USA Ultimate

In sharp contrast to yesterday, Sunday’s weather was overcast and chilly.  No one even thought about heat exhaustion.  Windy conditions begat longer points, keeping scores low, requiring a cap for many games.  The ever-threatening clouds cast an eerie glare, making YHB’s iridescent chartreuse shorts glow.  

Reading a list of the final results might give the impression of a dull day that yielded predictable outcomes according to seed: 1st Amherst, 2nd YHB, 3rd (tied) Allderdice and Watchung, 5th (tied) Columbia and Holy Family.  (For exact scores of each game, please refer to the official Score Reporter).  But you would be very wrong.  

Without exception, every game was a true competition, with both teams toughing it out.  Many coaches, parents, and tournament organizers commented on the noticeably high level of play exhibited throughout.  Players from nearly every team mentioned "leaving it all on the field" or "giving [their] all."  In the Amherst -Allderdice semifinal, the halftime score was 7-6.  In the awesome final, YHB scored first.  The entire first half was a dramatic point-for-point nail-biter, with the score 7-6 at halftime.  (Final was 11-7, completing another year without a loss for Amherst girls.)

PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin Leclaire

Every girl on every team was focused, well-trained, and played to win, reflecting several trends including coaches’ extraordinary proficiency and commitment.  Amherst co-captain, senior Katy Peake (heading for Dartmouth in the fall), remarked, "There are no standout plays to describe, just solid good playing in general by everybody."  Beth Burke (a medical writer by profession) was Volunteer Coordinator for Easterns and is captain of club team Lady Death Strike.  She observed, "Watching these girls laying out and toeing the line -- they play harder and smarter than some club players!"  

Local teams Haverford and Radnor tied for 6th,, while Lower Merion, which won the Pennsylvania State Championship in 2010 and 2009 was hampered by the absence of their outstanding handler, sophomore Beah Jacobson.  Nevertheless, they exceeded their seed, finishing 10th.  

The team Spirit of the Game Award went to YHB-JV.  While all cheered and reveled in the honor, the announcement instantly moved freshman Julia Broder to tears.  Even after receiving the award with her team, posing for their group photo, and sitting down again, she found herself still touched to the core, explaining humbly and articulately, "Our team has respect and open arms for everybody.  We all come out with an attitude to have fun.  This means so much.  I used to play soccer, but found I have a natural love for Ultimate.  I have met all new wonderful friends through the team."

Many coaches and parents commented on how well-run the tournament was, citing excellent fields, ample parking, clean port-a-potties, plenty of trash and recycling receptacles, superb handling of dilemmas posed by wet fields, sun, and injuries (though, thankfully, none were major).

Final Standings: 1 - Amherst Regional HS 2 -YHB 3T - Allderdice HS 3T - Watchung Hills 5T - Columbia HS 5T - Holy Family Catholic 7T - Haverford High 7T - Rodnor HS 9 - Mount Lebanon 10 - Lower Merion 11 - Andover 12 - Stuyvesant 13 - Neuqua Valley 14 - YHB-B 15 - Memorial Full Results

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