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Green Bay, WI (LFL360.com) — Two high-octane offenses collided in the 2011 LFL opener as the Minnesota Valkyrie managed to withstand several Green Bay Chill comeback attempts to outlast home team in a thriller, 28-25.

The Valkyrie jumped out to an 8-0 lead with 10:14 left in the first half on Whitney Meierotto three-yard run early. Green Bay hung tough, scoring on a 12-yard-pass from Anne Erler to Angela Matthews to cut the Valkyrie lead to 8-7. Nearly five minutes later the Chill responded, as Lisa Bastien rushed 12 yards to extend the lead to 14-7. Late in the first half, Erler led a compelling two-minute drill that culminated with a surgical 14-yard strike to Jessica Peyton to bring the hosts to within a point at the half.

Minnesota wasted little time finding breathing room in the second half as quarterback Jana Skrtic scrambled for an eight-yard run. Green Bay’s Anne Erler channeled vintage Packers legend Brett Favre for the hometown faithful, including a jaw-dropping 47-yard run off of a broken play. She used her agility and speed to evade would-be defenders, ultimately breaking her free to bring the Chill to within three points with 11:02 left in the game. Said Erler about the play, “I needed an oxygen tank.” Minnesota then extended the lead for good as Kelli Gillispie, filling in for an injured Lisa Bastien, hauled in a 10-yard-pass to bring the Valkyrie lead to nine at 28-19.

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Article text by Jim Wallin: Managing Director of LFL360.com