Our spring semester starts in a little over one month. Our practice schedule is posted on our Google calendar (found below), as well as our conditioning schedule. We will be adding early morning agility on either Tuesday or Wednesday mornings at the indoor track.
Tournament Schedule:
Feb 20--Iowa State Scrimmage w/ ISU and Wisconsin (Ames, IA)
Mar 13-14--Philly Classic (Philadelphia, PA)
Mar 20-21--Chicago Invite (Naperville, IL)
Mar 27-28--Womens College Centex (Austin, TX)
UPA Lake Superior Sectionals (TBA)
UPA Central Regionals (TBA)
SOLmates...make sure you are checking in with your accountability partner(s) over break. Push each other hard! If you are looking for workout ideas, send a Facebook message to Robyn Fennig, and she will get you set up with our Facebook group :) (Or you can always search "SOL Conditioning")
<3 your captains!
The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Women's Ultimate Team
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
SOL gets groovy
Well, after meeting up at the track and warming up, the few who showed up to the correct gym location in the snow storm for conditioning decided to get creative. Jess Haller suggested that the Zumba class (taught by former SOLmate, Kristi Finco) going on over at the other side of the track would be fun. Needless to say, Jess, Heather, George, and I attempted to do this. We got a great workout in...but I think I can speak for both George and myself when I say we do not have the greatest dance moves in the world. Unlike the one girl in the front row, us trying this new class was humorous to say the least. I definitely had some fun...and I'm sure Brit and Whit had fun laughing at us, as they could not participate.
We ended up taking advantage of the excess gym space (due to the intramural tournament of champions running through tonight) and enjoyed extra room to throw and what not.
Heather and I went to dodgeball and made some new friends too. I only got hit once in the face, but let's be honest, some girl already chipped my tooth yesterday at intramural finals, so no big deal.
Heading into finals with our gift exchange and SOLunch on Sunday afternoon before finals. Final stretch. Woo hoo.
{P.S. A special shout out to my new inspiration, Melissa Brown, for being the first SOL mate of the season to throw up at conditioning yesterday. She did her thing, and pushed through a hella tough workout in Zorn. We're working hard. SOL team stair count from conditioning practices only, thus far: 13,860 and yes this is an accurate number, I have been keeping track}
Go out and make a snow angel please. I know I will in the morning.
We ended up taking advantage of the excess gym space (due to the intramural tournament of champions running through tonight) and enjoyed extra room to throw and what not.
Heather and I went to dodgeball and made some new friends too. I only got hit once in the face, but let's be honest, some girl already chipped my tooth yesterday at intramural finals, so no big deal.
Heading into finals with our gift exchange and SOLunch on Sunday afternoon before finals. Final stretch. Woo hoo.
{P.S. A special shout out to my new inspiration, Melissa Brown, for being the first SOL mate of the season to throw up at conditioning yesterday. She did her thing, and pushed through a hella tough workout in Zorn. We're working hard. SOL team stair count from conditioning practices only, thus far: 13,860 and yes this is an accurate number, I have been keeping track}
Go out and make a snow angel please. I know I will in the morning.
Monday, December 7, 2009
I am Surprising, I am surprising, I am SURPRISING! SOL plays Dodgeball
Anna Hettler got an e-mail from the UWEC Chapter of Amnesty International about a fundraiser to send some money to the war-torn region of Darfur in the Sudan. The charity event, “Dodgeball 4 Darfur” was pretty well attended, by guys.
Here is the story the Raccoon Assassins (SOL) taking them down on the guys.
As the only all female team in the dodgeball tournament, we had our work cut out for us. Between Brit Gartner, Heather Wroten, and Tracie Anderson’s sniping skills and me and Anna Hettler catching everything, we were feeling good. Sprinting to get the balls at the center line cost us the first game victory, as two of the Raccoon Assassins were eliminated as sacrificial lambs. We changed our strategy so that we pretended to bust off the line to get the balls, and stopped. Basically giving all the balls to our opponents. But it was okay, as that strategy proved to help us. We ended up pulling off a second game win against the mostly male team. In the best-of-three round, we ended up falling after a marathon game. In other words, we took on a somewhat shady team who liked to cheat (aka cross the center line by 5 feet with every throw, or refusing to go out even though they were clearly out), we took them to a third round game. We lose in overtime. Sad day.
We found more success in the losers bracket, beating Jumpstart, led by former SOLmate Lauren Novak. I can say it was weird to pelt her with dodgeballs after she was once our teammate just a few months ago. But, what must be done was done. We eliminated their team quite handedly in a 3-0 victory.
We lose the next round, despite Brit Gartner’s slide tackling maneuver at the mid-line, but end up winning the 10th place game. Heck yes. SOL can do other things.
I ended up picking up with Fenske’s Intravarsity team with former Eauzoner Chris Schasse after two of Fenske’s teammates had to leave. In the quarter finals, we ended up playing the team SOL lost to in the first round, which I re-named “Cheating for Charity.” The final game, the “Cheaters for Charity” team called a timeout, and subbed their two best MALE players for the remaining male/female pair who was on the court before the timeout was called. Talk about sexism. Our team ended up pulling out a narrow victory thanks to Justin Weber’s sick skills.
We faced the UWEC Dodgeball Club A-team in the semis. We lost by one in the first game. I single-handedly beat the Dodgeball Club A-team in the second game. It was all six of them vs. me after all of my teammates were eliminated. I proceeded to catch 6 throws in less than two minutes, getting all my teammates back in and eliminating all 6 of theirs. Speechless in my performance, my new teammates could not believe it. I was semi-recruited by the dodgeball club. Guess what I’m doing on Tuesday night? Playing dodgeball, obvi.
(Left to right. Top Row: Whitney Esson, Jess Haller, Melissa Brown, Heather Wroten, Anna Hettler, Robyn Fennig, Brit Gartner. Bottom Row: Tracie Anderson, Estelle Taquet)
Here is the story the Raccoon Assassins (SOL) taking them down on the guys.
As the only all female team in the dodgeball tournament, we had our work cut out for us. Between Brit Gartner, Heather Wroten, and Tracie Anderson’s sniping skills and me and Anna Hettler catching everything, we were feeling good. Sprinting to get the balls at the center line cost us the first game victory, as two of the Raccoon Assassins were eliminated as sacrificial lambs. We changed our strategy so that we pretended to bust off the line to get the balls, and stopped. Basically giving all the balls to our opponents. But it was okay, as that strategy proved to help us. We ended up pulling off a second game win against the mostly male team. In the best-of-three round, we ended up falling after a marathon game. In other words, we took on a somewhat shady team who liked to cheat (aka cross the center line by 5 feet with every throw, or refusing to go out even though they were clearly out), we took them to a third round game. We lose in overtime. Sad day.We found more success in the losers bracket, beating Jumpstart, led by former SOLmate Lauren Novak. I can say it was weird to pelt her with dodgeballs after she was once our teammate just a few months ago. But, what must be done was done. We eliminated their team quite handedly in a 3-0 victory.We lose the next round, despite Brit Gartner’s slide tackling maneuver at the mid-line, but end up winning the 10th place game. Heck yes. SOL can do other things.I ended up picking up with Fenske’s Intravarsity team with former Eauzoner Chris Schasse after two of Fenske’s teammates had to leave. In the quarter finals, we ended up playing the team SOL lost to in the first round, which I re-named “Cheating for Charity.” The final game, the “Cheaters for Charity” team called a timeout, and subbed their two best MALE players for the remaining male/female pair who was on the court before the timeout was called. Talk about sexism. Our team ended up pulling out a narrow victory thanks to Justin Weber’s sick skills.
We faced the UWEC Dodgeball Club A-team in the semis. We lost by one in the first game. I single-handedly beat the Dodgeball Club A-team in the second game. It was all six of them vs. me after all of my teammates were eliminated. I proceeded to catch 6 throws in less than two minutes, getting all my teammates back in and eliminating all 6 of theirs. Speechless in my performance, my new teammates could not believe it. I was semi-recruited by the dodgeball club. Guess what I’m doing on Tuesday night? Playing dodgeball, obvi.
(Left to right. Top Row: Whitney Esson, Jess Haller, Melissa Brown, Heather Wroten, Anna Hettler, Robyn Fennig, Brit Gartner. Bottom Row: Tracie Anderson, Estelle Taquet)The final game of the day was a showcase game of IV vs. SOL. Jess Haller took my place on her boyfriend’s team, since Fenske tore his ACL. There was an epic wrestling match for a ball to start it off, where I had to basically use Justin as a shield from getting pelted by his teammates. Brit outlasted everyone in the second game with her dolphin dives and nearly won the game single handedly.
What a great time.
I will leave you all with one of the best pictures of Eau2's captain HotCarl, who had one of the best costumes I have ever seen, winning second prize in a costume competition. Lookin' good Freddie Mercury.
Monday, November 9, 2009
SOL Goes to the Arch: Midwest Warmup Write-Up
Midwest Warmup. SOL took a rather small roster of mostly newbs. It probably turned out to be my favorite tournament of the year.After day one, I tried to re-iterate the importance of taking care of yourself at tournaments. My first semester that I played ultimate at UWEC, Spring 2007, we had a whopping eleven girls. The most we could ever have was eleven. We qualified for Central Regionals for the first time ever, and had nine healthy players. That weekend was a true test of our mental toughness: our abilities to stay focused and our desire to play hard when we are tired. We pushed ourselves to the limits, working on fundamentals in the horizontal sleet rain, concentrating on field position and playing possession ultimate.
That reminded me much of this tournament. Our vets and our newbs were tested alike, pushing ourselves to our limits when our numbers started dwindling late in the day with injuries. We sort of adopted the motto "win each battle" this weekend, as we started to concentrate on every individual point, never looking ahead to the next.
SATURDAY POOL PLAY
Game 1 vs. Missouri State Bearly Legal
After a first round bye, we faced Bearly Legal, a team after our own heart sporting the spray paint :) . A team that was led by its handlers who had strong throws and good breaks. SOL worked hard to put a great deal of pressure on the handlers to try to slow down the Missou offense. SOL worked hard to capitalize on every turn, working the disc up-wind with ease. Final score: SOL 13, Bearly Legal 3.
Game 2 vs. Loyola-Chicago Sirens
The Sirens had some solid players with good throws. They were patient against the SOL zone defense, working it laterally well. SOL was able to force some turns with intense cup-D led by Anna Hettler's fierce mark, Whitney Esson/Beth Wright/Martha Harris' intense D-generating mid-mid, and Emy Marier's multiple D's from the wing spot. SOL had very few turns, utilizing nearly every opportunity to score. Final score: SOL 13, Sirens 2.
Game 3 vs. Northwestern Gung-ho
In the third match up between the two teams of the season, SOL knew they had to come out all guns firing. SOL and Gung-ho traded possessions, but it was SOL's tough defensive tenacity with multiple hand-blocks per point by Robyn Fennig and Anna Hettler that helped SOL to control the tempo early, going up on an early lead. Gung-ho worked the disc patiently, and was able to go on a mini-run themselves. The game was really close. So close, in fact, that Brit Gartner could not bear to not play any longer, set down her white board of stats and cleated up, still sporting an injury from the championship game of No Wisconsequences. SOL switched up the defense to keep the Northwestern handlers on their toes, and was able to come out on top in this nail-biter. SOL: 9, Gung-ho, 7.
Game 4 vs. Vanderbilt Voodoo
SOL was feeling mighty tired after a hard-fought game vs. Northwestern. Coach "Daddy Pat" Niles came to the ladies of SOL with the wise words of treating every point like it was its own battle. Winning every battle will help us come out on top. That is what we pushed to do. The first half was sloppy. After half, SOL came out with more patience, realizing that with fewer girls, we had to push oursleves to finish on every single posession, making smarter plays with 100% throws, not taking unnecessary risks in order to preserve our legs for Sunday. SOL: 13, Voodoo 1.
SOL goes to Hooters and the Arch!
We went to Hooters for dinner, eating a gratuitous amount of wings. We had so many left-over wings that Robyn still has wings in her refrigerator from the weekend.
SOL then ventured to downtown St. Louis by the flooded Mississippi river, which actually resembled the game Grand Theft Auto with all the helicopters and police vehicles. Crazy.
After taking cheesey pictures and playing by the Gateway Arch (630 feet tall made of stainless steel....it sways 1 inch in 20 mph winds, and only 18 inches in 150 mph winds! and its shape was determined by the hyperbolic cosine function, cosh(x), fyi.) we headed to the DOUBLE TREE WEST-PORT ST. LOUIS INN..... However, Beth's car began to break down on the cobblestone streets of the river district. We pull over, and figure out that her oil pump is pretty shot. We pull off on some semi-shady gas station (single cans from a 24 pack of Busch Light available on ICE as you check out!!). As were these bags of potato chips...aka RAP SNACKS!
Some guy comes up to us, and says "Can you call this number? I can't find my phone." Heather gives man her phone. To prove he wasn't going to run with her phone, he gives her $300 in cash (small bills, $20 and $10s). In other words, Heather gets tricked into giving some guy her number at a gas station. All this was happening as Robyn was "causing a scene" while pumping gas in her spandex, apparently some guy with his four year old daughter completely checked out her butt while Pat, Anna, and Martha laughed from a distance, while Robyn was completely oblivious.Sorry Iowa State, we ditched out on going out with you guys. We had to pull a super sketch move and change Beth's oil in the hotel parking lot...and some of us were too lame and slept. Raincheck in January?
SUNDAY BRACKET PLAY
SOL sadly did not earn a first round bye, finishing fifth in point differential due to the close game vs. extremely under-seeded Northwestern.
Pre-Quarters vs. North Park Allihopa
We came out firing against a good North Park team. North Park, graduated Kelly Marshall, sick all-region player for the Great Lakes Region, but had some solid cutters and handlers this year as well. SOL successfully switched it up between man and zone, playing a field-position oriented game. We were able to work the disc up-wind and down-wind, controlling the tempo of the game for the most part. Keeping pressure on the handlers helped to fluster the Allihopa O. Soft cap went on, and SOL won. I was really impressed with the awesome spirit demonstrated multiple times during the game. It was a fun, intense game. I felt like both teams really had a great time playing each other. I hope to see Allihopa again in the spring! Final score, SOL 12, Allihopa 4.
Quarters vs. Michigan Flywheel
Michigan, perennial nationals qualifier from the Great Lakes Region, brought a notably more veteran squad to Warmup than they did at No Wisconsequences. SOL came out fired up and scored a few quick points. Michigan answered that with points of their own. The game was highlighted by momentum changes that matched a roller coaster. Both teams playing very up and very down. Both teams showing signs of greatness, and signs of weakness. What impressed me the most, was that when each team was playing weak, the other was able to capitalize and score. It was a hard fought game with long points. When soft cap went on, the score was 6-6, Flywheel receiving down-wind. SOL came out and scored two break points in a row, showing the mental toughness that was preached all weekend long. Final score: SOL 8, Flywheel 6. Again, I really noticed some good spirit of the game displayed throughout the entire game by both teams. Calls were discussed in a calm, respectful manner, both teams made good calls, and played intensely, but had smiles on their faces the whole time. I really enjoy games like this one. SOL grew a lot, learning from one of the best teams around.
Semis vs. Iowa State Women Scorned
After playing ISU twice this season, we knew it would be another really close game, especially with our numbers dwindling dangerously low. I did feel good, however, because Christine Rosen did not attempt to table top me before the game like she always does; she did want to fight though, but not against me. The game started out with a quick SOL lead. Lindsey Gaptsur threatened her team by yelling, "the next person who punts it deep to Robyn...I'm kicking your ass" truly captures the way the game started out. Out of fear of Gap's wrath, they decided to change their tactics and strategy, much to my disappointment, because I was feeling really good about myself. ISU was able to exercise patience and go on a run. Making the game close. It was a hard-fought game by both teams, but the dwindling numbers for SOL proved to be too hard to overcome after a long weekend in the heat. ISU kicked it into high gear and went on a run again. We tried at the end, but fell short. Final score SOL 8, Women Scorned 9.
SOL stayed around heckling Women Scorned and the Bella Donnas in a good championship game. The score really didn't indicate how good of a game it was, at least in my opinion from what I saw. Sarah Hoistad was breaking marks and tallying some assists early, as ISU went up 4-1 or something to that effect on Bella (I was rather famished waiting for my Chipotle burritos), but Bella made some good adjustments, utlizing strong handlers like 2009 Callahan winner Georgia Bosscher (who just won the UPA Club Championships with Fury last weekend). ISU had early injuries of Jasmine Draper (who later returned, thanks to the banana I ran and got for her) and Christine Rosen (who didn't go back in due to excessive cramping to every muscle in her leg...that may have went away if she would have eaten the banana I got her...even though she claims to have eaten 4 bananas. Rookie mistake). We got our free burritos and peaced out for the long car ride back to EC. Wish we would have saw the rest of the game.
Mad props to CLX who took second in the co-ed division at UPA Club Nationals...that means more love to the ISU girls (cough cough Gibbs, Jaz, and Christine) too, I suppose.
All in all, I could not be more thrilled with the way we played this weekend. It showed that we do have the mental toughness to succeed, but it still needs to be improved. We were up against two good teams, but let them back in. We need to work to keep those leads and not let up.We also need to shut down teams that score 1 or 2 points against us better. We have the ability to do so, but let up the pedal a bit. We have to capitalize on every opportunity and score every time we have the disc. That will make the difference in spring as we go on a quest for our first ever nationals bid. That is something we can work on as we move indoors.
Great things from this weekend, include:
-Anna Hettler's 16 handblocks (she had one point where she had 4 alone...)
-Whitney Esson's huge forehand huck in the game vs. Michigan
-Robyn not getting table-topped by Christine
-MARFIE HARRIS' RETURN TO SOLTIMATE...after a long break with mononucleosis
-Melissa "Brownie" Brown's smart cuts
-Emy Marier's funtensity, especially on zone D
**SOL, check your e-mails for our indoor practice schedule.
One battle at a time SOL.
-Robyn, Brit, and Marfie
Friday, October 23, 2009
Heathers Adventures With Exploding Bean Cans: EC Chillout
Going into Friday, we were supposed to have 14 teams. We were down to 12 by the end of Friday. After re-doing pools and brackets, we ended up getting things ready to go for Saturday. We were originally planning on splitting X/Y, but after re-arranging the brackets, found that we should combine, simply because a 12 team tournament is nicer than a 13 team tournament, frankly. EC Chillout is a good tournament to get newbs some playing time and do lots of teaching. I was really excited that some new teams, like Stevens Point and Northern Michigan were coming, because it's a chance for them to get lots of points for their players.
Round 1 vs. St. Bens Ugly Hucklings
The ladies of St. Bens teamed up with the ladies of Drake. SOL came out a little flat, lacking some enthusiasm. I felt like many of our points were going in slow motion. We got it together, and were able to connect deep for quick transitions, taking advantage of mismatches. Final score: SOL 13, Ugly Hucklings 1.
Round 2 vs. Macalester Snatchers
Mac is a team of nice girls, who always bring energy and fun. They typically have a larger team, but due to mid-terms for them starting on Monday, their team was unable to to field a lot of numbers. Their handlers are confident and move the disc well. SOL was able to pick up the D. Many SOLmates had layout Ds and run-through D's galore. Final Score: SOL 13, Snatchers 1.
Round 3 vs. Wisconsin-Stevens Point Shockwave
Point is a new team, filled with promise. Coached by former Eauzone handler Alex Kensgaard, Shockwave is learning a ton. The past few years had been rough for Shockwave to get commited players, but after some good recruiting efforts, the squad led by Emily Karoblis and Candace Z had some good numbers and the real desire to improve. Megan Nimmo from the UofM Ninjas joined them for the game also, making a few great layout grabs. SOL played lots of cup D, causing quick turns and quick transitions. Estelle Taquet turned up her D; while SOL cutters were busting deep. Final score: SOL 13, Shockwave 1.
Tournament Dinner
I'm not really sure how many relatively bigger fall tournaments still serve a hot dinner to every team and player. It's always a scramble to cook 600+ hot dogs, a ton of beans, and get things set up to serve 200-300 people. Somehow, we do it every single year. It's a ridiculous prodution, to say the least. Emy, Tracie, and I were fishing for hot dogs in the boiling water atop the giant bunsen-burner style roaster, while Mariah and Baby Glades were running them back and forth to the pots in the kitchen. Heather was hit in the face with exploding baked bean cans...ha ha. Brownie and Estelle were separating buns. It was an extremely fun, and stressful time. Thanks to Matt Dassow for making 18+ lbs of pasta salad. :)
Quarter finals vs. Winona State Bad Monaz
The Monaz came off of a close game against St. Thomas. The Monaz, led by limbo all-star Hailey Bronson, have a good deep game. SOL came out fired as we've ever been playing good man and zone D, switching it up. The communication between the deep and mid-mid was exceptional, with Whitney Esson being a run-through D machine. Final score: SOL 13, Monaz 1.
Semi Finals vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee Blackcat
Blackcat's core players have been playing together for a few years. Handlers Lexi Bond and Sara Pournoor have great hucks, and cutters Alyssa Justesen, Sarah Schramm, Holly Lisowski, and Alina Nikogosyan have great hands. SOL came out in zone D again, knowing that we had to pressure their handlers to get turns, and that is exactly what we did. There was this time that I tried to jump off of the side of my foot...hmm, not so successful, and the next thing I know I'm crawling off of the field with a lightly-sprained ankle. Oh well, the game must go on. Tracie Anderson turned up her D, putting extra pressure in the cup. SOL came out on top, 13 to 4.
Championships vs. Luther College Gangsta Bitches
...so, okay, I know they don't have an official name, but Sanna Beek said it's their unofficial name. It's a true story. They for sure have some awesome players who live up to that name, especially handlers. Bringing an impressively huge squad (30+ players), Luther has some good potential again this year to surprise some great teams with their disciplined handlers who have great hucks, and effort that helps them come up with ridiculously athletic grabs. SOL came out in zone, getting three quick, unanswered points. Whit Esson, again was coming up with great D's. Our wings turned it up, led by Martha Harris and Rachel Culver getting some awesome D's too. On O, Luther started out with a straight up mark, taking advantage of their height and expansive wingspans. SOL handlers were able to take advantage of breaks and work the disc up the field. However, Luther called a time-out and came out scoring 2 back-to-back points, and a zone D. Handlers had to get good lateral disc movement, and as a result was able to get the disc moving again. Melissa Jordan was using her ridiculous speed to get open deep, with handlers putting it to her. Also, quite noteworthy, there were three points scored off of hammers over the cup. Final score, SOL 13, Luther 6.
Following the championship game, Luther and SOL faced off in the most epic game of "Princess, Pole, Tandem." It was three people left, and the call was "Cowboy." Hannah Glader crawled up the back of a Luther girl and was eliminated. Priceless.
We cleaned up the fields and went to cheer on the Eauzone alum team, "Oldzone," in the mens championship against Duluth. It was a great, hard fought game, with Duluth coming out on top 13-11.
Next stop, Midwest Warmup.
Round 1 vs. St. Bens Ugly Hucklings
The ladies of St. Bens teamed up with the ladies of Drake. SOL came out a little flat, lacking some enthusiasm. I felt like many of our points were going in slow motion. We got it together, and were able to connect deep for quick transitions, taking advantage of mismatches. Final score: SOL 13, Ugly Hucklings 1.
Round 2 vs. Macalester Snatchers
Mac is a team of nice girls, who always bring energy and fun. They typically have a larger team, but due to mid-terms for them starting on Monday, their team was unable to to field a lot of numbers. Their handlers are confident and move the disc well. SOL was able to pick up the D. Many SOLmates had layout Ds and run-through D's galore. Final Score: SOL 13, Snatchers 1.
Round 3 vs. Wisconsin-Stevens Point Shockwave
Point is a new team, filled with promise. Coached by former Eauzone handler Alex Kensgaard, Shockwave is learning a ton. The past few years had been rough for Shockwave to get commited players, but after some good recruiting efforts, the squad led by Emily Karoblis and Candace Z had some good numbers and the real desire to improve. Megan Nimmo from the UofM Ninjas joined them for the game also, making a few great layout grabs. SOL played lots of cup D, causing quick turns and quick transitions. Estelle Taquet turned up her D; while SOL cutters were busting deep. Final score: SOL 13, Shockwave 1.
Tournament Dinner
I'm not really sure how many relatively bigger fall tournaments still serve a hot dinner to every team and player. It's always a scramble to cook 600+ hot dogs, a ton of beans, and get things set up to serve 200-300 people. Somehow, we do it every single year. It's a ridiculous prodution, to say the least. Emy, Tracie, and I were fishing for hot dogs in the boiling water atop the giant bunsen-burner style roaster, while Mariah and Baby Glades were running them back and forth to the pots in the kitchen. Heather was hit in the face with exploding baked bean cans...ha ha. Brownie and Estelle were separating buns. It was an extremely fun, and stressful time. Thanks to Matt Dassow for making 18+ lbs of pasta salad. :)
Quarter finals vs. Winona State Bad Monaz
The Monaz came off of a close game against St. Thomas. The Monaz, led by limbo all-star Hailey Bronson, have a good deep game. SOL came out fired as we've ever been playing good man and zone D, switching it up. The communication between the deep and mid-mid was exceptional, with Whitney Esson being a run-through D machine. Final score: SOL 13, Monaz 1.
Semi Finals vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee Blackcat
Blackcat's core players have been playing together for a few years. Handlers Lexi Bond and Sara Pournoor have great hucks, and cutters Alyssa Justesen, Sarah Schramm, Holly Lisowski, and Alina Nikogosyan have great hands. SOL came out in zone D again, knowing that we had to pressure their handlers to get turns, and that is exactly what we did. There was this time that I tried to jump off of the side of my foot...hmm, not so successful, and the next thing I know I'm crawling off of the field with a lightly-sprained ankle. Oh well, the game must go on. Tracie Anderson turned up her D, putting extra pressure in the cup. SOL came out on top, 13 to 4.
Championships vs. Luther College Gangsta Bitches
...so, okay, I know they don't have an official name, but Sanna Beek said it's their unofficial name. It's a true story. They for sure have some awesome players who live up to that name, especially handlers. Bringing an impressively huge squad (30+ players), Luther has some good potential again this year to surprise some great teams with their disciplined handlers who have great hucks, and effort that helps them come up with ridiculously athletic grabs. SOL came out in zone, getting three quick, unanswered points. Whit Esson, again was coming up with great D's. Our wings turned it up, led by Martha Harris and Rachel Culver getting some awesome D's too. On O, Luther started out with a straight up mark, taking advantage of their height and expansive wingspans. SOL handlers were able to take advantage of breaks and work the disc up the field. However, Luther called a time-out and came out scoring 2 back-to-back points, and a zone D. Handlers had to get good lateral disc movement, and as a result was able to get the disc moving again. Melissa Jordan was using her ridiculous speed to get open deep, with handlers putting it to her. Also, quite noteworthy, there were three points scored off of hammers over the cup. Final score, SOL 13, Luther 6.
Following the championship game, Luther and SOL faced off in the most epic game of "Princess, Pole, Tandem." It was three people left, and the call was "Cowboy." Hannah Glader crawled up the back of a Luther girl and was eliminated. Priceless.
We cleaned up the fields and went to cheer on the Eauzone alum team, "Oldzone," in the mens championship against Duluth. It was a great, hard fought game, with Duluth coming out on top 13-11.
Next stop, Midwest Warmup.
Monday, October 19, 2009
No Wisconsequences 09: Make 'Em Say "Uhhhh, Na-na na na"
On Friday night, everyone piles into Jess Haller's house...and by pile, I mean sprawled with room to spare. SOL brought a decent sized team, however was very short on handlers, with Iansa Zaldarriaga, Ashley Steiner, and Amy Brown M.I.A. on the weekend. But it was cool that our coach, Pat Niles, was coming down to help us out.
SATURDAY-POOL PLAY
We went into the weekend seeded 6th, which meant power pools. We knew we'd have a tough schedule and came out fired and ready to go.
Game 1 vs. Iowa State Women Scorned
ISU came out equally as fired up, as SOL and the Women Scorned played hard-fought points, trading possessions and playing extremely aggressively. ISU's roster is full of athletic, aggressive, intense players. The Women Scorned are always pushing us to our limits and making us have to dig deep and work hard for every single point. No point is a given. SOL was able to get two break points in the game, and came out on top 1 But what I really love about playing them, is that at the end of a game, it's all smiles. These girls are genuinely nice people and love working hard too...and that every time we play eachother we know it was a good hard, fought game. And I am trying to avoid being tabletopped by Christine Rosen so hard...she's a sneaky sneaky girl. But, alas, I am on the lookout, at least most of the time.
Game 2 vs. Michigan Flywheel
Flywheel, perennial nationals qualifier from the Great Lakes, was seeded first in our power pool. However, they were notably missing some clutch veteran players, and brought a team of new players. We came out hard. Off of the first pull, the disc was centered to me, and Anna Hettler blew past her girl for a huck-score. SOL pulled, got a D, and a break. We went up 2-0. Michigan got its first point of the game to make it 3-1. SOL controlled the tempo of the game, working up and down the field. Many of our newer players were playing a lot of points. Our offense looked great, aside from some drops. We pulled out ahead 12-7.
Bye Round
Anna put on Neil's pig suit and frolicked around. She even warmed up in it for our next round.
Game 3 vs. Wisconsin Atropa
SOL came out on fire. We played some sick zone-D against a small, and notably vet-missing Atropa. Our cup kept the disc within 20 yards of the endzone most of the time, allowing us to set up some good iso-match ups for scores. Hannah Glader played some good zone D, helping out and filling spots on the wing. She even booked it deep to help me out after I missed a D and got a D against Renee (who is much taller than her). Great effort and intensity was radiating from every member of SOL who won the game 13-1. After the game, one of the most eppic games of ultimate ninja ensued between members of Atropa and SOL. Renee was loving the new game. We divided the huge group in two, and the top-five of each circle came together for a battle royale. It was me vs. Tracie Anderson in a vegetable walk off to "spinach." I am pretty sure that Tracie came out on top. At least, I voted for her. I'm not exactly sure how to personify spinach accurately.
Game 4 vs. Northwestern Gung-Ho
Northwestern has some good handlers, and a few cutters with some co-ed club experience with the team NURD (which SOLmates Jess Haller and Beth Wright have played for too). We came zone on them and shut down their offense quite effectively. Anna Hettler had FOUR handblocks in that game, including a handblock for a 3/4-field huck score (let's face it, after how sick that handblock was, I was making sure she was scoring). I mean, that handblock literally landed on the throwers foot. It was ridiculous. SOL came out on top 13-3.
SATURDAY NIGHT-Tournament Party
SOL attended the tourney party and once again had a ton of fun. A massive game of Ultimate Ninja ensued with Tracie Anderson dominating everyone. Martha Harris won the SOL-started limbo for the second year in a row. The girl from Winona took second again, Pat Niles took third with a pulled hip-flexor, and two other guys took fourth and fifth. Pat and I lost in the championship game of the Cornhole tournament to two pros from Luther. But I did win a sweet Patagonia jacket from the raffle. That would make me a winner of a sweet prize two years in a row! Estelle, Beth, and Kathleen made off with a crap ton of pizza and garlic bread at the end of the night. Probably making them the biggest winner of the evening.
SUNDAY-Bracket Play
Because we won the power pool, we got a first round bye...automatically qualifying for quarters.
Round 1 (Quarters) vs. Valpo Chicks Hucking Discs
Valpo came off of a pre-quarters win against Illinois, and was looking good. Their handlers moved the disc well, getting some breaks off early. SOL and CHD traded points early. However, it was SOL that was able to put on the burners and outlast in the long points.
Round 2 (Semis) vs. Northwestern Gung-Ho
We faced Northwestern again, but it was a much different game than on Saturday afternoon. Northwestern used their handlers a lot more to work the disc, rather than relying on their cutters. As a result, Northwestern went up 2-0. We knew that we had to switch our game plan and put a lot more pressure on their handlers. Making some defensive changes, we were able to turn the game around and come out on top. Our newbs starting to confidently make pick and foul calls, helped keep the game from getting too out of hand. This was our first observed game of the season, and our new girls reacted well.
Round 3 (Championship Game) vs. Wisconsin Bella Donna
I love playing the Bellas. They push us so hard and we get better every single point. It was especially exciting since their line up included Georgia Bosscher, Sandy Jorgenson, and Emelie McKain this time in addition to their strong players we faced at Hucktoberfest like Jenny Gaynor, Jenny Koll, and Laura Bitterman. We were without co-captain Anna Hettler who had gotten food poisoning on Saturday night, club player Martha Harris (who still has mono), Moria Farrell, Nicole Schlicting, and Iansa Zaldarriaga. We were down to five handlers for this game. It would be at test of SOL endurance and solid decision making. The Bellas came out intense from the first pull. SOL confidently, and patiently worked the disc up for the first score to Brit Gartner, open in the endzone. Brit played extremely well. She was, however hurt early in the second half and sat the rest of the game out...bringing our handler count down to four. We initially started out in a zone D, but the Bella handlers ate through it. After we made a late switch to man, we were able to better challenge points. Offensively, I was impressed with the way our handlers were able to swing and get past the Bella zone (it reminds me of a match zone I once played in basketball...). I think that Tracie Anderson proved again that she has some of the best hands around, out reading players like it was her job and making sick grab after sick grab on some shady hucks. Heather Wroten picked up her defense, getting some huge Ds in the air. Notably, Emy Marier in her second tournament ever, improved her shut-down defense. The Bellas made an offensive switch, choosing to run a side-stack iso-ing Laura Bitterman, which proved to be very effective, as SOL's legs were running out of gas after playing with relatively low numbers, especially the handlers. We still were able to force some turns and hasty decisions...but were unable to connect in the endzone. We were unable to pull it out and lost 13-8.
One of the things that I'm really happy about is how our new players adjusted in the championship game when the intensity was turned up. Cutters were making great cuts, getting open by timing cuts well. Eventually, the catches and throws will come with more repetitions. It's the things, like seeing the field, that are difficult to teach, and were done quite well by many of our newer players. I think that the newbs responded by increasing their defensive intensity. We haven't gone into depth about man coverage, and Pat and I both commented on the way home how impressed we were with the shut-down match-ups that were created for many posessions. I am quite pleased with the way we played, and am for sure looking forward to taking the Bellas on with a full roster.
What a great weekend. I think the highlight of the trip was at Panera after our game. Kathleen Nottingham made me laugh quite hard, and I'm not sure she quite intended on it. Such a great time. Looking forward to seeing more of her as her orchestra duties unwind a bit.
Great job this weekend. I think it was better than the homecoming that I missed...again, for ultimate.
EC Chillout split squads next weekend...fun fun!
SATURDAY-POOL PLAY
We went into the weekend seeded 6th, which meant power pools. We knew we'd have a tough schedule and came out fired and ready to go.
Game 1 vs. Iowa State Women Scorned
ISU came out equally as fired up, as SOL and the Women Scorned played hard-fought points, trading possessions and playing extremely aggressively. ISU's roster is full of athletic, aggressive, intense players. The Women Scorned are always pushing us to our limits and making us have to dig deep and work hard for every single point. No point is a given. SOL was able to get two break points in the game, and came out on top 1 But what I really love about playing them, is that at the end of a game, it's all smiles. These girls are genuinely nice people and love working hard too...and that every time we play eachother we know it was a good hard, fought game. And I am trying to avoid being tabletopped by Christine Rosen so hard...she's a sneaky sneaky girl. But, alas, I am on the lookout, at least most of the time.
Game 2 vs. Michigan Flywheel
Flywheel, perennial nationals qualifier from the Great Lakes, was seeded first in our power pool. However, they were notably missing some clutch veteran players, and brought a team of new players. We came out hard. Off of the first pull, the disc was centered to me, and Anna Hettler blew past her girl for a huck-score. SOL pulled, got a D, and a break. We went up 2-0. Michigan got its first point of the game to make it 3-1. SOL controlled the tempo of the game, working up and down the field. Many of our newer players were playing a lot of points. Our offense looked great, aside from some drops. We pulled out ahead 12-7.
Bye Round
Anna put on Neil's pig suit and frolicked around. She even warmed up in it for our next round.Game 3 vs. Wisconsin Atropa
SOL came out on fire. We played some sick zone-D against a small, and notably vet-missing Atropa. Our cup kept the disc within 20 yards of the endzone most of the time, allowing us to set up some good iso-match ups for scores. Hannah Glader played some good zone D, helping out and filling spots on the wing. She even booked it deep to help me out after I missed a D and got a D against Renee (who is much taller than her). Great effort and intensity was radiating from every member of SOL who won the game 13-1. After the game, one of the most eppic games of ultimate ninja ensued between members of Atropa and SOL. Renee was loving the new game. We divided the huge group in two, and the top-five of each circle came together for a battle royale. It was me vs. Tracie Anderson in a vegetable walk off to "spinach." I am pretty sure that Tracie came out on top. At least, I voted for her. I'm not exactly sure how to personify spinach accurately.
Game 4 vs. Northwestern Gung-Ho
Northwestern has some good handlers, and a few cutters with some co-ed club experience with the team NURD (which SOLmates Jess Haller and Beth Wright have played for too). We came zone on them and shut down their offense quite effectively. Anna Hettler had FOUR handblocks in that game, including a handblock for a 3/4-field huck score (let's face it, after how sick that handblock was, I was making sure she was scoring). I mean, that handblock literally landed on the throwers foot. It was ridiculous. SOL came out on top 13-3.
SATURDAY NIGHT-Tournament Party
SOL attended the tourney party and once again had a ton of fun. A massive game of Ultimate Ninja ensued with Tracie Anderson dominating everyone. Martha Harris won the SOL-started limbo for the second year in a row. The girl from Winona took second again, Pat Niles took third with a pulled hip-flexor, and two other guys took fourth and fifth. Pat and I lost in the championship game of the Cornhole tournament to two pros from Luther. But I did win a sweet Patagonia jacket from the raffle. That would make me a winner of a sweet prize two years in a row! Estelle, Beth, and Kathleen made off with a crap ton of pizza and garlic bread at the end of the night. Probably making them the biggest winner of the evening.
SUNDAY-Bracket Play
Because we won the power pool, we got a first round bye...automatically qualifying for quarters.
Round 1 (Quarters) vs. Valpo Chicks Hucking Discs
Valpo came off of a pre-quarters win against Illinois, and was looking good. Their handlers moved the disc well, getting some breaks off early. SOL and CHD traded points early. However, it was SOL that was able to put on the burners and outlast in the long points.
Round 2 (Semis) vs. Northwestern Gung-Ho
We faced Northwestern again, but it was a much different game than on Saturday afternoon. Northwestern used their handlers a lot more to work the disc, rather than relying on their cutters. As a result, Northwestern went up 2-0. We knew that we had to switch our game plan and put a lot more pressure on their handlers. Making some defensive changes, we were able to turn the game around and come out on top. Our newbs starting to confidently make pick and foul calls, helped keep the game from getting too out of hand. This was our first observed game of the season, and our new girls reacted well.
Round 3 (Championship Game) vs. Wisconsin Bella Donna
I love playing the Bellas. They push us so hard and we get better every single point. It was especially exciting since their line up included Georgia Bosscher, Sandy Jorgenson, and Emelie McKain this time in addition to their strong players we faced at Hucktoberfest like Jenny Gaynor, Jenny Koll, and Laura Bitterman. We were without co-captain Anna Hettler who had gotten food poisoning on Saturday night, club player Martha Harris (who still has mono), Moria Farrell, Nicole Schlicting, and Iansa Zaldarriaga. We were down to five handlers for this game. It would be at test of SOL endurance and solid decision making. The Bellas came out intense from the first pull. SOL confidently, and patiently worked the disc up for the first score to Brit Gartner, open in the endzone. Brit played extremely well. She was, however hurt early in the second half and sat the rest of the game out...bringing our handler count down to four. We initially started out in a zone D, but the Bella handlers ate through it. After we made a late switch to man, we were able to better challenge points. Offensively, I was impressed with the way our handlers were able to swing and get past the Bella zone (it reminds me of a match zone I once played in basketball...). I think that Tracie Anderson proved again that she has some of the best hands around, out reading players like it was her job and making sick grab after sick grab on some shady hucks. Heather Wroten picked up her defense, getting some huge Ds in the air. Notably, Emy Marier in her second tournament ever, improved her shut-down defense. The Bellas made an offensive switch, choosing to run a side-stack iso-ing Laura Bitterman, which proved to be very effective, as SOL's legs were running out of gas after playing with relatively low numbers, especially the handlers. We still were able to force some turns and hasty decisions...but were unable to connect in the endzone. We were unable to pull it out and lost 13-8.
One of the things that I'm really happy about is how our new players adjusted in the championship game when the intensity was turned up. Cutters were making great cuts, getting open by timing cuts well. Eventually, the catches and throws will come with more repetitions. It's the things, like seeing the field, that are difficult to teach, and were done quite well by many of our newer players. I think that the newbs responded by increasing their defensive intensity. We haven't gone into depth about man coverage, and Pat and I both commented on the way home how impressed we were with the shut-down match-ups that were created for many posessions. I am quite pleased with the way we played, and am for sure looking forward to taking the Bellas on with a full roster.
What a great weekend. I think the highlight of the trip was at Panera after our game. Kathleen Nottingham made me laugh quite hard, and I'm not sure she quite intended on it. Such a great time. Looking forward to seeing more of her as her orchestra duties unwind a bit.
Great job this weekend. I think it was better than the homecoming that I missed...again, for ultimate.
EC Chillout split squads next weekend...fun fun!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
No Wisconsequences...Preview
We had a great 6 am practice, and a well-attended afternoon throwing session on Tuesday. (I was pleased to know that my efforts to wake up at 5:20 am were not in vain. It was for real the best practice we've had all season. Let's hope that tomorrow's 6 am practice is equally as good.)
Bringing a smaller roster this weekend. Lot's to compete with, like Homecoming, H1N1 and other illness...
SOL is ready to go, are you? How's this picture for motivation? Brit Gartner is ready to go....in her spandex, of course. You can see her, along with 16 other SOL players in action this weekend.
Schedule.
http://www.upa.org/scores/tourn.cgi?div=34&id=6638
We made power pools this year. Ironically, we are not extremely underseeded this year. That is quite exciting.
Looking to repeat last year's win.
Go time. Full-throttle.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Rufio, Rufio, Ruf-i-o! (Hucktoberfest Game Write-ups)
Having the first seed going into the tournament, I was super nervous. First tourney of the year, bringing a super new team with many rookies making their ultimate debut after only a few weeks of practices. We were expecting absolutely terrible weather. People were getting sick all week. I was getting a little worried that more people would end up dropping out...So On Wednesday night, Brit came over and as we were watching Gossip Girl with my super awes roomie Pamela Jean Kaye. We hassled her for a while to come play with SOL at Hucktoberfest. She was wavering, but eventually gave in. I promised her some fun times, and she was totally in.
We pile in the car and pick up Rose and Mariah on Friday night wearing absolutely ridiculously masks from Wal-mart ($2 for both, totally worth it). We roll in super late after stopping in
SATURDAY
Game 1 vs. UW-Whitewater Schist
UWW is one of SOL's favorite teams. We love those girls to death, which can be hard to play against some of your friends. SOL brought some good intensity and set the tempo early, playing some good defense. Our offense looked a little stagnant at times, but after half it picked up a ton. The light drizzle had dimished, but the field was a giant mudhole. We had a lot of fun and won it 13-1. 
I'm really excited to see how Schist develops in the off season. Led by Alex Haroldson and Anni Koci, Schist really has some potential to start a good program. Their numbers are phenomenal, and they have some rookie handlers who aren't afraid to put the disc.
Game 2 vs. Purdue Brickhouse
This game was pretty physical. Melissa "Brownie" Brown was cutting all over the place....absolutely ridiculous. She came from the top rope to make a SICK grab over one of the Brickhouse players in the endzone and maintined the disc through one of the nastiest collisions I've seen in a while. Brownie, completely unphased held the disc and waited for a replacement player to come in and play some D. I love that girl. SOLended up winning 13-2
The score of this game does not show how good the game actually was. Grinnell had a vet-heavy team, with lots of experience, speed, and patience. They worked the disc really well and had some good handlers. SOL really stepped up its D this game to prevent some scores and preventing the Sticky cutters from getting the disc, making them rely on their handlers. On one point, I hucked the disc FOUR (4) distinct times to Pam "The Tank" Kaye who was streaking deep on quick transitions. With her ultimate career spanning approximately 4 days, she was learning to read the disc. I will let her borrow my library card so she can learn to read. It honestly took us FIVE (5) attempts to finally get it right. In all honesty, I would expect Grinnell to make some noise this spring. They have some good potential to really surprise some good teams who completely underestimate them. Their handlers are solid. Score: 13-2.
Game 4 vs.
SOL got some sideline support from the fine young men of Eauzone in our final game of the day. The wind had picked up and we had moved to a different field. Instead of a crosswind, we were faced with up-wind/down-wind points. After briefly running through zone on Thursday's practice, we decided that it would be a good time to work on our zone. It was a little rough, but it is still for sure a work in progress. Estelle Taquet got her first career Callahan in this game. We all rush the field, and tell her how sweet it was. She didn't even understand how epic it really was. Ballin. Score 13-0.
SOL goes home to dry off, warm up, and eat food. And of course...watch Hook (Boomarang Roofio!). The film inspired many a cheer and good times had on Sunday. Brit drove a few of us to the tournament party where fun ensued.
Game 5 vs.
Day 2 would be significantly more difficult than Day 1 for SOL, as we would be playing some teams with more experience and intensity. Moxie had played against Club level players at Chicago Heavyweights just two weeks before Hucktoberfest...we knew they would bring a good game, as they always do. We got ourselves fired up and ready to go, got in a good warm up and started our games at Game 6 vs.
Our warm up to get ready for this game was singing, dancing, and shouting to the song "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus. Ahhhh. I love ISU. Let's be real. So many SOLmates have huge ultimate crushes on Christine Rosen and Jasmine Draper after our many meetings last spring. We have nothing but love and respect for these girls. The intensity was up for both teams, making fast transitions and making big plays. ISU took half with a score of 7-4. SOL had a great halftime huddle and soon, everyone was completely fired up and ready to go. In my opinion, the most epic play of the game was the collision of Pam Kaye and Gapster of ISU. Gapstur took a huge shot from Pam who was laying out for a disc. Gapstur got the D, stood up and completed a sick huck and wandered off the field in a very dizzy fashion. Lindsey Gapstur played the sickest game I have ever seen her play....and now has to see a chiropractor.
Game 7 vs. Wisconsin Bella Donna
SOL was riding an adreneline wave after winning a hard fought game vs. ISU. Both teams were missing some huge playmakers, and were rookie heavy for sure. The Bellas were notably missing 2009 Callahan winner Georgia Bosscher; all-region players Emilie McKain, Amber Sinicrope, and Francis Tsukano; and huge presence Sandy Jorgenson. SOL was missing some huge players including Iansa Zaldarriaga, Martha Harris (who has mono), Melissa Jordan, Cole Lence, among the other 4 returners, and rookie Nicole Schlicting. Regardless, I was really excited to see how our new players would match up against the new players for Bella who were finishing up their last round of tryouts. After going down 0-2 against the Bellas, SOL went on a sick run. High intensity D, chill offense, and smart decisions with the disc. Soon, the score was 2-2.
Bella always brings a hard game, all cylinders firing, heart and a lot of hustle. Jenny Gaynor was playing some ridiculous D for the Bellas, while Jenny Koll was challenging our D with sick hucks to Bellas in the endzone. It was like something started clicking on the field for SOL in a way that had never really happened before. To see new players, like Brownie getting layout D's on returning Bellas and then booking it deep on transitions, is something that I could not be prouder of. Brownie made some sick grabs, getting some huge air in the endzone, getting the disc over some Bellas in the endzone.
Moria made some sick grabs and was helping to gain huge yards. I think the one thing that helped us come out on top was chill handling. Our handlers were swinging the disc fast and well, attacking holes in the intense Bella zone. This is something that is super uncharacteristic of our handlers. Patience. It was what we lacked last year in regionals. The cool thing is we have a whopping four returning handlers, and only three of us were there last weekend. Our new handlers were chill and confident; it's what helped us break through the zone. Considering we spent approximately 15 minutes at Thursday's practice in the 40 degree rain discussing zone...I was extremely impressed with the cutting and popping from our newbs. Estelle Taquet was consistently finding holes in the zone for handlers to get the disc to her off of swings. SOL and Bella traded momentum changes. SOL was down 10-12, and went on a ridiculous run. Brit Gartner was a layout D machine. I got to do some cutting, and Anna voluntarily handled. We pulled it back to tie it at 12-12. Game point (14-13...) Tracie Anderson gets a quick D and busts deep on the transition. I probably gave her the worst possible put in the world, she lays out for it, and makes the most ridiculous catch I have seen from her.
We had minimal turns and exercised patience. Two qualities that have never been present when we play a good team.
I said this in our team huddle before the championship game: "We can't just be a team that is happy to be here. We need to be a team that can make it here and take it." I feel like we are finally making that transition. This is a new season, a new slate. What we did or did not do last year doesn't mean anything. I am completely excited to see what happens when everyone's teams are full strength later in the season...I can't wait to see what we are capable of doing. It's time to get excited. The car-ride home was proof of that excitement. To hear two new players share their excitement with me about the weekend was an extremely fulfilling experience. Practice this week will be intense, I can guarantee that. Everyone is looking forward to pushing each other hard in the upcoming season, in a way that I have never seen this early in the season. Next stop: No Wisconsequences.
SOL can win.
Alright, this weekend proved to our newbies, returners, and vets, that SOL is for real. After a few rough practices that dealt with rushing to teach new players the offense, defense, and rules of ultimate, we all weren't sure how this weekend was going to pan out. It was important to get everyone new playing time for the feel of the game. After the first days pool play, 4 points get scored on SOL all day. Could not have done it without some clutch returners, but the new members were very intense and really stepped up their competitiveness. It was really very cool to see everyone so excited about the season.
The real highlight was day two as we proceeded into the championship bracket. SOL beat Iowa State in a long game, 12-11. Alright so we just beat Iowa State, that's baller right? Now off to play Madison in the finals. Eesh. Well, it seems that our relearning of the offense and defense really helped us out. We took half (not sure of score) and then the entire game 15-13 for first place. Everyone on our sidelines (myself included) screamed and dog piled Tracie after her layout for the win. Maybe we were a little too excited, but that was certainly a first for SOL. Way to rock it out Eau Claire. Granted, Iowa State brought 11 girls, and Madison was missing some big players, but I know our team played hard and really earned the win. Brit lay out D-ing eeeveryone, Anna catching everything and Robyn, Jess, Beth, and Whit throwing some stellar hucks to the new players and returners. I gotta say that we are missing some players as well. As much as I didn't want to have mono on the sidelines, or Iansa, George, Rachel C, Cole, and Amy didn't want to be busy that weekend, SOL still pulled through for the wins :)
Awesome job to the freshman and new players for playing awesome.
Highlights: Estelle (freshman) getting a callahan. Brownie (freshman) spiking the disc out of nowhere after her sky in the endzone. ( I didn't teach her that..)
F mono. More details most likely to come from Robyn soon. That's about it for now.
Martha
The real highlight was day two as we proceeded into the championship bracket. SOL beat Iowa State in a long game, 12-11. Alright so we just beat Iowa State, that's baller right? Now off to play Madison in the finals. Eesh. Well, it seems that our relearning of the offense and defense really helped us out. We took half (not sure of score) and then the entire game 15-13 for first place. Everyone on our sidelines (myself included) screamed and dog piled Tracie after her layout for the win. Maybe we were a little too excited, but that was certainly a first for SOL. Way to rock it out Eau Claire. Granted, Iowa State brought 11 girls, and Madison was missing some big players, but I know our team played hard and really earned the win. Brit lay out D-ing eeeveryone, Anna catching everything and Robyn, Jess, Beth, and Whit throwing some stellar hucks to the new players and returners. I gotta say that we are missing some players as well. As much as I didn't want to have mono on the sidelines, or Iansa, George, Rachel C, Cole, and Amy didn't want to be busy that weekend, SOL still pulled through for the wins :)
Awesome job to the freshman and new players for playing awesome.
Highlights: Estelle (freshman) getting a callahan. Brownie (freshman) spiking the disc out of nowhere after her sky in the endzone. ( I didn't teach her that..)
F mono. More details most likely to come from Robyn soon. That's about it for now.
Martha
Monday, September 28, 2009
Hucktoberfest...well, almost
I think that Scott Sawinski was super nice to give us the #1 seed this weekend. I think the seedings are a little whack, but we'll take it. Especially the whole, "SOL gets to sleep in because we have a first round bye thing" Can't wait for that. We'll have ~24 girls ready to go on Saturday.
With some last minute offense work this week, we'll see if the new ladies of SOL are ready to ball out of control. Defensively, we are shaping up fairly well. We definitely have to pick it up if we are going to be game ready by next weekend.
http://www.upa.org/scores/tourn.cgi?div=127&id=6849
See you all at Whitewater on Saturday
-Robyn
With some last minute offense work this week, we'll see if the new ladies of SOL are ready to ball out of control. Defensively, we are shaping up fairly well. We definitely have to pick it up if we are going to be game ready by next weekend.
http://www.upa.org/scores/tourn.cgi?div=127&id=6849
See you all at Whitewater on Saturday
-Robyn
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
SOL Goes Bowling
Monday night social event time for SOL. Iansa says, "Let's go bowling."
SOL arrives at the BBC, gets two lanes, and festivities begin at about 7:30.
Whit Esson got her game on. Martha began naming bowling moves after the people who did them. (I tried to have Martha re-name the one where all the pins get knocked down with one roll to a Robyn Fennig, but apparently, she said it is already referred to as at "strike.") Brit tried repeatedly to bowl the ball behind the back and through her legs, but she never made it past half-way down. Iansa was almost the worst. (Iansa even had an accidental one-pin warm up frame, and still got a one on her first roll) But, it's a good thing that Heather was there to make her feel better. Apparently you can bowl worse than Iansa.
Brit and I did find out that other people enjoyed the "Behind the Music: Lil' Wayne" documentary on VH1 this week. Well, at least Rose did. Sheeeeit.
Mariah, Emy, Hannah "Baby Glades," and Whit got the rest of us old folks into the caf. Beth, Martha, Brit, and I were totally stoked to reap the benefits of the new late-night caf thing. To be honest, we definitely did not make the best of choices when it came to what was consumed, but let's get real, it was a celebratory caf din din.
Practices have been going quite well. Today's practice was one of the most intense fall practices I have ever been apart of this early in the season. Rose is looking super fast. Emy and Mariah are always open deep. It' ridic. Nicole is making sick grabs. Estelle is running around with one cleat (and she's not even sure she's supposed to be, but she's bada$$ and doing it anyways). Brownie is ballin out of contrul. Dace's throws are cash money $$. Oh yeah, the vets are lookin' fine too. 'Specially Whit Esson. Her hucks are insane. Where did this girl come from? (The correct answer: ACL reconstruction town) Ashley Steiner? I bet you forgot about her...but I think this season is going to be a super clutch one for her.
Our 90+ original numbers are dwindling. The die-hard are remaining. Things are shaping up nicely, that is for sure. Excitement is building the upcoming weeks until Hucktoberfest.
-Robyn
SOL arrives at the BBC, gets two lanes, and festivities begin at about 7:30.
Whit Esson got her game on. Martha began naming bowling moves after the people who did them. (I tried to have Martha re-name the one where all the pins get knocked down with one roll to a Robyn Fennig, but apparently, she said it is already referred to as at "strike.") Brit tried repeatedly to bowl the ball behind the back and through her legs, but she never made it past half-way down. Iansa was almost the worst. (Iansa even had an accidental one-pin warm up frame, and still got a one on her first roll) But, it's a good thing that Heather was there to make her feel better. Apparently you can bowl worse than Iansa.
Brit and I did find out that other people enjoyed the "Behind the Music: Lil' Wayne" documentary on VH1 this week. Well, at least Rose did. Sheeeeit.
Mariah, Emy, Hannah "Baby Glades," and Whit got the rest of us old folks into the caf. Beth, Martha, Brit, and I were totally stoked to reap the benefits of the new late-night caf thing. To be honest, we definitely did not make the best of choices when it came to what was consumed, but let's get real, it was a celebratory caf din din.
Practices have been going quite well. Today's practice was one of the most intense fall practices I have ever been apart of this early in the season. Rose is looking super fast. Emy and Mariah are always open deep. It' ridic. Nicole is making sick grabs. Estelle is running around with one cleat (and she's not even sure she's supposed to be, but she's bada$$ and doing it anyways). Brownie is ballin out of contrul. Dace's throws are cash money $$. Oh yeah, the vets are lookin' fine too. 'Specially Whit Esson. Her hucks are insane. Where did this girl come from? (The correct answer: ACL reconstruction town) Ashley Steiner? I bet you forgot about her...but I think this season is going to be a super clutch one for her.
Our 90+ original numbers are dwindling. The die-hard are remaining. Things are shaping up nicely, that is for sure. Excitement is building the upcoming weeks until Hucktoberfest.
-Robyn
Friday, September 11, 2009
UPA Womens Club Sectionals
SOL is excited to host Madison Club, Madison Thrill Show, and Pop from the Twin Cities for UPA Womens Club Sectionals this year at the Bollinger field complex.
Start time has yet to be finalized, as well as a schedule. Please come Sept. 26 to check it out!
Also, after Blugold Org Bash, we have 97 girls interested in our team...holy crap. 97 is a lot. AWES.
-Robyn
Start time has yet to be finalized, as well as a schedule. Please come Sept. 26 to check it out!
Also, after Blugold Org Bash, we have 97 girls interested in our team...holy crap. 97 is a lot. AWES.
-Robyn
Monday, September 7, 2009
SOL gets Swine Flu
I am going to start my first blog post of the 2009-2010 season off with a nice little story: Robyn Gets H1N1. I was in the hospital for three days during my summer in Madison. I was in pretty poor shape. Super high fever (104+ degrees), just really out of it...I mean, I couldn't even walk to the bathroom by myself. So hope you don't get it. I mean, I will be honest, the whole "H1N1" thing is really starting to make me upset. I mean, come on, I had it a month ago, and my immune system still hates me. I ended up missing MUDI, and apparently Pat Niles and Jake Henderson had fun telling everyone that I had Swine Flu, which was completely not the case. I had Type A, which is NOT the Swine Flu (which is Type B). The highlight of this hospital stay, however, was Martha sending me a text from Minnesota saying, that I needed to write a blog post titles "SOL Gets Swine Flu."
So, after two weeks of busting our butts, we are officially done with "recruiting" at CUBEfest events...well aside from the Blugold Org. Bash. I am borderline getting sick of pick-up. I am ready to get practices going. The captains have some new tricks up our sleeves, and it's exciting to be apart of that. Pat has helped us tweak our plans to help prepare our newbs, and get our vets more involved with everything. That's all boring stuff, though. Onto the more interesting stuff.
All in all, I am feeling pretty good about the way our roster is shaping up right now. Though we have lost some clutch vets, we are getting some newbs that are sure to catch some attention, and have real potential to be bomb. I am not naming any names, but it's really exciting to get some players who are really passionnate about the game and about learning the game. Everyone has great attitudes. We are ready to rock.
Our tournament schedule has been finalized, and we're super excited for Hucktoberfest. I think it's a good way to gauge how our new girls are doing, and do some teaching at the same time.
My thoughts on No Wisconsequences: I AM MISSING MY SUPER-SENIOR YEAR OF HOMECOMING FOR THIS. The least you can do is to get Steaz Energy Drink as a sponsor again. Or hook me up with more sweet raffle prizes again. That was sweet.
In other news, after some Sesame Street themed shenanigans, Brit, Tracie and I are officially obsessed with Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A." It's not even embarassing. The song is catchy, and I can't get over it. I am all over Martha's case to include this in our Centex Dance choreography for '10. Let's hope it makes the final cut...
Martha and I are in a graphic design class together on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-10:45 am. i am not a fan of having 8 am class in my final year of undergrad, but I suppose I will have to deal with it. (Let's just hope Martha can get to class early enough this week that she actually gets a computer this time...) We plan to incorporate SOL in as many assignments and projects as possible, frankly because we can.
Martha and I plan to do a little "Intro to SOL '09-10" Piece soon, after the volatility of our roster decreases and stabilizes enough to the point that we know how many people we are going to be writing about. That number, right now, could vary quite a bit, if our BOB recruiting matches the success of last year.
One last thing, SOL now has a Twitter account. Much to the distaste of co-captain, Anna Hettler. She says that Martha and I are being ridiculous. Well, rest assured Anna, we can help you, let's be real. If you are a SOL stalker, you can check us out here: www.twitter.com/solultimate Martha shall be Tweeting to her heart's content with it. So any problems with it, take it up with her.
Bomb (dot) com.
-Robyn
So, after two weeks of busting our butts, we are officially done with "recruiting" at CUBEfest events...well aside from the Blugold Org. Bash. I am borderline getting sick of pick-up. I am ready to get practices going. The captains have some new tricks up our sleeves, and it's exciting to be apart of that. Pat has helped us tweak our plans to help prepare our newbs, and get our vets more involved with everything. That's all boring stuff, though. Onto the more interesting stuff.
All in all, I am feeling pretty good about the way our roster is shaping up right now. Though we have lost some clutch vets, we are getting some newbs that are sure to catch some attention, and have real potential to be bomb. I am not naming any names, but it's really exciting to get some players who are really passionnate about the game and about learning the game. Everyone has great attitudes. We are ready to rock.
Our tournament schedule has been finalized, and we're super excited for Hucktoberfest. I think it's a good way to gauge how our new girls are doing, and do some teaching at the same time.
My thoughts on No Wisconsequences: I AM MISSING MY SUPER-SENIOR YEAR OF HOMECOMING FOR THIS. The least you can do is to get Steaz Energy Drink as a sponsor again. Or hook me up with more sweet raffle prizes again. That was sweet.
In other news, after some Sesame Street themed shenanigans, Brit, Tracie and I are officially obsessed with Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A." It's not even embarassing. The song is catchy, and I can't get over it. I am all over Martha's case to include this in our Centex Dance choreography for '10. Let's hope it makes the final cut...
Martha and I are in a graphic design class together on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-10:45 am. i am not a fan of having 8 am class in my final year of undergrad, but I suppose I will have to deal with it. (Let's just hope Martha can get to class early enough this week that she actually gets a computer this time...) We plan to incorporate SOL in as many assignments and projects as possible, frankly because we can.
Martha and I plan to do a little "Intro to SOL '09-10" Piece soon, after the volatility of our roster decreases and stabilizes enough to the point that we know how many people we are going to be writing about. That number, right now, could vary quite a bit, if our BOB recruiting matches the success of last year.
One last thing, SOL now has a Twitter account. Much to the distaste of co-captain, Anna Hettler. She says that Martha and I are being ridiculous. Well, rest assured Anna, we can help you, let's be real. If you are a SOL stalker, you can check us out here: www.twitter.com/solultimate Martha shall be Tweeting to her heart's content with it. So any problems with it, take it up with her.
Bomb (dot) com.
-Robyn
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