November 6, 2001

Indiana Blaze, one of the top W-1 League teams, to suspend operations for the 2002 season

MorSports, Inc. will suspend operations of their women's team, the Indiana Blaze, for the 2002 playing season. Owner and President of MorSports, Kim Morris said, "We're in this for the long haul. We want both of our teams to be around for many years to come and if that means suspending the women's team for a season to stabilize our operations, then that is what we should do." Plans are already underway to bring the team back to the pitch in 2003. Morris continued, "We are still planning to involve some of our Blaze players in our camps, and we are already laying the groundwork to bring the team back in 2003."

The Blaze enjoyed a successful run in the W-League. The team finished the 2000 season as Midwest Division Champions and finished third in the nation. They were the first high-profile women's sports team in the state, and the team's fan support has increased each season. They narrowly missed the W-League Playoffs after finishing their fifth season in the W-League with a 4-7-1 record, and continued to be one of the top W-League clubs in attendance, averaging nearly 2,000 fans per game in 2001. Several players have been with the Blaze for a number of years, including star goalkeeper, Heather Combs, who has been with the team since its inception. Midfielder Joy Aschenbrener was W-League Player of the Year in 1999.