NFL football season begins shortly, but Houston also has a professional women’s team to cheer on. Though somewhat under the radar and long over due, the Women’s Football Alliance consists of women who all share their love for the game.

On Saturday April 11, two of Texas’ own teams — Houston Power and Austin Outlaws — went head-to-head at Houston’s Pioneer Stadium for the first official game of the season. The sisterhood and comradeship on both sides were like no other. Their passion and anticipation could be felt throughout the stands filled with fans ready to cheer for their team.

Power’s Byrena Washington, Rachel Zabawa, Anisha Baxter and Tiffany Phillips gathered on the field for the coin toss. The Outlaws won the toss and chose to receive the ball first.
The Power held the Outlaws out of the end zone forcing a punt. Power made the first touchdown with the extra point attempt a no-go.

There were flags on plays throughout the quarter on both teams, including an ineligible receiver on the field and a personal foul, delayed hit, to end the 1st quarter with a score of 6-0.
Entering the 2nd quarter there were flags on the play on both teams with a fumble recovered by Outlaws.

A touchdown was scored by Johniecia “J” Pipkin and a successful 2-point conversion later in the quarter, bringing the score to 14-0 and ending the first half.

In the 3rd quarter, the Outlaws had sloppy play including multiple flags, incomplete passes and bad form on tackles.

Highlights included 2 touchdowns with extra points, bringing the score to 22-0 with Houston in a commanding lead.

In the 4th quarter it was more of the same with the Power never letting the Outlaws a chance to get back in the game. Power scored three more touchdowns while not allowing the Outlaws a single point resulting in a convincing 42-0 victory.

Houston Power played with power and strength, bringing home the year’s first win. Next game will be against Arlington Impact at 7 p.m. on Saturday April 18 at Dement Stadium 1000 Keene St. in Galena Park, TX 77547.