USA Ultimate

 

College Championships - Open Division Day 1 Recap

 

Highlights from Friday's action in the Open division:

• The top two seeds, Oregon and Carleton, were toppled in dramatic fashion. Harvard used a 6-2 run to beat Carleton 15-12, while 17th-seeded UCSD hung around until double game point to pull out the improbable upset over Oregon.
• California collects THREE Callahans vs. UCSB. UGMO's shut-down zone befuddled the Black Tide.
• The Host Hodags go winless. Wisconsin came back from a five-point deficit to tie Michigan at 11, but magnUM won, 14-12. Then, in an incredibly intense showcase game, the Hodags couldn't hold a 8-5 halftime lead vs. Colorado and lost, 13-11.
• Can anyone stop Florida's Brodie Smith? In two easy wins over Kansas and Minnesota, Brodie threw 17 assists. 
• Minnesota captain Michael Arenson injures his wrist in a loss to Florida.
• Disputed calls on game point: Georgia beat Middlebury with a score that appeared to be dropped. On the same field, UNC-Wilmington nearly reproduced the same play vs. Illinois: on game point, a layout catch, with the disc popping out on the landing. This time, after initially ruling it a catch, observers overturned the call. 
• Friday's All-Stars: Pittsburgh's Chris Brenenborg, Carleton's Alex Evangelides, Harvard's Andrew Vogt, California's Zach Travis, Georgia's Peter Dempsey, UNC-Wilmington's Rusty Ingold-Smith, Colorado's Marty Freeman, Florida's Brodie Smith.

 

FIRST ROUND

 

Carleton 15, Iowa 9

Halftime: Carleton 8, Iowa 4

CUT scored a pair of first-half upwinders to go up 7-4 and never looked back, as CUT's loud sidelines and outstanding play from junior Alex Evangelides proved too much for Central rival Iowa in a 15-9 first-round win. CUT took half 8-4 on consecutive scores from senior Sam Kanner to Evangelides. Evangelides then found freshman Ian Hollyer on an upwinder to break the game open at 10-4. Iowa snuck back to 14-9, but didn't have enough to overcome the early breaks. Senior Jake Short made a nice reception for IHUC.

Carleton stats:

Alex Evangelides: 3 goals, 1 assist, 2 Ds

Iowa stats:

Tyler Green: 4 goals, 1 assist, 2 Ds

Alex Versackas: 4 assists

 

Harvard 15, Illinois 8

Halftime: Harvard 8-6

Junior Andrew Vogt threw an upwind hammer for a score to take half 8-6 for Harvard, and the Red Line shook off some early jitters to pull away from Illinois in the second half for a 15-8 win. Junior J Helbling provided nice deep defense, and senior Kevin Seitz and junior captain George Stubbs came down with second-half skies on upwind hucks to put the game out of reach. Illinois senior handlers Walden Nelson and Brian Chrysler tried to orchestrate a comeback with quick give-and-gos, but Illinois fell short.

Harvard stats:

George Stubbs: 8 goals, 3 assists, 1 D

Andrew Vogt: 10 assists, 1 goal

Kevin Seitz: 4 goals

Illinois stats:

Charlie O'Brien: 3 goals

 

Minnesota 15, UCSB 12

Halftime: Minnesota 8, UCSB 6

Down 4-1, the Grey Ducks called timeout to regroup. Their nerves calmed, the Grey Ducks went on a big run to take half 8-6 and held off a late charge by the Black Tide to win 15-12. Both teams ran zone defenses, but the Black Tide had trouble scoring near the endzone. Six-foot-eight Minnespta freshman Michael Tradewell came down with several upwind deep looks, and seniors Peter Schmitt and Justin Gilbert played solid offense for the Grey Duck. Junior Austin Juds made a nice grab to finish off the 15-12 win. Black Tide senior Timmy Beatty handled well, and junior Blake Robillard and senior Daniel Smith were big defenders for the Black Tide.

Minnesota stats:

Michael Arenson: 3 assists, 1 goal, 1 D

Peter Schmitt: 3 goals, 1 assist

Danny Miesen: 1 goal, 2 assists, 2 Ds

UCSB stats:

Curtis Worden: 3 goals, 2 assists

Timmy Beatty: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 Ds

 

California 15, Kansas 13

Halftime: California 8, Kansas 7

On serve at halftime, California went up by two breaks in the second half and withstood a late Kansas rally to win 15-13. Kansas senior Justin Kaminsky found senior David Waller to pull the Horrorzontals to within 14-13, but UGMO patiently scored the game winner, with sophomore James Pollard throwing to senior David Kluck to win it. Cal grad student Zach Travis played great for UGMO.

Kansas stats:

Justin Kaminsky: 5 assists, 2 Ds

Gary Gareis: 3 goals, 2 assists

Vinny Ciaramitaro: 2 assists, 2 Ds

California stats:

Erec Hillis: 3 goals, 2 assists

Kris Thomson: 4 assists, 1 goal

William DeLoache: 3 goals, 2 assists

Andrew Hagan: 1 goal, 3 assists, 3 Ds

 

SECOND ROUND

 

Oregon 15, Cornell 13

Halftime: Oregon 8, Cornell 6

Entering the College Championships as the heavy favorite, Oregon survived a scare from feisty Cornell. The Buds' Arthur Shull scored on Dan Brager's pass to pull within one at 14-13 Oregon. But Ego put away the next point with a textbook offensive possession. Oregon's Eli Janin threw a blade to Cody Bjorklund to seal the win. Those two had several impressive plays for Oregon, including Bjorklund's near-miss on a greatest attempt out the back of the endzone. Cornell senior Garrett Bernstein was key for the Buds, who played the top-seeded Ego tight all game. 

Oregon stats:

Cody Bjorklund: 5 goals, 2 assists, 2 Ds

Eli Janin: 3 assists, 1 goal, 1 D

Eli Friedman: 3 goals, 2 assists

Cornell stats:

Dan Brager: 4 assists, 1 D

Garrett Bernstein: 3 goals, 1 assist, 1 D

Ethan Pollack: 3 goals, 1 D

 

Georgia 16, Middlebury 14

Halftime: Georgia 8, Middlebury 7

A disputed layout catch in the endzone gave Georgia a 16-14 win over Middlebury in a matchup that went back-and-forth all game. Up 15-14, Georgia junior Charlie Herrig layed out to catch senior Peter Dempsey's backhand break. Herrig appeared to make the catch in the air, but the disc rolled away after Herrig landed in the endzone. An observer was on top of the play and immediately signaled a score. Middlebury, which just moments ago held a 13-11 lead, questioned the call but accepted the score and lined up to shake hands in good spirit. Georgia senior Taylor Nilan led Georgia's offense with several great plays and a clutch hand block. Middlebury senior captains Dan Glatt and Joe MacDonald were instrumental in leading the Pranksters from a 8-7 halftime deficit to a late lead.

Middlebury stats:

Dan Glatt: 5 assists

Jon Cox: 4 goals, 4 assists, 1 D

Jake Herman: 2 goals, 2 assists, 1 D

Georgia stats:

Peter Dempsey: 5 goals, 5 assists

Taylor Nilan: 4 assists, 2 goals, 1 D

Dave Benkeser: 2 goals, 2 assists

 

Michigan 14, Wisconsin 12

Halftime: Michigan 8, Wisconsin 6

After erasing a 7-2 first-half deficit, Wisconsin had the home crowd going wild and was looking to notch a huge comeback win over Michigan. But with the score tied at 11, magnUM was the team to pull away, winning 14-12 in a hotly contested first-round matchup. Freshman Yonatan Rafael, junior Ollie Honderd and senior Derrick Wolbert played well for magnUM, while Evan Klane, Zach Alter, Matt Young and Dave Wiseman led the Hodags, who struggled offensively late in the game.

Wisconsin stats:

John Bergen: 4 assists

Evan Klane: 3 assists, 1 goal

Michigan stats:

Tom Haynes: 4 assists, 1 goal, 1 D

Chris Vandervoort: 2 assists, 1 goal, 2 Ds

Alex Fegert: 2 goals, 2 Ds

 

Pittsburgh 15, Texas State 11

Halftime: Pittsburgh 8, Texas State 5

Pittsburgh used a 4-point run to take half 8-5, and pulled away in the second half to beat Texas State. Texas State didn't turn the disc over in its first 5 offensive possessions and led 5-4 before struggling. Brad Bellinger and Michael Plunkett made good plays for Pittsburgh.

Texas State stats:

Matthew Butler: 4 assists, 1 goal, 1 D

Andrew Walch: 3 goals, 3 assists, 1 D

Pittsburgh stats:

Chris Brenenborg: 5 assists, 1 D

Tyler Degirolamo: 5 goals

Alex Thorne: 3 goals, 1 assist

 

THIRD ROUND

 

Harvard 15, Carleton 12

Halftime: Carleton 8, Harvard 6

Harvard senior Jason Sherman caught the winning score, with an assist by teammate Andrew Vogt — and CUT junior Alex Evangelides. Vogt, whose deadly hucks had brought Harvard back from a 8-6 halftime deficit, threw an outside-in, bladey forehand for Sherman, and Evangelides ran to get the D. He managed to get a hand on the disc, but only managed to tip it into the air and into Sherman's hands for the game-winner. The score capped a 6-2 run by Harvard to finish the game. Vogt, along with teammates George Stubbs and Misha Herscu, carried the Red Line to the upset over second-seeded Carleton. Along with his pinpoint hucks, Vogt made a highlight layout grab on a huck after stumbling. Evangelides was huge for CUT on offense and defense, but couldn't come up with the final D. Carleton captain Grant Lindsley played great, but missed an easy huck catch late in the game.

Carleton stats:

Grant Lindsley: 5 goals, 2 assists

Sam Kanner: 2 assists, 1 D

Adrian Chow: 3 assists

Harvard stats:

Andrew Vogt: 7 assists, 2 goals, 9 turnovers

George Stubbs: 4 goals, 6 assists, 2 Ds

Misha Herscu: 5 goals, 1 D

 

UNC-Wilmington 14, Illinois 12

Halftime: Illinois 8, UNCW 7

After Wilmington's apparent game-winning huck was ruled incomplete with the game on the line, the Seamen's Stephen Taylor hucked to Jarrett Bowen for a goal to secure its 14-12 win over Illinois. Up 13-12, Wilmington's Rusty Ingold-Smith layed out for a huck and appeared to make the catch before fumbling the disc on the landing. The observer initially signaled a successful goal, only to overturn the call after a discussion. But Illinois couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. Illinois handler Walden Nelson and deep Charlie O'Brien played well. Wilmington's Ingold-Smith, Bowen, Tommy Lamar and Cory Morris led UNC-Wilmington. In a spectacular highlight play, Bowen layed out for a grab over an Illinois defender and his own teammate. Both Seamen were injured on the play, but not seriously.

UNCW stats:

Rusty Ingold-Smith: 7 assists, 1 goal, 1 D

Tommy Lamar: 4 goals, 2 assists, 1 D

Jarrett Bowen: 3 goals

Cory Morris: 3 Ds

Illinois stats:

Suleyman Ahmad: 4 goals, 1 assist, 1 D

Charlie O'Brien: 2 assists, 2 goals, 2 Ds

Austin Lien: 4 assists, 1 D

 

Florida 15, Kansas 5

Halftime: Florida 8, Kansas 3

Brodie Smith tallied 6 assists and 2 Ds in the first half alone as Florida rolled Kansas. Alan Baird also had a huge layout deep D for Florida, which handled Kansas' zone and man defenses with ease. Kansas senior Justin Kaminsky found junior John Dixey on a nice huck connection, and sophomore Bret Hidaka had a nice deep D, but Kansas couldn't hang with fourth-seeded Florida.

Kansas stats:

Ryan Bigley: 3 Ds

Gary Gareis: 2 goals, 1 D

Vinny Ciaramitaro: 2 assists

Florida stats:

Brodie Smith: 8 assists, 2 Ds, 1 goal

Cole Sullivan: 3 assists, 1 D

 

California 15, UCSB 5

Halftime: California 8, UCSB 1

California caught 3 Callahans, including Zach Travis' foot block catch, and Cal used a smothering zone to roll over UCSB. Everything seemed to be clicking for Cal's offense, too, as 13 different players scored a goal. Cal junior Gary Dixon got a D and threw the score in the first point after half to extend UGMO's lead to 9-1. Only then did the Black Tide figure out their offense, but the damage was already done.

California stats:

Kris Thomson: 3 assists, 2 Ds

James Pollard: 3 assists, 1 goal

UCSB stats:

Lincoln Scott: 2 assists

 

FOURTH ROUND

 

Cornell 15, Middlebury 10

Halftime: Cornell 8, Middlebury 5

Cornell capitalized on Middlebury's mistakes early on and took half 8-5. Cornell quickly upped the lead to 10-5, but Middlebury didn't go quietly.

Cornell stats:

Garrett Bernstein: 4 assists, 1 goal, 2 Ds

Andrew Ji: 3 goals

Arthur Shull: 3 assists, 1 goal

Middlebury stats:

William Van Heuvelen: 3 goals, 1 assist, 1 D

 

Georgia 15, UCSD 11

Halftime: Georgia 8, UCSD 5

Georgia captain Peter Dempsey fueled a well-oiled offense and was constantly throwing or receiving big hucks. Georgia took half 8-5, and Josh Lowell's layout catch on David Hooten's huck extended the lead to 10-5.

Georgia stats:

Peter Dempsey: 6 assists, 2 goals, 1 D

Matt Bailey: 4 goals, 1 assist

UCSD stats:

Guy Hughes: 3 assists, 1 goal

Josh Nickerson: 4 goals, 1 assist

 

Colorado 13, Wisconsin 11

Halftime: Wisconsin 8, Colorado 5

Colorado rebounded from early mistakes to post a big comeback win over the host Hodags, who fell to 0-2 in Saturday pool play. The showcase game lived up to its billing: it was filled with highlight-reel plays and field-storming cheers from both sides, but also constant foul calls that stopped play. Colorado's Zander Padget finished off the 13-11 time-capped victory with a ridiculous catch over Wisconsin's Ben Feldman, with both players bidding for the disc. The Hodags took half 8-5, but saw that lead quickly evaporate as Mamabird stormed right back to tie it at 8 with huge hucks from Matty Zemmel. Wisconsin was slapped with a TMF (Team Misconduct Foul), which gave Colorado good field position, resulting in a Mamabird score and 10-9 lead. Up 12-10 with the cap on, Mamabird captain Marty Freeman came up with a huge layout D before Padget's layout snag. Hodags Feldman, Evan Klane and Cullen Geppert led the way for Wisconsin, building a moderate first-half lead.

Wisconsin stats:

John Bergen: 3 assists

Matt Young: 3 goals, 1 assist, 2 Ds

Colorado stats:

Marty Freeman: 3 goals, 2 assists, 1 D

Matty Zemel: 3 assists

Zaner Padget: 3 assists, 1 goal

James Mitchell: 3 goals

 

Pittsburgh 15, Michigan 5

Halftime: Pittsburgh 8, Michigan 3

Chris Brenenborg, Tyler Degirolamo and Julian Hausman lifted Pittsburgh to an early lead and a 15-5 win over Michigan, which couldn't repeat its upset against Wisconsin. Pittsburgh defender Eddie Peters was able to limit Michigan star Ollie Honderd as Pittsburgh finished Saturday 2-0.

Pittsburgh stats:

Michael Plunkett: 3 assists, 1 goal

Chris Brenenborg: 3 assists

Alex Thorne: 2 goals, 2 assists

Eddie Peters: 2 assists, 1 goal, 2 Ds

 

FIFTH ROUND

 

UCSD 17, Oregon 16

Halftime: Oregon 8, UCSD 7

After seeing so many opportunities slip away to upset top-seeded Oregon, UCSD finally capitalized when it mattered most: on universe point. In one of the biggest upsets in College Championships history, the first 32 points were on serve -- no breaks for either team. But when Oregon dropped the potential game-winner in the endzone, 17th-seeded UCSD moved the disc upfield quickly. After a stopped disc near the brick mark, UCSD took one dump before a bladey forehand to the back corner. An easy catch, and the Air Squids stormed the field with the impossible upset. Said captain Guy Hughes: "Definitely the best game of ultimate I've ever played."

Oregon stats:

Eli Janin: 6 assists, 1 goal

Eli Friedman: 5 goals

Cody Bjorklund: 7 goals, 2 assists

UCSD stats:

Guy Hughes: 4 assists, 6 goals

Justin Elliott: 2 goals, 4 assists

Josh Nickerson: 3 goals, 1 assist

 

UNC-Wilmington 15, Iowa 11

Halftime: Iowa 8, UNC-Wilmington 6

Wilmington rallied late for a comeback win over Iowa, which couldn't hold a pair of first-half leads. Rusty Ingold-Smith was a force on the Seamen offense, including a lovely hammer to sophomore Kevin Shea. Alex Versackas threw 5 goals for Iowa.

Iowa stats:

Alex Versackas: 5 assists

Tyler Glenn: 3 goals, 2 assists, 1 D

Jake Short: 3 goals, 1 D

UNCW stats:

Jarrett Bowen: 5 goals, 2 assists

Rusty Ingold-Smith: 2 goals, 5 assists

Zaith Bauer: 4 goals

 

Colorado 15, Texas State 12

Halftime: Texas State 8, Colorado 6

Down 9-6 to 19th-seeded Texas State, Colorado scored five unanswered to pull away and avoid a letdown after a big win over Wisconsin. Implementing a stifling zone defense, Mamabird capitalized on Texas State turnovers and settled down on offense. Mamabird senior Jack McShane hand blocked a Texas State huck, and Jimmy Mickle, David Barnes and Zander Padget led the Mamabird offense. Texas State senior Matthew Butler impressed as a cutter. Despite a dropped pull in the first half, Texas State took half 8-6 on sophomore Chase Hines' catch of a tipped disc in the endzone.

Colorado stats:

Zander Padget: 4 assists, 1 goal, 1 D

Hidde Snieder: 2 goals, 2 Ds

Marty Freeman: 3 goals, 1 D

Jimmy Mickle: 3 assists, 1 goal

Texas State stats:

Andrew Walch: 3 goals, 3 assists

Matthew Butler: 3 goals, 3 assists

Ryan Roberts: 2 assists, 1 goal, 2 Ds

 

Florida 15, Minnesota 8

Halftime: Florida 8, Minnesota 4

Minnesota captain Michael Arenson injured his wrist on a layout D against Florida's Brodie Smith, who was dominant in a handler role. Tied at 4, Florida rallied off 4 straight points, running their offense through Smith and Cole Sullivan. Minnesota's Danny Miesen sparked the Grey Ducks, who didn't rebound after Arenson's injury.

Florida stats:

Brodie Smith: 9 assists, 2 Ds

Cole Sullivan: 5 goals, 4 assists, 1 D

Miguel Palaviccini: 3 goals, 3 Ds

Minnesota stats:

Danny Miesen: 3 assists

Chris Demet and Mark Landman: 2 goals apiece

Peter Schmitt and Austin Juds: 2 assists apiece