Turnovers were a key factor in the Tampa Bay Storm’s 69-57 loss to the Spokane Shock in ArenaBowl XXIII last night in Spokane, Washington.
Storm quarterback Brett Dietz threw two interceptions and committed a fumble while being sacked. Dietz finished the game going 29 for 40 for 306 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Shock, who compiled the league’s best record (16-3) and highest turnover ratio (plus 16) didn’t turn the ball over at all. The Storm took the initial lead with their opening drive producing a touchdown but then surrendered 20 unanswered points.
This is the first ArenaBowl championship for Spokane, completing their inaugural season in the league.
The Storm finished their season 13-6 with their seventh appearance in the championship game (now 5-2).