Women's Final
Fury vs. Riot
Story by Kelley Kneib

After a long season of trading wins, Riot and Fury meet up for the last time this year. The two Northwest rivals enjoy playing each other because they are both the best competition they can get. When asked how they get fired up to play in a very competitive game after having only 23 points scored on them all weekend, Riot's captain #25 Miranda Roth explains, "Our preseason tournaments help us prepare for the Club Championships. We face off a lot against Fury because we're in the same region. We maintain focus by keeping the sidelines involved and talking to their buddies. We hoped to see Fury in the finals and knew they would pull it out in the end against Ozone."

Miranda was referring to Fury's tight win over Ozone in quarterfinals where they squeaked out a 12-9 win. After watching that game, many wondered how the Bay area team would perform if they got the chance to play Riot. Fury's captain #21 Erin Percival reveals that they were glad to have had such a close quarters game to remind them that they are vulnerable if they aren't playing their best. "It's hard to roll and then get fired up and play a really tight game. We've been down and came back. That says a lot for a team that can pull ahead in the end."

When looking at the state of women's Ultimate, many wonder what makes these to powerhouses so successful, and what makes them a cut above the rest. #32 Jenny Hanscomb believes Fury "is successful from having the best athletes in the game. The Northwest is clearly where it's at. Backhoe is the next closest elite team but at this point they are sort of one-dimensional. Fury definitely gets a draw from Stanford and Carleton. But also, players have started to come to us because if women want to play at a high level, they look to us to play with the best." That's exactly what Jenny Hanscomb did after the breakup of the Lady Condors in Santa Barbara. Jenny drives 4+ hours to practice to play with Fury.

During warmups, Erin Percival "looked around and noticed that nearly every single person has been a leader in some capacity on all their prior college/club teams – and that makes one really competitive team." This combination definitely ups the expectation of each other and pushes each individual to be the difference because you know all your teammates will do the same.
A few people sat out for finals due to injuries at the tournament. Sharon Goodwin's patellar dislocation on Saturday has put her in a full leg brace for the time being. Sharon has been suffering from little injuries all year long but was finally feeling good at the championships and was a shame to get injured just before finals. Jenny Hanscomb was also sidelined due to a calf strain in quarterfinals.

The starting Fury line begins with Alex Snyder, Liz Penny, Alicia White, Gwen Ambler, Jody Dozono, Stacy Schoemoehl and Dominique Fontenette.
Riot puts in Shannon O'Malley, Miranda Roth, Deb Cussen, Vivian Zayas, Kati Halmos, Kathy Scott, and Kari Deleew.

In the first point, Fury pulls upwind and Riot soon misses their receiver with a forehand too far out to catch at midfield. Fury gets it to Alex Snyder who is not afraid to rip it upwind right away but is not complete. The first point is an exchange of long throws, testing what the defense can handle. On a drop near the upwind end zone by Riot's #27 Deb Cussen, #8 Dominique Fontenette picks it up and delivers to #19 Alicia White for the upwinder. 1-0 Fury

Fury comes down in a force middle man defense which shakes Riot up on the placement of their throws. After working it upfield, Riot throws a forehand upwind to #27 Deb Cussen for a score, but she slightly misreads it and it floats over her head. Turnover. Fury is quick to transition and gets it to #4 Alex Snyder who hucks it to #17 Nicole Beck just outside the endzone, Fury waits patiently for a strike and Alex gets it back and makes a sweet backhand i/o open side throw for the score to #7 Enessa Janes.2-0 Fury & Riot calls a timeout.

Riot's pull play downwind involves #27 Deb Cussen sending one deep into double coverage and it gets Ded up. Fury's offense looks like they have really worked out the kinks today and we watch #11 Julie Baker hit #17 Nicole Beck upwind with no problem.3-0 Fury

Fury pulls downwind and has some super tight man defense. Riot can't quite connect and #88 Claire Suver throws a forehand that #15 Beth Wise believes she caught above the ground on a layout. The unresolved dispute goes to the observer for best perspective and is ruled down. This is the first of numerous close calls in the game where the observer rules in favor of Fury. Later in the point, Riot gets another chance to score upwind but #25 Miranda Roth babies a backhand into the ground. Riot's defense was not close enough here and enabled Fury to hit receivers easily. #44 Arlie Stern gets it up to #7 Enessa Janes for a sick layout grab in the endzone.4-0 Fury & Riot calls a timeout

Going downwind #6 Kati Halmos hits the ground hard on a great layout catch and takes an injury sub. A few passes later #88 Claire Suver also keeps it alive by laying out for a pass from #25 Miranda Roth. A few after that, Miranda throws the score to #37 Liz Duffy for an easy backhand.4-1 Fury

Riot sets a zone downwind and traps Alex Snyder on the sideline. She gets off a blady backhand over the cup to the far side handler. A few passes later Alex sends a long bomb to #27 Bryn Martyna for the score.5-1 Fury

Fury seems to be in control of every aspect of this game and #2 Liz Penny gets a point block on #37 Liz Duffy and sprints downfield hungry for the disc. #5 Gwen Ambler throws the assist to #7 Enessa Janes for the goal.6-1 FuryAfter a few turns, #25 Miranda Roth rips a backhand to #4 Jaen Meseck and is fouled by #22 Stacey Schoemehl over the back. Count comes in at zero, is dumped to #31 Jenn Willson and sneak a quick high backhand to Claire Suver for an upwind score.6-2 Fury

#12 Pauline Lauterbach gets a sick layout d on an underneath cut on #11 Shannon O'Malley but Fury turns again. #5 Vivian Zayas sends a huge flick for #25 Miranda Roth to chase down. Miranda lays out but it is again just out of reach. She hit the ground hard and takes an injury sub. Riot's defense on the turned seemed to suffer from some miscommunication as they leave #8 Dominique Fontenette wide open to get a big upfield gainer. Fury works it and #27 Bryn Martyna hits Stacey Schoemehl in the end zone.7-2 Fury

Riot tries a dom for a new offensive look and narrowly escapes getting shut down. The handlers throw to #25 Miranda Roth and she muscles a backhand upwind to #29 Joanne Harman for the score.7-3 Fury

Riot comes down in a 4-person cup. Fury works it up patiently as Riot transitions to man. On the goal line #4 Alex Snyder pops a forehand i/o up, but #17 Nicole Beck skies a Riot defender and takes the game to half.8-3 Fury

Deb pulls downwind and Riot throws a zone transition to man again. Riot exhibits some good defense on the end zone line but #4 Alex Snyder finds #24 Jody Dozono to score.9-3 Fury
While the game is still largely in Fury's control, #22 Stacey Schoemehl keeps reminding her teammates that Riot will soon go on a run – it's just a matter of time. Wind gusts are picking up but the teams aren't all that affected by it. Riot zones downwind and #27 Deb Cussen gets a layout D for Riot to regain possession. After faking the pants out of her defender Deb Cussen finds #33 Kristin Dailey for the score.9-4 Fury

Sidelines trying to keep the momentum going scream "Keep digging Riot!!! But the Seattle crew soon watches #18 Sam Salvia give #2 Liz Penny a nice easy goal.10-4 Fury

Riot works it down w/ rifling passes and calls a timeout. #21 Kathy Scott has it just outside the end zone. From watching Fury all weekend long, one could bet what defense they were going to use. Fury set a 3 person cup zone and sure enough, Riot eventually throws into coverage. Fury works it all the way upfield and as a pass goes off for the score, #88 Claire Suver has a monster high layout D, denying the score. But an unfortunate Riot drop, gave #4 Alex Snyder and easy pass to #8 Dominique Fontenette.11-4 FuryFury starts opening up their rotation in the second half and we start to see some new faces get some playing time with such a big lead. Riot's #27 Deb Cussen struggled this game a little and was frustrated to not be able to hit upfield cutters with ease. Before this point, Riot had not been setting up their cuts very well and not getting very open. Riot's #15 Beth Wise and Fury's #24 Jody Dozono were duking it out in this point for sure. Jody got a layout D on Beth, players could not agree and the foul call went to the observer. Observer ruled it a clean D and Fury takes posession. Jody picks it up and attempts to hit a downwind receiver but turfs a forehand. Beth picks it up it and guns one to #KrisAnn Schmitz for an upwind score in the back of the end zone. The desire shown in this point fuels Riot to start their run against a now slower Fury man defense.11-5 Fury

Riot pulls downwind and seemed to throw a different type of zone, like a box and one on to contain Alex – or it could have just been a moment in their transition to man. Riot gets the turn and scores.11-6 Fury

Riot zones again on transition, Fury throws to a covered #7 Enessa Janes. Riot is fighting hard for this point and gives #25 Miranda Roth an opportunity to do some cherry picking over the head of #19 Alicia White in the upwind end zone. Riot is on a roll. #29 Joanne Harman tells her teammate "See! We can make things happen!" 11-7 Fury

Riot zones again. #21 Kathy Scott gets a sick block in the 4-person cup at half-field but her team cannot convert the score. #88 Claire Suver looking to dump has no one open to throw to and sends a desperation flick to no one. Fury is containing Riot deep very well and is frustrating the Seattle team. After a turn, #15 Beth Wise also sends one deep but # 8 Dominique Fontenette eats it up. A couple possessions later Fury scores another upwinder.12-7 Fury

Fury goes zone for the first time since the timeout. #5 Vivian Zayas easily throws over a tired Fury cup with tons of high backhands. Riot shows enormous patience and works it the full field for a beautiful one possession score, with some really good endzone D.12-8 Fury & Fury takes a timeout.

#27 Deb Cussen has a monster pull into the endzone and Riot again comes down with zone for 5 passes to man. Fury scores #27 Bryn Martyna to #11 Julie Baker.13-8 Fury

Primary Riot players are looking fatigued after a really long point. But #88 Manu Argilli eventually stops the marathon point in its tracks and throws a score to #7 Enessa Janes.14-8 Fury

This was an unusual two pass possession with #31 Jenn Wilson sending downwind backhand huck to #25 Miranda Roth.14-9 Fury

Riot zones transition to man. #24 Jody Dozono hits #18 Sam Salvia for the final score.15-9 Fury
The teams bring it back to their huddles for a final wrapup. Riot captain Jenn Wilson praises her team for playing so well. "This was a fantastic nationals and are so glad we play in that region. The Northwest kicks ass. I'm so very proud of our performance this season." Juniors phenom Claire Suver on Team USA expressed her excitement for her accomplishments this year "I've been playing the best I've ever played and Riot kept getting better at every tournament. I'm the only rookie so carrying the disc bag gets to be sort of a pain but playing with people such as Vivian, Deb and Miranda is SO great."

Fury's captain Stacey Schoemehl reveals how the team got this far this year. "We made a plan last year that we would win nationals in 2006, we revamped our offense and added a coach, as well as a few key players. It feels so good to have set all these goals along the way and have finally realized them. I'm so proud of what this team has accomplished this year. Everyone stepped up and played 100% in spite of other commitments."

Congratulations to Fury on their 2006 UPA Club Championship title.
posted on 10/31/2006 09:43:00 AM

Women Day 3
Story by Kelley Kneib
Images by Jason Mechler

Lots of cloud cover today after a night of heavy rain. Very overcast, trapping the heat and making it a big of a sauna. Quarters were an exciting match during the windy morning. Very hard fought battles in three of the four games.

Quarterfinals
Brute Squad vs Backhoe
This was the best game of the quarterfinal round. The two teams were both patient in working it upwind with their offenses making good choices. Backhoe jumped to an early lead at 3-1, but weren't there for long. Several on the Brute Squad sideline commented how today the team really came together and was giving a collective effort which helped them go on a run to make it 7-4. A calm, collected Brute took half 8-6 and was focused and ready to battle in the second half. Soon after the break #82 Molly Doyle sent a pretty backhand downwind to #23 Lindsey Hack making it 8-7. Backhoe pulls upwind and Brute has no problem working it down with #9 Jessi Witt poaching in the lane off handlers and allowing Brute to easily reset. A few points later Backhoe gets a quick score and ties it up 8-8. Backhoe gets an upwinder back and takes the lead 9-8. Brute calls a timeout. Paul Greff, the coach of Backhoe tells their team "If we're gonna close it out. We've got to attack!" A fired up Brute Squad comes out gunning and is ready to recapture the lead. Backhoe pulls it deep into Brute's endzone. Brute feels the pressure and turns it. Brute gets another chance as Backhoe put way too much on their downwind strike and the receiver didn't have a chance. Brute quickly puts it in play, getting it to Nancy Sun sans mark and muscles a backhand upfield to open things up at half field. A few passes later Kathy Dobson makes the assist to Emily Walton for the upwind score to tie it back up. The teams trade a few. Backhoe looking a little sloppy on the downwind but scores to bring it to 11-10 Brute Squad. Backhoe gets the D in the next point and ties it at 11-11. The two teams trade and tie it up at 13-13. Backhoe is starting to get in a groove and fights for another upwinder to go up 14-13. But on the next point, Backhoe feels their newfound lead once again flutters away when we see Chrissy Dobson rip an amazing backhand downwind and Alison Cohen comes up with a sick snatch as it trails away. 15-14 Brute. Backhoe works it up and rips another backhand to the upwind endzone, but #10 Amber Sinicrope won't have any of it. She gets the D, Brute gets it downwind and we shortly see Brute's biggest contributor #8 Nancy Sun with an o/i forehand assist to #15 Allison Cohen for the game winner. 16-14 Brute Squad in semis for the first time in the teams 5 year history.

Fury vs Ozone
This game was an offensive nightmare in the first half. Both teams really struggling to connect both upwind and downwind. #3 Katherine Kidd-Shippey for Ozone was out with a stomach bug, and looked to really hurt Ozone's chances as the two teams traded for the first 5 points. Fury throws a zone on Ozone going upwind. Ozone works it up and jams it in the corner for the first upwinder. 4-2 Ozone. Next point Fury turns and #12 Katherine Wooten comes up with an awesome layout grab for a score in the downwind endzone. 5-3 Ozone. The next few points showcase unbelievable defense for both teams – especially Eileen Murray's full extension layout D on a stunned Fury player. Going upwind, Fury is not cutting hard enough to create separation for the defender and the handlers have zero options. Ozone pulls to Fury and #4 Alex Snyder sends a huge huck for #7 Enessa Janes to chase down and gets the layout score. 6-4 Ozone. After a turnover ridden point, Fury finally works it upwind to get the break back. 6-5 Ozone. A few points later, Ozone takes half and is fired up that they are in this game. Fury ties it at 8s. Ozone shreds the downwind zone and Fury's cup is double teaming due to constant give and gos between #71 Angela Lin and #5 Kate Wilson. The teams trade again for a few then Fury gets another break and the cap goes on. After an Ozone timeout, Fury set the zone and Ozone throws it behind the cup where short deep, Gwen Ambler, eats it up. A few passes later #4 Alex Snyder gets it to #44 Arlie Stern for another break, taking the lead at 10-9. Fury pulls, Ozone turns it, and Enessa catches another score on a long downwind point. 11-9 Fury. After Ozone's valiant attempt at a downwind score, Fury gets the D, works it upwind again to win the right for a semis spot 12-9.

Capitals vs Riot
Not much of a game this year and was done before most teams even took half. To note, Kati Halmos is sidelined, calling subs for the team with an apparent injury. Both teams started out forcing flick and after a few long turns, Miranda Roth finally connects with Kathy Scott. 1-0 Riot. Riot throws a zone on Capitals downwind and Capitals turns it on a hammer look to the far side handler. Riot smoothly works it upwind to score 2-0. #5 Anne Mercier on Capitals is crucial to any movement in Capitals offense and helps initiate a sequence where Capitals gets one of their only points on some lucky catches. Before you can even blink, Riot is already up 5-1. On Capitals first attempt at an upwinder, Riot's #25 Miranda Roth lays out behind the receiver and causes the player to fumble it. Disc comes back on a contested foul and Capitals break it to #20 Katie Malone for the score. 5-2 Riot. Capitals come down in zone and scores after the turn on some great concentration on catching by #5 Anne Mercier on some difficult passes. 5-3 Riot. Riot never looks back and closes out a seemingly tired Capitals 15-3.

Rare vs Safari
An unexpected Regional rematch for these two teams in quarters was surely going to be a battle especially with Rare's small 16 person roster on the 3rd day. Wind had really picked up by the time games started so Safari threw a 4-person cup trap zone. Rare Air scores easily. Rare pulls and comes down in the 1-3-3, Safari hucks and sets another zone that pushes Rare back and allows an easy interception and score from #20 Shar Stuht to #18 Stephanie Jong. Tied at 1s. Rare's #13 Tina McDowell is not worried as it "takes a point or two to get in a groove in that zone." Safari had a chance to score upwind on the next point but could not capitalize. This point becomes terribly long, but included a sick block by #26 Lori Nacius on the goal line but Rare couldn't take advantage. Safari eventually scores 2-1. #13 Tina McDowell finally gets in the action and helps Rare obtain their first upwinder to #11 Jana Krutsinger for the score. 3-1. Safari's young players were having trouble concentrating on catches and Safari soon fell to a 1-6 deficit. Next point, #20 Shar Stuht rips a forehand to #30 Tonya Lenaburg for a goal at 6-2. Safari owned the next point as well scoring upwind, #20 Shar Stuht to #18 Stephanie Jong again. 6-3 Rare Air. The teams trade and Rare takes half 8-7. The second half was not without it's turnovers but Rare Air pulled it out 13-8. Captain #24 Anne Pogoriler commented that "although we struggled in the beginning of the year, and despite all the disagreements, we stuck together, got better with every tournament and pulled it out when it really mattered." This quarters victory was a first for the Colorado team and they were ecstatic to have had such a positive experience at nationals this weekend.

Semifinals
Rare v Fury
This game looked really good in the first few points with Rare playing a switching man D that crippled the Fury offense. Rare pulls upwind and forces straight up for 3 throws to forehand, which stopped Fury for a few, but #7 Enessa Janes boxed Tina McDowell out to receive a long huck from #27 Bryn Martyna. 1-0 Fury. Rare works it downfield beautifully for a score but has it called back on a travel and they can't put it in a second time. Rare's marks are not tight and and are giving Fury too much room to throw wherever they want. Fury scores the first upwinder with no problem on a bunch of break backhands 2-1. On the next point, #26 Lori Nacius has the disc trapped on the sideline in a 4 person cup downwind but at he last minute finds #42 Krista Miller to tie it up 2-2. Rare gets a chance to score upwind on the next point after a Fury turnover but #15 Chelsea Boyle turfs a lefty forehand. #27 Bryn Martyna gets the assist a few passes later to #7 Enessa Janes on a downwind hammer. 3-2 Fury. Much to the spectator's dismay, nearly every point in this game involves at least 3 turns per team. On the next point, Fury regains possession and #11 Julie Baker throws an upwind score to #5 Gwen Ambler. 4-2 Fury. On the next point, Rare seemed rattled and the handlers couldn't fake and throw upfield fast enough to hit open receivers. They end up with high stall count away throws and give Fury many chances to score. A few turns later, a spectacular overhead catch by #9 Alicia Barr from #8 Dominique Fontenette puts Fury up 5-2. Time out Rare Air. Fury's #24 Jody Dozono seems to think that Fury success so far is due to "really pushing it upwind if they have an opportunity and defensively mixing it up." Going upwind, Rare has yet another chance to score as #13 Tina McDowell threads a pass through the Fury cup to #44 Katie Dolara. Katie puts all she has into an unmarked backhand but it floats too much, enabling #5 Gwen Ambler to D it up over former Fury player #4 Emily Wisnosky. Fury later scores 7-2. Fury seems to be subbing in their strongest line upwind all game but are still having trouble working it with the increasing wind gusts. Rare is still running hard out there and #9 Shalini Low Nam's sick i/o forehand to #1 Julie Fast helps put another in. 7-3 Fury. After halftime, it seems that Rare can't get anything to go in their favor and fails to score again in the second half. Fury throws a sponge D on Rare's handlers at game point and forces the turn. Fury works it up for the upwind score. Game over 15-3.

Riot v Brute Squad
This game started an hour after the first women's semi began and nearly ended at the same time. Points were scored quickly and Riot dominated this game from start to finish. Riot pulled upwind to Brute Squad and came down in a zone. Brute appears to have the same trouble they did yesterday against Rare Air and can't get the disc to any poppers. Brute throws it away. #27 Deb Cussen picks it up and starts a sequence of give and goes, then makes a 40yd upwind forehand look easy with a score to #25 Miranda Roth. 1-0 Riot. Riot comes down in a zone again and Brute gets trapped again with no one to throw to. #27 Deb Cussen picks it up and sends it to #25 Miranda Roth again who is fouled on the attempted reception. The foul is uncontested and a few passes later Riot scores. Riot's throws upwind are looking great and score the next point as well 3-0. Brute takes a time out to regain composure but is the beginning of their downward spiral. #19 Chrissy Dobson gets footblocked by #33 Kristin Dailey. Claire Suver scores 4-0. #33 Kristin Dailey gets another handblock on the next point but Riot can't reward her as they turn on an attempt for a fast break. #19 Chrissy Dobson manages to work it down and get a score off to #5 Blake Spitz for Brute. Riot still in control 4-1. On the next downwind, #5 Vivian Zayas sends a bending backhand to #25 Miranda Roth but reads it well and scores. 5-1 Riot. In the next point, Riot zones and #37 Liz Duffy pointblocks a frustrated #19 Chrissy Dobson again. #11 Shannon O'Malley scores on a layout grab. 6-1 Riot. Riot doesn't let up with the zone as it is clearly taking advantage of Brute's weakness and they get a turn on the next point. A miscommunication on the transition to D by Brute Squad leaves a wide open Riot player in the end zone. Luckily for Brute, Riot drops it. A turn later Riot scores and goes up 7-1. Brute seems to be mentally exhausted and perhaps used everything up in their quarters game against Backhoe. #8 Nancy Sun is huge for Brute in the next zone possession and started threading the cup with some SICK fast forehands. But Brute needs more than this one woman show and turns it once again. #27 Deb Cussen also with solid fakes, throws and movement upwind advances Riot to half 8-1. From the Brute huddle there are shouts of "Pick up your head squad!!! Everyone is standing still you've got to move!! Rise up!!" Unfortunately, Brute could not muster enough strength to get the job done until #1 Karen Stocker finds #3 Erika Swanson on a pass coming in hot for a ground catch in the downwind endzone after half. 13-2 Riot. On game point, Riot's #18 Sharon Goodwin goes down on an injury. Medics come over and find her patella has dislocated over her kneecap. As they tend to Goodwin on the sideline, Riot carries on for their wounded teammate and #27 Deb Cussen throws to #33 Kristin Dailey all alone outside of the upwind end zone. Kristin quickly finds #88 Claire Suver for the game winner. 15-2 Riot.

Tomorrow we see a matchup between the two Northwest rivals, Fury & Riot in finals. The two have traded wins all season and should prove to be a great matchup as no one has really been able to touch these teams. The wind will likely still be a factor guaranteeing some zone. Not sure if we'll see Kati Halmos or Sharon Goodwin again but spectators should expect a good game with the Team USA stars battling it out for the UPA Club Championship title.
posted on 10/28/2006 09:17:00 PM

Women Day 2
Story by Kelley Kneib
Images by Jason Mechler

Round 1
Fury vs Capitals
Fury came out strong in this first round power pool game and never looked back. Playing a switching fronting D, Fury forces a turn and #22 Stacey Schoemehl point blocks #4 Monica Kerr-Coster on Capitals. Fury fast breaks and Julie Baker gets off a sweet i/o flick for a score to Samantha Salvia. 3-0 Fury. On the next point, an overthrow by the Capitals was intercepted by Gwen Ambler. As they start to move it upwind, #5 of Capitals gets a piece of an around thrown by Alex Snyder. Capitals picked up the defense but then came to a sudden stop on an injury timeout for #1 Capitals. Play resumes and a floaty disc gets macked but Gwen toes the line for the score. Even after a 4-0 lead, coach Matt Tsang instructs Fury to start focusing more and not get lazy on offense. Fury comes down in a four-person cup and Capitals works it up to half field, but then the zone starts pushing them further and further back. A lazy dump gives Fury back the disc and Alicia White goes for a quick strike but results in a turnover. Fury resets, gets the turn and then scores making it 5-0. At 6-0 Capitals make a run of their own stringing together three in-a-row even as wind is starting to pick up and turnovers increase. Capitals take a timeout in the upwind end zone on the goal line and Fury surprises them with a zone that Capitals can't break. Fury scores. #24 Jody Dozono is playing awesome defense and Fury is not giving the Capitals any room to breathe on offense. At 9-3, Dominique Fontenette's stifling mark causes Capitals to unleash a desperation stall-nine throw which is D'd up by Alex Snyder. Fury has no problem handling the Canadian team and wins, 15-4.

Backhoe vs Safari
Safari throws their trapping zone for a few points in the beginning of this game but Backhoe is working it well. This first half was rifled with unforced turnovers by both teams. Wind gusts are really picking up in the second half. A couple rips upwind help Backhoe jump out to a 13-7 lead. Backhoe's #14 Rachel Gross points out teammate Katy Harris as making some great catches and Ds. Backhoe has been mixing the D up but Safari still seems in it with layouts from #71 Manishi Daryani and solid playing from #69 Sharon Hill. Backhoe's Becky LeDonne sends a long backhand to Molly Doyle for a sick downwind score in the second to last point. Backhoe wins 15-8.

Brute Squad vs Rare Air
In this game, Brute Squad has a terrible time adjusting to the wind today and really had to fight to even get their first few points on the board. At 3-2 Tina McDowell gets a point block on #19 Chrissy Dobson and gets the first break to bring it to 4-2. Brute is running a V stack and Rare a split. Both teams are keeping it short. In a pretty upwinder, #22 Rana Suh gets it to #5 Blake spitz to #6 Kathy Dobson for the upwinder. Brute comes down in their own four-person zone transitioning to man at half field. #9 Shalini Low Nam throws a high floater to #15 Chelsea Boylefor the upwind score to make it 5-3. On a turn, #5 Leah Brooks breaks i/o forehand to Shalini and quickly hits Julie Fast for the score to go up 6-3. Brute Squad having difficulty connecting downwind and Rare gets another upwind opportunity. Rare's breaks and huge grabs by Chelsea Boyle are what is fueling Rare's momentum. They get the next two and take half at 8-3. #27 Erin Baumgartner is in the Brute Squad huddle urging her teammates to "become the difference in the game!" Rare comes down in a 1-3-3 and Allie Boyd macks the disc and then catches a stunning Callahan goal. Brute has had a lot of drops and now overthrows on passes to zone handlers on the sideline. Brute seems to have lost all motivation. Rare Air runs away with the game 15-5.

Riot vs Ozone
Riot just hasn't had a real game yet and they go on a huge run to hit 8-2 at half. #5 Vivian Zayas hits Kati Halmos #6 on a crossfield hammer for a score. 9-2 Riot. On the next downwind, #36 Gretchen Muller's pressure D causes #6 Sandra Davis on Ozone to flutter the pass and drop it and Riot scores easily. Riot is working on their zone transition to man downwind but offensively still doesn't look as clean as they should. Riot wins 15-2.

Round 2

Riot vs Brute Squad
Wind has picked up even more this round. Riot still seems to have a little trouble working it upwind and does not seem to be using the expected personnel in upwind points in the beginning of this game. Brute handlers were not staying disciplined about their positioning in the zone and can't seem to get in a rhythm. Riot goes up 3-1. Riot puts on a four person cup and 1-3-3 downwind and looking to jack it more than usual for field position. #27 Deb Cussen send one deep to #37 Liz Duffy for a downwind score to make it 4-2. Pulls are not going too far for either team. Riot eventually switches to man and Brute starts to look good and gets an upwinder at 5-3. Riot goes back to Zone at 8-4. Long points since half as it is definitely a battle with the wind. Riot is not looking as strong as Fury in the wind, but manages to win in a capped game 14-5.

Ozone vs Rare Air
Ozone gets two breaks to start this game and Rare is disappointed to be down 0-3. Rare gets lucky on a couple upwind scores, especially a floaty backhand from Leah Brooks to Chelsea Boyle. Rare going downwind throws a 1-3-3 and Ozone throws it away. Ozone gets it back on a Rare turn but Katherine Wooten turfs a forehand just outside the end zone and Rare easily scores. 3-2 Ozone. #5 Leah Brooks is huge in the next point when she shreds the Georgia zone to #24 Anne Pogoriler and later upwind score to bring it to 3-3. Ozone scores the next point upwind to make it 4-3. #27 Abbie Roberts observes that "Rare is less afraid to throw it long than we are". The next few points become a pinball fest, with point blocks all over the place, Wooten, Krista Miller & Leah Brooks, and Tina McDowell all get huge on the mark and leaves their throwers dejected. Ozone seems to be playing field position better than Rare is at this point and is "just plain trying to run harder" says #12 Katherine Wooten of Ozone. #44 Katie Dolara comes down with a floaty pass by #15 Chelsea Boyle in a crowd of people. Rare turns up the D and ties the game at 6-6. Rare finally gets their first lead of the game at 7-6 with a pass from #9 Shalini Low Nam to #11 Jana Krutsinger. The two trade points for a few and then Rare gets another break on the first upwinder after half. Rare's #44 Katie Dolara gets a runthrough D on a floaty backhand, but the disc is called back by #12 Wooten on a foul. Ozone ties it back up at 9-9. Cap goes on game to 11. Rare scores the next 2 and close it out 11-9. Rare was definitely in a huckfest mentality in the middle of this game going upwind but finally started connecting when the urgency subsided.

Fury vs Backhoe
A disappointing showing from the Mid Atlantic team. Fury moved it upwind and downwind with short easy passes whereas Backhoe kept trying to do what they love best – the long game. Fury was really containing them and continually pinned them downwind in the end zone with a four-person cup. A spectator commented. "Backhoe is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Fury and just can't get a break." No defense seemed able to contain the team's march to victory. #11 Julie Baker and #4 Alex Snyder were huge for Fury with consistent upwind forehands. Fury cruised to a13-5 win.

Safari vs Capitals
Safari scored almost all the upwinders in the first half and was dominating with an 8-1 lead at half. #18 Josee Guibord said they tried to throw a mix of zones on Safari, primarily a man-on the handlers and zone in the back, but Safari found no contest. The Capitals looked a little more tired than the San Diego crew. Safari wins easily 14-6.

Play-in Games
Showdown vs Capitals
Although Showdown went into the game hoping that the wind was on their side and sans one of their stars, Katey Forth, who was sidelined with a knee injury, the team could not score their downwind points. They looked anxious and showed no patience. Showdown's #15 Nazish Waliany said "in their game before they were turning it too close to the upwind end zone and were not adjusting to this game." They could not get out of this mentality and neglected to play hard defense on a turn. They overthrew open receivers and went for things that just made you wonder. Capitals upwind throws were unchallenged and jumped to a 7-3 lead. Showdown would look promising working it to half field and then overthrow their receiver in the next few points but they dragged on, riddled with turnovers. Showdown sidelines commented, "I know they are tired but they have to make cuts!" Showdown somehow got it together in the next few and went on a run to close the gap 7-6. In an epic point, Capitals manage to stop the bleeding and get to half 8-6. Teams traded points and soft cap goes on. Capitals have a nice and easy pull play from Kaitlyn to Lisa Fawcett and short backhand to Kathy Lemiux. 10-7 Capitals. #6 Cara Crouch returns the favor on a huck to #2 Shannon McLaughlin. Capitals battle it out and end it 11-8, earning them a spot in quarters against Riot for the second year in a row.

Ozone vs Godiva
This game started out an absolute swillfest, but Ozone managed to take advantage of the numerous Godiva turns. #2 Jess Blanton was playing hot for Godiva and gets a D and subsequent score from #10 Sarah Cook. Despite a #4 Heather point block on #4 Julie Echterhoff, Ozone jumps to an 8-4 lead at half. At this point it seems like Godiva is going to hand the victory over to the Southern team but soon turns it around. Ozone scores the first upwinder after halftime but fails to see another goal for the next six. Godiva battles back take their first lead at 10-9 with a #10 Sarah Cook to #2 Jess Blanton score. Ozone was having a terrible time connecting and just suffered from a lot of miscommunication. #5 Kate Wilson is huge in the next few points for ozone with layout grabs and Ds everywhere. A #2 Laura Gold to #20 Meredith Leahy huck score tied the game up at 10s and the soft cap goes on. Godiva works it downwind by the handlers and #27 Maureen McCamely catches the goal from #31 Christina Cianfrani. Ozone also gets the downwind score and is now faced with double game point. Ozone comes out in a zone, the cup giving it all they've got. Ozone's #64 Maggie Jackson skies #2 Blanton going deep in the zone to give Ozone possession upwind. Ozone patiently works it up out of a Godiva zone and ends the game on an #9 Erin Coker catch. Sidelines filled with members of Rival and Chain erupt and congratulate the women in their deserved victory.
posted on 10/28/2006 02:50:00 AM

Women Day 1
Story by Kelley Kneib
Images by Jason Mechler

The day started out sunny, around 80 degrees with a slight wind of 5-10mph. All first round games started out very sloppy as adjusting to the wind and phat air are definitely challenges for everyone. Many teams were just testing to see what they could get away with. Only two upsets today in Pools C & D with Wicked and Showdown breaking seed respectively.

First Round

Fury vs. Godiva
Everyone was curious as to how Godiva was going to perform here at the Championships – and their first match-up of the day, Fury, proved no easy feat. Both teams had difficulty connecting in the beginning, overthrowing all of their receivers long. But on the second point, Alicia White's layout catch showed that Fury was ready to get down and dirty with the best of them. A few points later, a still fired up White got a layout dump D on Godiva's Maureen McCamley which allowed Fury to go up two. Defense forced a turn on the next point and a composed Gwen Ambler throws a floaty forehand huck to Julie Baker for a layout score. 4-1 Fury. Everyone is contributing in this game for the Bay Area team. Soon after, sidelines erupted as Liz Penny skies a few Godiva players in the end zone on a throw from Dominique Fontenette for yet another score. Godiva's lack of season-long practice showed with their difficulty connecting in all parts of the game - dropped pulls, errant dumps. Godiva was never really in it and Fury pulled out the win effortlessly, 15-3.

Ozone vs. Showdown
Showdown had tons of trouble outside their end zone in this first game on nearly every possession. First game jitters did not dissipate for this Texas team until the 3rd round of the day. Ozone had luck on their side, catching anything that was in the air, even if it was not for the intended receiver. Angela Lin was huge for Ozone with numerous assists. Showdown's lack of discipline and poor positioning on dumps showed in this game – Ozone takes it to them15-7.

Brute Squad vs. MOJO
MOJO was looking really scrappy, especially on defense. Brute was struggling a lot in the wind but managed to put away quite a few short i/o forehand scores on turns close to their end zone much to MOJO's dismay. MOJO's handlers were doing a great job in Brute's four-person cup, breaking it around and through fairly unchallenged. MOJO fought a gallant battle but Brute was slightly more consistent and ended it 15-10.

Capitals vs. Wicked
Capitals Danielle Fortin mentioned that it was a first time trip to the Club Championships for many of these Canadians and weren't shaking the first game jitters too well. Despite the nerves, Capitals were still scoring and defending Wicked's dump really well. Wicked was getting frustrated because play was stopped frequently with questionable travel calls by the Capitals, who found themselves up 8-5 at half. Wicked battled back but just when you thought they would have a chance to bring it within two, the Capitals shut down Wicked's around-backhand and were forced to thread the needle with i/o forehand that they could consistently not complete. Gwen Faulkner of Wicked wished her team "would have taken more advantage of what they gave us". They did have a lot of chances to score but would throw too many away outside their end zone. Final score 15-11.

Second Round

Safari vs Godiva
Safari seemed to have no problem handling Godiva. The two teams traded points in the beginning but Safari pulled away after halftime. Godiva still had trouble with the long game and just kept overthrowing open receivers. Safari wins 15-8.

Rare Air vs Nemesis
Really ugly start to this game with tons of foul and pick calls. All the stopping and starting hurt Nemesis and found themselves quickly down 4-0. Allison Boyd was a D machine in this game, never giving her woman the opportunity to rest on her laurels. After an overthrow by Nemesis, Katie Dolara sees Jana Krutzinger in the end zone and gives her the score with an easy cross-field backhand. Nemesis made a run of two points after halftime but could never string together anything more than that. Rare's tightness on the 1-3-3 and their spacing on offense was great and involved nearly all of their players in one point. Rare wins 15-8.

Riot vs Bnogo
Riot was still looking a little sloppy on their deep shots just as they were in their previous game against Nemesis. Bnogo was pretty scrappy for the first three points with Margalit Gould giving it all she had handling and laying out for anything near her. But triple dumps proved hard to reset the disc for the DC ladies. Riot finally found their groove in Riot's zone transition to man and never looked back. 15-3 Riot wins.

Ozone vs MOJO
MOJO went down early and couldn't recover from the deficit. Angela Lin #71 ended a point of beautiful textbook offense to Jen Smith for a score. MOJO gave Ozone a good game and played fairly aggressive defense but Ozone's offense had cleaned up considerably and won 15-8.

Capitals vs Box Lunch
Box's upwind throws were not on in this game and the dumps were not hitting their continues, which meant they just kept moving farther back with each pass. Box did not open up the deep game and found themselves struggling to take advantage of their hardworking cutters downfield. Solid handling by Leah Ledenbach and tireless popping by Sarah Staller made things happen in the Capitals zone. The effort was not enough as Sheri Madigan's lefty throws on Capitals contributed to tons of break scores. Kathleen Lemieux was a standout on defense and helped the Capitals march to victory 14-9.

Wicked vs Backhoe
Backhoe struggled to get fired up at the beginning of this game and found themselves trading points with Wicked for the first half, who was playing really good offense using the entire field. Julie Gabrielli was playing hot and wound up with three goals and a few sick layout catches. Backhoe's transition after turns were really quick and smooth which helped them get the edge back against Wicked. Wicked's turfed forehands and lack of containing the around break hurt them and Backhoe closed the game out 15-10 with a layout catch by Becky LeDonne#13.

Showdown vs Brute Squad
Rolled up to see Brute Squad in yet another close game. Trading points, Brute Squad was still not playing as clean as they would like. Showdown took a lead at 9-8 but could not keep the momentum in their favor. Brute concentrated on containing Showdown's deep game and it started to work. Putting on a zone late in the second half also helped Brute get some turns and rattle off four in-a-row at the end. Rana Suh and Cathy Dobson played very solid this game with many of the scores and assists.

Third Round

Capitals vs Backhoe
Very physical defense in the beginning of this game. One highlight was Jessi Witt ripping it to Beth Oppenheimer just outside the end zone where she dumps and then cuts for the score. Backhoe throws a zone at 3-3 and Capitals patiently worked it in. A few points later we see Capitals spread, where the force side cutters move horizontally to the break lane while handlers look for another downfielder to come into that open area and then get them to huck for the score. Danielle Fortin was totally shredding the defense with sick forehand breaks. Backhoe takes control after half with the Capitals getting worn out by intense defense. A few points later, Becky LeDonne rips it to Missy Richardson for a sweet score.

Riot vs Rare Air
A blowout from the start. Rare could not connect on offense to save their lives even after getting really good Ds. Riot's Miranda Roth was really excited to see that their "offense was finally clicking." Watching Shannon O'Malley run down a big huck for a layout score was another highlight. Rare had trouble reading the wind and couldn't get downwind passes that were just out of reach. Final score15-4.

Ozone vs Brute Squad
Both teams playing man nearly the whole game. Brute's downfield pressure was good and a sidelined Beth Nakamura felt that the team had definitely excelled in the second halves of today's games. They broke two points before half, which seemed to add to Ozone's frustration. A quiet Georgia sideline at half was surprising despite the score only being 8-7. Brute came out after half in their spread O and worked it with no problem. Momentum was clearly in Brute's favor and they finished the game15-11.

Showdown vs Mojo
Showdown finally started getting in the groove in this round and was connecting with all of their long strikes from Katey Forth. It appeared that MOJO was tired after two close losses and was really struggling with staying mentally focused. Game ended 15-8 in favor of Showdown for the upset in Pool D.

Fury vs Safari
Safari came out with a trapping zone for the first couple points and Fury struggled to keep possession but eventually broke through it. After trading points, Fury started forcing backhand to take away the hammer look for the San Diego team. Forcing middle was also working to force turns on Safari's underneath cuts. At 7-3, Shar Stuht pointed out that Alex Snyder was destroying them on the deep game. "She's going to get it either the first pass or the second pass – so we've got to shut her down!" But little does Safari realize, Alex isn't the only one putting it. Jenny Hanscom delivers Enessa Janes a perfect 40-yard forehand huck for the score that brings puts them up 8-4. Coach, Matt Tsang, has no trouble calling lines with a sidelined Erin Percival as no game today proves a real challenge and they go on to win 15-8.

Bnogo vs Nemesis
Nemesis was forcing straight up at the beginning of this game against Bnogo's horizontal stack and wasn't finding it effective. Margalit Gould commented that Bnogo was finally "connecting really well felt really good." and went up 8-5, looking to upset. After half, a fired up Lynne Nolan on Nemesis laid out for Melanie Koskamp's huck. Nemesis defense transitioned to force forehand and found themselves able to play tighter D and get back in the game bringing it to 11-13 Nemesis. Bnogo seemed to start fatiguing a little and Nemesis sent Bnogo packing 15-11.

Godiva v Layuma
Layuma stayed alive in this game until the second half against Godiva, playing a mix of zone and man. The Florida girls wanted to prove they belonged here and were really working hard – Lisa Holder got a sweet point block on a stunned Godiva player and Lindsey Riemenschneider had some sweet throws touching it every other pass. But it was not enough to hang with the Boston ladies and they lost 15-9.

In Friday Power pools we see the usual suspects: Riot, Safari, Backhoe & Capitals in Pool E. Riot, Rare, Brute Squad and Ozone in Pool F. Battling it out in the lower pools are Lady Godiva, Layuma, Wicked & Box Lunch in Pool G. And Nemesis, Bnogo, MOJO and Showdown in Pool E.
posted on 10/27/2006 02:27:00 AM

Women's Division Preview
by Kelley Kneib

The Club Championships are finally here after six grueling months of practices for most of these athletes. It's been a long season but not without its upsets and new faces on the scene. It was tough to compete in the northwest region this year with many of the top ranked teams not advancing to the big dance due to only two bid allocations. At 2005 Club Championships, Schwa and Homebrood placed 11th and 13th, respectively, losing their region's chance for a strength bid in 2006. Rough Riders looked hot early on but burned out early in the 2nd place bracket at NW regionals. After a one-year hiatus, Prime reformed this year and steadily improved as the season wore on. Viva! looked tons better and Skyline also had a promising start to their season, but they simply could not hang with the big dogs. Now that the teams are set let's take a look at what these rock stars bring to the table.

Seattle Riot, probably started the season just like the average wanna-be three-peat champions do...but were hard-up to explain San Francisco's Fury win over their seemingly untouchable team at ECC - Riot's hometown tournament. You could hear players everywhere exclaim, "They ARE human. Riot can lose!" The two teams have traded wins ever since. However, Fury ended up with the most important victory at Northwest regionals, rewarding them with the first seed at the Club Championships this year. Touted as the "All-Star Team of the West," Fury boasts two key roster additions: 2006 Callahan winner Alex Snyder and former Riotess, Liz Penny. You've got to wonder if Fury is coming in a bit overconfident as in years past or whether they're just right on the money. Regardless, Riot's Team USA stars Miranda Roth and Deb Cussen have been preparing for a Championship rematch in a classic "Clash of the Titans." Riot has been experimenting with a spread offense this year but will still be a force to be reckoned with in their disciplined vertical stack O. Without veteran teammates Vida Towne and Kim Blakemore in the lineup due to significant injuries, will the team have what it takes to defend their title?

Don't' fear, you gossip mongers; the East coast was not without its drama. After rising from the ashes of a disappointing day of pool play to still finish 5th at 2005 Club Championships, it looked as if Lady Godiva was finally hanging up their cleats. Rumors circulated that top Brute Squad players were jumping ship and forming a new team with Godiva remnants. But alas, it was not meant to be. Five Godiva Players, Peri Kurshan, Lakmshi Narayan, Alison Cohen, Nurit Bloom, and Anne Lightbody joined the ranks of Brute Squad instead. Godiva was officially done and we all went on with our seasons. But next thing you know, Godiva is back at sectionals. What?! Struggling with their on-again, off-again status, people are definitely unsure of what to expect from a team with such a successful track record at the Championships. This year the perennial bridesmaid Brute Squad finally achieved their goal of #1 spot in the region, which has to be a huge psychological advantage to the team this year. Expect this experienced, athletic team to be a frontrunner for semifinals.

The Capitals also dropped by NW regionals to see what was going down after killing it at Canadian Nationals (as Lotus & Stella) and wound up with a solid 2nd place finish over Lady Godiva. The team has lost some key handlers this year, most notably Erin Huck, but will prove to be a scrappy bunch once again, ready to compete with the best.

The new elite women's team hailing from Texas makes me think the South will indeed rise again! After a jaw-dropping last place finish at 2005 Club Championships, Zanzara called it quits and key members of the team sweet-talked some southern belles from Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio into forming Showdown. Despite the rumblings that this team is terribly miss-seeded at the Club Championships this year, Showdown is ready to face-off against their regional rival, Ozone, in pool play.

Ozone doesn't appear as deep this year with the losses of former captains, Holly Sommers and Lisa Kotora, and could be vulnerable for an upset. But with Angela Lin back in the saddle again, it seems they had no trouble at South regionals and have had close games all season with the top five, making them another team gunning for semis.

Newcomers to the series, Layuma, pulled out a surprising semifinal win over Showdown at South regionals, but later lost big in a rematch in the 2/3 game. Layuma is the first team out of Florida to make it to the tournament since the Hucksters back in 2000. They will prove athletic but unable to remain consistent enough to break seed.

From the Southwest, we see the same trio as last year: Rare Air, Safari and Box Lunch. Rare has definitely lost some key players this year but their cagey vets somehow seem to keep the hope alive. Leah Brooks and Tina McDowell are just a few of the playmakers to watch alongside a new crop of CU Kali girls. But their roster may not be deep enough to battle through the Florida heat with only 15 strong to beat Nemesis in pool play or crack quarters this year.

Safari had a strong midseason performance at Colorado Cup - with Shar Stuht throwing more hammers than ever - but they seemed a little inconsistent at Labor Day. Safari will definitely give Fury a good run but will wind up with a respectable 2nd place finish in Pool A.

Box Lunch makes their second appearance at the Championships and hopes to avenge their 2005 pre-quarters loss against the Capitals. Losing seven experienced players from last year, this Rocky Mountain team has struggled to get a complete roster at a given tournament but was psyched about their win over Safari at regionals. However, due to a three-way tie for first, they were knocked down to play for 3rd place without another chance to take 2nd. Look for teammates Jamie Anderson and Merry Beth Evans to run teams ragged from all their high-altitude training.

In the Mid-Atlantic region, Backhoe seems poised to make another finals run having only lost to Fury and Riot this year. This team is 23 strong and has worked on controlling the tempo of a game throughout the course of the year. They may be trying to work on being more conservative, but Team USA star Jesse Witt will undoubtedly be sending it deep to UNC-Chapel Hill alum Lindsey Hack every chance they get.

Don't be surprised to see Wicked make some noise as well. From the Boston Invite until now, this team has shown some grit and determination when facing even their fiercest opponents. Julie Gabrielli, and Shelly Su will be hungry for a second place finish in Pool C.

Bnogo has added six new players to its roster but still has no big name wins to make them a threat. Beware of Margalit Gould and Kerry Lutz playing some sick shutdown D and a fresh-legged Jennie Wellman on Saturday to keep the team plugging away.

Finally, we come to the Central region finishers, Chicago Nemesis and MOJO. Nemesis' success this year could largely be due to adding coach Adam Goff to the posse or it could be their perfection of their four-person cup. If they can manage to not self-destruct by getting down on their teammates when the game gets tight, they could take down Rare Air in nail-biter on Thursday.

MOJO comes off a tough regional battle in Naperville this year against Minnesota's Bait. MOJO lost their pool play game to them on Saturday, setting them up for a harder semis game against Nemesis on Sunday. MOJO lost and began making its way through the backdoor. It appears momentum was on MOJO's side as they claimed the second spot for the Club Championships over Bait by a four-point margin. This joint operation will have to play stellar on Thursday to break seed in a stacked Pool D.
posted on 10/26/2006 01:48:00 AM