USA Ultimate

Two games, a bye, and then two games came as the order of the day with varying degrees of wind and sun. What did not change was the intensity of the teams in Pool A. Number one seed Well Done (CO), Women’s Masters champions for the past two years in a row, won all of their games with calm offense, killer defense, and a team of ladies who have known each other and played with each other for fifteen years. Stick Dog, from Vancouver, has yet to play Well Done and also sped through the day undefeated. If today is any indication, their final pool game tomorrow would be a bad one to miss. The athletic, versatile team has the hucks, bids, spirit, and guts to play with, and be, the best.

With an occasionally clogged vertical offense, Lady Godiva (Boston) played a close game with Stick Dog and a very intense game with Well Done. Top Shelf, the tall, lanky team from Atlanta, arrived with just ten players and finished the day with eight due to injuries. Despite this, their flow had spots of amazing intensity and their sure hands made for some ridiculous catches, leading them to a handy (pun definitely intended) last round win. First in sideline volume and spirit came Crack’d (Philadelphia) with tough to guard deep threats and decisive handlers. Dish (Chicago), the twelfth seed, started the day slowly and progressed to an upset win over sixth seed Crack’d, and an 8-8 tie with Well Done. Throughout the day horizontal seemed to be the dominating force for offense, while each team had a tight zone d that was hard to break. Only tomorrow will tell how the tough Stick Dog will do against Well Done, and what will happen with the B pool teams in the mix.

PHOTO CREDIT: Steve Kotvis

Humidity is no one's friend, especially in high heat, but welcome to summer in Ohio.  Despite unfavorable weather conditions the Women’s Master teams bucked up and buckled down as they began their first day of pool play in Lebanon, OH. Pool B was composed of Darkhorse (San Francisco, CA), Safaritarians (San Diego, CA), Mojo (Michigan/Ohio), Better Hoes & Gaurdin (Idaho/Montana), Retro (North Carolina), and Lady O (Northeastern states). With a huge roster, unlimited athleticism, and all-around talent, Darkhorse easily went undefeated. (Dork moment: they reminded me of the all-star team from the ever-popular movie, "Space Jam".) Even so, Retro and BHG proved their own strengths in pool play, such as hucks and quick foot-speed, respectively. Safaratarians did less well than unexpected, but even with a small squad they pulled through with great spirit. Mojo and Lady O, being largely regional teams, were almost too random and discombobulated to gel, but both teams had moments of beautiful clarity between the handlers and the cutters; unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to win many games. There was phenomenal offense and defense from all teams, especially Darkhorse. As I watched a woman play with her children on the sideline, then go in for a point to make a sick layout D, I realized that "30+" is now the new 20. These women gave me a future to aspire for myself, one where I can play high-level ultimate beyond my thirties.

Hardships: heat, humidity, and the very long bye

Eye-Catching Performances:

• Anne Pogoriler (#3, Well Done)- chill handler with great cuts
• Katie Ulrich (#32, Crack'd)- deep threat with throws and d’s to make her a terror no matter when
• Colleen Conrad (#29, Top Shelf)- great cutter and good throws against a tough zone.
• Valerie Dion (#66, Stick Dog)- all around unstoppable player with throws, d’s, and catches
• Kath Ratcliff (#13, Darkhorse)—easily one of the best handlers in Pool B; could put the disc any and everywhere at ease
• Laura Cincotta (#34, Darkhorse)—unbelievably quick
• "Shaq" Jong (#81, Safaritarians)—team leader with tremendous field-awareness, instrumental in defense
• Molly Hareid (#34, Safaritarians)—sick layout D’s
• Thuy Brooks (#13, Retro)—patient handler, key to the team’s success
• Sarah Staller (#24, BHG)—primary first cutter