, she expects the attendance figures and the team's success to grow.

"It doesn't make a difference, male or female," Melody Major said. "Iowans love their football."

When Amanda Hamm scored the final touchdown with 7.6 seconds remaining in the game, William Major and the Courage fans had seen everything, including a chance to build on a winning season for the first time.

"The scoreboard explains it all," said William Major.

The Courage return to action April 16 in Detroit and return home April 23 against Chicago.


Story from the Des Moines Register, April 3, 2005