CHC

I'm sure if I wrote these recaps within a couple days of the actual tourney, I probably would remember more (unless I could remember every point I ever played in). Therefore I rely on a spotty memory and the UPA Score Reporter...

San Diego United (mostly UCSD players) and Mad Hatters games were the first two of the day and went through without any hitches. PoNY was the third game of the day, with Masulis only fulfilling the "coach" section of his player/coach responsibilities. Obviously BVH is their player, and a good one at that. As would be a preview of a few other teams playing us throughout the weekend, they held tough through the first half before relenting in the second 12-8.

Going 3-0 in our pool led to two power pool games to round out the day. First, Madcow is an improved team and could make a push for a Nationals spot (and thus the opportunity to win the E. Pig Game). We didn't struggle against them, but it was certainly a chippy game from the outset (which from what I heard from other teams, was a common occurrence with Madcow throughout the tourney). During one series of ticky tack calls by one player on Shane, the cuddliest Hodag proceeded to back down the (rightfully) frightened Madcow player and flip his hat off his head. Madcow players flipped, tempers flared, and after the point was done, everyone apologized and was fine. BAT was next and this game held close to point-for-point until we pulled out a couple breaks in the second half to win 12-10. Undefeated on the day.

Everyone's favorite blogging personalities were on hand for the VBB-Zero matchup on Sunday morning. As I've said before, VBB will always play up against us. Just like playing against the Packages during winter indoor tournaments, there is something about the matchup that they relish. As well as they typically do against us, VBB seem to struggle against the other top 4 teams in the region, and are going to have to prove they can play up to other teams, too.

Semi's brought Machine, another tight first half, and then a second half drubbing by our D-line. To this point in the weekend, the O-line hadn't been broken more than once in a row (insert ominous foreboding feeling here). As anticipated, we faced Goat in the finals. They were running a smaller roster than the rest of the open teams, but are just past the peak of the CUC season (and show it). They have three or four of the 6'4" or taller players with good deep throws (specifically to each other). This was mostly an upwind-downwind game with Goat collecting only a break or two here and there. We were getting turns but weren't handling the disc well after the turns. Eventually the breaks added up and their deep game continued to be spot on, taking finals 14-10 and the free 5-Ultimate jerseys (it should be noted that 5 created a WUCC style players lounge area with couches and coffee tables, very excellent setup!).

We're on to Sectionals next weekend. I may actually complete a couple existing drafts that I have kicking around about refs in ultimate as well as the big-fish/small-pond corollary to Timmy's old post.