Robyn's Regional Re-cap, 2009 Edition
Northfield, MN. Where the weather sucks, but the ultimate is good. Welcome to Central Regionals. Seems about right. Sectional weather is beautiful, but Regionals is where we expect the horizontal sleet rain.
Northfield, MN. Where the weather sucks, but the ultimate is good. Welcome to Central Regionals. Seems about right. Sectional weather is beautiful, but Regionals is where we expect the horizontal sleet rain.
SOL embarked on their road to the UPA College Championships in Columbus, OH. Seeded 4th going into the weekend, SOL had to break seed in order to get there.
Saturday
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. University of Minnesota Ninjas
SOL had not seen the Ninjas since the St. Ben's indoor in February. Both teams had evolved since then. SOL came out a bit flat, trading points back and forth with the Ninjas. Alyssa Olson and Brenda were ripping through the SOL cup-defense, breaking through the giant holes. SOL took a timeout, and got it together. SOLmates came up with some huge plays. We saw some sick layout Ds, numerous skyings, and awesome grabs to get the momentum going our way. At half, it was 8-5, SOL. However, after half, SOL took control of the game, getting momentum with them. It was evident in the transitions. After a sweet D, SOL busted on offense to get the disc in the endzone. Running, smooth, efficient offense, breaking marks and making plays. Soft cap went on, and SOL took the game 14-5, holding the Ninjas scoreless in the second half.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. Wisconsin-Whitewater Schist
SOL entered this game with little focus and little drive. Expecting the matchup to be much like sectionals, SOL did not take control from the get-go. We traded points, and were eventually down 3-4. Daddy Pat called a timeout, and I started using some language that forcefully expressed my thoughts on the game thus far. We came out all guns firing, and took control of the game, playing chill offense, and dictating where the UWW cutters were going on O. After the time out, SOL shut Schist out, 15-4.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. St. Olaf Durga
After a long bye round, SOL wamred up and came out all guns firing in the final pool play game of the day, vs. the #2 seed in our pool, Durga. In one of SOL's best games all season, we took control from the first pull. Our defense did a phenomenal job setting the tone for the game in the very first point. Our zone was cash money $$, shutting down St. Olaf's handlers, getting hand block after hand block, and forcing bad decision bail-out throws. The intensity on defense was ridiculous. On O, our handlers set the tone for the flow, being patient and swinging all day until there was a 100% decision. Our handlers had many sick breaks to wide open cutters, and the flow continued up the field. We went 7 points without a single turnover, which is phenomenal by our team's standards. Durga had no answer to the SOL-dominated game flow. It was a completely different game than the UWW game that preceded it. SOL victory 13-2.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. Iowa State Women Scorned
Coming off of a good, team win against St. Olaf, SOL knew that they had to come out on top of their game against ISU in their cross-over game. ISU, led by Melissa Gibbs and Jasmine Draper, is a great team. Great throws, great athleticism, and great players. After playing ISU at High Tide in March, we knew that our zone defenses could help get SOL in a good position. With high intensity, we threw several different zones their way to see how they would cope with them. ISU's handlers ate through our cup, so we knew that our game plan would have to switch a bit. We found our groove, and battled with the Women Scorned fighting hard for every point. SOL's sideline energy was intense, led by Kate Peot and Heather Wroten. There was so much talk on and off the field. SOL worked together as one cohesive unit. Anna Hettler was eating up yards cutting, and playing great defense on Gibbs. Brit "FOTY '09" Gartner stepped up her game a ton, really contributing to every single point she played. Jen Groshek played awesome, shut down man defense, getting a huge D. Our handlers: Iansa, Whit, Beth, and me worked the swings all game long. ISU was giving the handles free swings, as they were forcing middle all day in their 4-man zone. SOL's handlers ate it up, working up the field and dominating the flow offensively. It was universe point, tied at 10s. SOL pulled the disc and pushed zone defense. ISU worked the disc up, "Fire!" was called, and as players pushed hard man D, Melissa Gibbs threw the sickest, upwind crossfield hammer to find Jessy Erikson for the universe point victory for the Women Scorned. SOL lost, 10-11.
Sunday
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. Wisconsin B Atropa
SOL was excited to play, despite the absolutely terrible weather. SOL and Atropa traded points for the first few points in the extreme rain and wind. SOL caused a turn on D, and it started to DOWNPOUR and lightning with fury. Thus, 45 minute rain delay takes place, and SOL joins many of the other teams in the Carleton fieldhouse, stripping of soaking wet layers, and eating food. SOL attempts a shoeless mini warm-up on the track, and returns outside to take control of the game. SOL's zone defense closes up, giving the Atropa handlers fewer options. Atropa tries to huck it deep, only to find that there I am to get the D. SOL handlers started swinging again to eat up the Atropa 4-man cup. Soft cap went on, and SOL pushed two more points to take the game out on top, 13-4
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. Wisconsin Bella Donna
SOL knew that this game would bring a fired-up and ready to rock Bella Donna team. Bella Donna is a well oiled machine of a team. The handlers are chill, patient, and work the disc up the field. They attack zones at the seams, effortlessly, tearing apart opponents. Their cutters work together and are in tune with the handlers. The Bellas have top name player after top name player...Georgia Bosscher, Emelie McKain, Amber Sinicrope, Courtney Kiesow, Frances Tsukano, Laura Bitterman, Sandy Jorgenson, Jenny Koll, Jenny Gaynor....the list goes on and on, and there are no weaknesses, offensively or defensively. SOL got a whooping, 3-15. But a lot of positive things came out of the game. The emphasis going into the game was placed on gaining experience against a great team in different positions in our zones. Players used this game as a learning opportunity to see what we want SOL to be someday. Seamless, intense, beautiful ultimate. If the Bellas don't end up in at least the semis of nationals, I will be extremely surprised....they are a top contender for the title, and I'd like for them to bring it home to Wisconsin and make us proud.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. St. Olaf Durga
In a pool-play re-match game, SOL knew that this game would help set the pace of the game to follow. SOL started out strong, dictating the flow of the game on both offense and defense. The weather even cooperated for this game. However, as the game went on, SOL lost their mental edge, and began to drag out points with many turns, as a result. I feel as though this game should have gotten over faster than it did. One of the most "emotional" points of the game was at first game point, SOL pulled to Durga's line of seniors in what could have been their last point. However, SOL's D was a little lax, and Durga sent Kate Carroll deep for the score. SOL put the next one in the endzone, finishing the game with a SOL victory, 13-4.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. Iowa State Women Scorned
In a match-up, much like the previous day's, SOL faced ISU again in the backdoor game to go. This was SOL's second consecutive year ending up in the backdoor game against a very good team. SOL was looking to avenge its loss from Saturday and get to Ohio. ISU was looking to repeat yesterday's victory, and end their season in Ohio too.
The first pull belonged to SOL. SOL pushed the defense and got a D to start the game out. The handlers picked the disc up, worked it up the field, and I threw it away just outside of the endzone. It was a repeat of much of the day. The handlers trying to jam something in the endzone, rather than relying on Saturday's tactics of chill, patient offense until a 100% decision was there. ISU took it back for a score. ISU came out all guns firing. UWEC came out firing on defense, but flat on O. The Women Scorned took half 8-2. SOL came into the huddle, heads hung looking for an answer. After what may have been the most epic half-time speech in the existence of SOL's team, UWEC came out with a new fire, pushing 2 back-to-back points after half. SOL made it known that they weren't going down without a fight.
Switching from zone to man, SOL started going much deeper in their roster. Trying to use the fresh legs to their advantage, SOL tried to create good match-ups and take advantage of potential mis-matches on offense. Taking advantage of ISU's strategy to poach Gibbs deep, often leaving some of our best, most versatile cutters wide open underneath for in-cuts, to give-and goes with our handlers, making it easy to work it up the field. When SOL approached the endzone, Gibbs pulled in, and SOL was able to send Beth Wright and Robyn Fennig deep for scores. SOL kept pushing, but some may say it was too late. Though SOL owned the second half, the first half's deficit was too great to overcome.
In the final point of regionals, ISU took advantage of Robyn poaching in the lane, sending Jasmine Draper deep. Robyn was about two steps behind, and Gibbs put up a sick huck. Jasmine dove approximately 4.5 feet in the air grabbing the disc, injury was called. Annie Glawe came in to replace Draper who knocked the wind out of herself, tapped the disc in. Robyn stalled Glawe, but due to a discrepancy when the injury was called, the stall was nulled, and re-tapped in at 6. ISU worked it in the endzone, scoring their final point to take the game 13-9.
SOL 's season is far from done. After one heck of a fight, SOL may have fallen short to qualify for the UPA College Championships, however, they do intend on attending D-III Nationals in Versailles, OH, the last weekend of May (weekend after the UPA College Championships).
SOL wants to send a huge thanks out to all of the fans who came out to support them last weekend and throughout the season. A huge thanks to all of the wonderful families who helped in providing a place for us to stay and those who donated money to support our program.
SOLmates, please look for more info about our end of the year meeting in the next few days. :)
-Robyn
P.S. Best of luck to the three outstanding teams representing the Central Region at the UPA College Championships in Columbus, OH later in May: University of Wisconsin Bella Donna, Carleton College Syzygy, and Iowa State University Women Scorned. All three teams are very deserving and we hope that one of you brings back some hardware!
P.P.S. Other Central Region teams attending D-III Nationals in Versailles, OH, we hope to see you down there!
Central Region Final Standings:
1) University of Wisconsin Bella Donna
2) Carleton College Syzygy
3) Iowa State University Women Scorned
4) University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL
5) St. Olaf Durga
6) Luther College LUFDA
7T) Marquette University Moxie
7T) University of Wisconsin B Atropa
9) University of Iowa Saucy Nancy
10) Winona State University Bad Monaz
11) University of Minnesota Ninjas
12) University of Minnesota-Duluth Lake Effect
13T) Macalester College
13T) Carleton College B Eclipse
15T) University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Blackcat
15T) University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Schist
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. St. Olaf Durga
After a long bye round, SOL wamred up and came out all guns firing in the final pool play game of the day, vs. the #2 seed in our pool, Durga. In one of SOL's best games all season, we took control from the first pull. Our defense did a phenomenal job setting the tone for the game in the very first point. Our zone was cash money $$, shutting down St. Olaf's handlers, getting hand block after hand block, and forcing bad decision bail-out throws. The intensity on defense was ridiculous. On O, our handlers set the tone for the flow, being patient and swinging all day until there was a 100% decision. Our handlers had many sick breaks to wide open cutters, and the flow continued up the field. We went 7 points without a single turnover, which is phenomenal by our team's standards. Durga had no answer to the SOL-dominated game flow. It was a completely different game than the UWW game that preceded it. SOL victory 13-2.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. Iowa State Women Scorned
Coming off of a good, team win against St. Olaf, SOL knew that they had to come out on top of their game against ISU in their cross-over game. ISU, led by Melissa Gibbs and Jasmine Draper, is a great team. Great throws, great athleticism, and great players. After playing ISU at High Tide in March, we knew that our zone defenses could help get SOL in a good position. With high intensity, we threw several different zones their way to see how they would cope with them. ISU's handlers ate through our cup, so we knew that our game plan would have to switch a bit. We found our groove, and battled with the Women Scorned fighting hard for every point. SOL's sideline energy was intense, led by Kate Peot and Heather Wroten. There was so much talk on and off the field. SOL worked together as one cohesive unit. Anna Hettler was eating up yards cutting, and playing great defense on Gibbs. Brit "FOTY '09" Gartner stepped up her game a ton, really contributing to every single point she played. Jen Groshek played awesome, shut down man defense, getting a huge D. Our handlers: Iansa, Whit, Beth, and me worked the swings all game long. ISU was giving the handles free swings, as they were forcing middle all day in their 4-man zone. SOL's handlers ate it up, working up the field and dominating the flow offensively. It was universe point, tied at 10s. SOL pulled the disc and pushed zone defense. ISU worked the disc up, "Fire!" was called, and as players pushed hard man D, Melissa Gibbs threw the sickest, upwind crossfield hammer to find Jessy Erikson for the universe point victory for the Women Scorned. SOL lost, 10-11.
Sunday
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. Wisconsin B Atropa
SOL was excited to play, despite the absolutely terrible weather. SOL and Atropa traded points for the first few points in the extreme rain and wind. SOL caused a turn on D, and it started to DOWNPOUR and lightning with fury. Thus, 45 minute rain delay takes place, and SOL joins many of the other teams in the Carleton fieldhouse, stripping of soaking wet layers, and eating food. SOL attempts a shoeless mini warm-up on the track, and returns outside to take control of the game. SOL's zone defense closes up, giving the Atropa handlers fewer options. Atropa tries to huck it deep, only to find that there I am to get the D. SOL handlers started swinging again to eat up the Atropa 4-man cup. Soft cap went on, and SOL pushed two more points to take the game out on top, 13-4
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. Wisconsin Bella Donna
SOL knew that this game would bring a fired-up and ready to rock Bella Donna team. Bella Donna is a well oiled machine of a team. The handlers are chill, patient, and work the disc up the field. They attack zones at the seams, effortlessly, tearing apart opponents. Their cutters work together and are in tune with the handlers. The Bellas have top name player after top name player...Georgia Bosscher, Emelie McKain, Amber Sinicrope, Courtney Kiesow, Frances Tsukano, Laura Bitterman, Sandy Jorgenson, Jenny Koll, Jenny Gaynor....the list goes on and on, and there are no weaknesses, offensively or defensively. SOL got a whooping, 3-15. But a lot of positive things came out of the game. The emphasis going into the game was placed on gaining experience against a great team in different positions in our zones. Players used this game as a learning opportunity to see what we want SOL to be someday. Seamless, intense, beautiful ultimate. If the Bellas don't end up in at least the semis of nationals, I will be extremely surprised....they are a top contender for the title, and I'd like for them to bring it home to Wisconsin and make us proud.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. St. Olaf Durga
In a pool-play re-match game, SOL knew that this game would help set the pace of the game to follow. SOL started out strong, dictating the flow of the game on both offense and defense. The weather even cooperated for this game. However, as the game went on, SOL lost their mental edge, and began to drag out points with many turns, as a result. I feel as though this game should have gotten over faster than it did. One of the most "emotional" points of the game was at first game point, SOL pulled to Durga's line of seniors in what could have been their last point. However, SOL's D was a little lax, and Durga sent Kate Carroll deep for the score. SOL put the next one in the endzone, finishing the game with a SOL victory, 13-4.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL vs. Iowa State Women Scorned
In a match-up, much like the previous day's, SOL faced ISU again in the backdoor game to go. This was SOL's second consecutive year ending up in the backdoor game against a very good team. SOL was looking to avenge its loss from Saturday and get to Ohio. ISU was looking to repeat yesterday's victory, and end their season in Ohio too.
The first pull belonged to SOL. SOL pushed the defense and got a D to start the game out. The handlers picked the disc up, worked it up the field, and I threw it away just outside of the endzone. It was a repeat of much of the day. The handlers trying to jam something in the endzone, rather than relying on Saturday's tactics of chill, patient offense until a 100% decision was there. ISU took it back for a score. ISU came out all guns firing. UWEC came out firing on defense, but flat on O. The Women Scorned took half 8-2. SOL came into the huddle, heads hung looking for an answer. After what may have been the most epic half-time speech in the existence of SOL's team, UWEC came out with a new fire, pushing 2 back-to-back points after half. SOL made it known that they weren't going down without a fight.
Switching from zone to man, SOL started going much deeper in their roster. Trying to use the fresh legs to their advantage, SOL tried to create good match-ups and take advantage of potential mis-matches on offense. Taking advantage of ISU's strategy to poach Gibbs deep, often leaving some of our best, most versatile cutters wide open underneath for in-cuts, to give-and goes with our handlers, making it easy to work it up the field. When SOL approached the endzone, Gibbs pulled in, and SOL was able to send Beth Wright and Robyn Fennig deep for scores. SOL kept pushing, but some may say it was too late. Though SOL owned the second half, the first half's deficit was too great to overcome.
In the final point of regionals, ISU took advantage of Robyn poaching in the lane, sending Jasmine Draper deep. Robyn was about two steps behind, and Gibbs put up a sick huck. Jasmine dove approximately 4.5 feet in the air grabbing the disc, injury was called. Annie Glawe came in to replace Draper who knocked the wind out of herself, tapped the disc in. Robyn stalled Glawe, but due to a discrepancy when the injury was called, the stall was nulled, and re-tapped in at 6. ISU worked it in the endzone, scoring their final point to take the game 13-9.
SOL 's season is far from done. After one heck of a fight, SOL may have fallen short to qualify for the UPA College Championships, however, they do intend on attending D-III Nationals in Versailles, OH, the last weekend of May (weekend after the UPA College Championships).
SOL wants to send a huge thanks out to all of the fans who came out to support them last weekend and throughout the season. A huge thanks to all of the wonderful families who helped in providing a place for us to stay and those who donated money to support our program.
SOLmates, please look for more info about our end of the year meeting in the next few days. :)
-Robyn
P.S. Best of luck to the three outstanding teams representing the Central Region at the UPA College Championships in Columbus, OH later in May: University of Wisconsin Bella Donna, Carleton College Syzygy, and Iowa State University Women Scorned. All three teams are very deserving and we hope that one of you brings back some hardware!
P.P.S. Other Central Region teams attending D-III Nationals in Versailles, OH, we hope to see you down there!
Central Region Final Standings:
1) University of Wisconsin Bella Donna
2) Carleton College Syzygy
3) Iowa State University Women Scorned
4) University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire SOL
5) St. Olaf Durga
6) Luther College LUFDA
7T) Marquette University Moxie
7T) University of Wisconsin B Atropa
9) University of Iowa Saucy Nancy
10) Winona State University Bad Monaz
11) University of Minnesota Ninjas
12) University of Minnesota-Duluth Lake Effect
13T) Macalester College
13T) Carleton College B Eclipse
15T) University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Blackcat
15T) University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Schist
