USA Ultimate

2013 National Championships - Women's Recap - Day 2

Tensions were high during Friday’s bracket play as teams fought for tickets into quarters and placement in the Pro Flight. Fury, Riot and Scandal once again rolled over their opponents, proving that their clean and focused style of play is on a higher level than most of the competition.

 

Brute Squad came back from their disappointing showing in pool play to knock out Heist in the first round. However, Heist didn’t go quietly, and when their offense ran correctly, they moved the disc faster and more efficiently than most other teams. However, Brute’s possession-focused march up the field worked better than Heist’s focus on quick movement. Plus, Brute Squad’s Laura Bitterman gets bookends like no one else. In the following quarters game, Brute played close with Fury for the start, but after a dropped pull by Brute, their momentum was lost. Fury’s throws overpowered Brute Squad’s zone, even though their own handling combination of Tajima, Peyton and Tunnel moved Fury’s zone down the field almost as well.

 

Showdown started the day slowly but used their intense defense to take down Bent 11-8 in a messy, turnover laden game. But Showdown turned it on and didn’t slow down until they were assured a spot in the semifinals.

 

The most interesting game of pre-quarters goes to Nightlock for their surprise upset of Molly Brown. Increased wind gave Molly Brown’s trademark deep looks a challenge, and Nightlock’s energy gave them the edge they needed to knock out the Denver squad. However, in the next round, Nightlock lost their focus, and Showdown beat them handily after figuring out the key to guarding Nightlock’s side-stack offense.

 

Much like Brute Squad, Nemesis came into bracket play with renewed energy and determination to correct their disappointing start in pool play. Nemesis took down Ozone 15-7 with their quick defense and ability to convert scores. Kelly Johnson and Lindsay Hack are a hard duo to match up on for any team. Nemesis moved on to meet Riot in quarters and made Riot work for the win. Unfortunately, Nemesis would’ve had to play a perfect game to unseat the overall second seed. Riot won 15-11 with picturesque layouts by Gwen Ambler and highlight-reel worthy grabs from Sarah Griffith.

 

The showcase field was host to the Capitals and Traffic Canadian pre-quarters showdown. After a messy and low-energy first half, both teams found more rhythm in the second half. The teams traded points, but Capitals found the edge, led by Malissa Lundgren’s defense, and won 14-13. The Capitals would next face Scandal after the team from D.C. came off of their first-round defeat of Molly Brown. Scandal came out confidently and played efficient offense, being up by as much as four points and taking half 8-6. However, they suffered a lack of focus in the middle of the game and allowed the Capitals to even the score at 10-10. Following their pattern from their previous games, Scandal regained their composure and relied on their handler movement to finish out the game 15-11.

 

 

Riot and Scandal will play their semifinal game, broadcast live on ESPN3 at 2:30pm (CDT). Scandal’s habit of losing focus during the middle of their games and forcing themselves to make a comeback will not do them well in the semifinal. If they follow this pattern against Riot, they won’t have a chance to make up the points.

 

Fury and Showdown will play at 3:30pm (CDT). Showdown will play as the home-state favorite and hope that their intense defense is enough to fluster Fury. Reigning champions Fury will play to defend their seven-peat, and with the experience and skill needed to advance to the finals.

 

 

Day 2 - Highlights - Images by CBMT creative