Presidents Day

San Diego
2009-02-14

This past weekend, the Roses flew across the country to San Diego in hopes of warmer, sunnier weather and good ultimate. Little did we know... its not always sunny in San Diego.

Saturday- Pool Play: Game 1 vs. Northeastern (5-10)

We had a very rough start... We didn't execute our game strategies. Our force side defense was poor. Our cuts were late and slow. Lets just say that Northeastern took half 1-7. Our play in the second half was much improved. I wouldn't go as far as saying it was good... but it was much improved. We out scored Northeastern in the second half but we were not able to close in on them and the game ended 5-10.

Game 2 vs. Arizona (8-10)

We were warmed up by our first game and came out much stronger in this game. This game was dictated by the wind and we traded points the majority of the game. We started on offense so we were ahead by at least one point for the entire (beginning) of the game. We worked on Umbrella(our ho stack defense), and our zone. It was messy but we had control of the game. When it was 8-8, they broke us which really was the turning point of the game. We were unable to get the upwind point to break back and because the soft cap was on they won the game 8-10. This was heartbreaking for us because we really thought we had the game.

Game 3 vs. British Columbia (4-13)

Even though British Columbia is the reigning national champs, they lost a few great players and looked beatable. But we came out slow from our bye (a trend with us...) and didn't have the intensity to run with them. They moved the disc quickly and beat us up the line to throw swill down field to cutters. Our defense against their ho stack was not as effective as it could have been and it was a learning experience for all of us. The game ended 4-13.

Game 4 vs. UCLA (4-13)

This was clearly the best team in our pool. They were all very tall and very athletic. Though not all of their players had good throws, their handlers were very competent and moved the disc quickly. They were another team that liked to beat us up the line. We worked on our force side defense more this game. Again, it was not quite enough, but it was improved over our previous games. Preeti had some beautiful hucks; one in particular, she sent down the side line, over the fans who were on the field and right into Sterling's hands. The fans applauded wildly at that one. Another time, one of the UCLA girls tried to get a layout d on Preeto. However, Preeto was not to be hindered. She caught the disc, remained on her feet, proceeded to step over the fallen girl to throw to her cutter. We worked on our zone defense in this game and Natalie did a great job as mark in the cup to push them back into their endzone. The game ended 4-13.

Sunday- Re-seeded pool play and first bracket game. Game 5 vs. UC-Long Beach (13-4)

We came out strong which was an improvement from Saturday morning. It was already apparent how much we had improved from Saturday. We were playing much better and did not fall to the level of UCLB. Our timing on cuts was much better than Saturday, we were making our deep cuts before the handlers caught the disc which lead a connection from Jackie to Weilin(which is a very surprising cut :)), and many puts to Tree wide open in the endzone. There was a cross field wind during this game which allowed us to work on both our offensive and defensive zone. We took half 7-3. Our intensity only improved in the second half and we only gave up one point. We finished the game 13-4.

Game 6 vs. Carlton (8-10)

This was by far the best game of the tournament and the best game of Roses ultimate that Doug has ever seen! We started on defense and they score right away. We traded to 3-3 and then they broke to 3-5. We were playing confident ultimate. The timing of cuts was great. Our hucks were crisp and on target. They were throwing a four person cup and we were working our zone offense really well. We were finding the holes in the cup and then running with the disc down field. There were several instances were we played fabulous team defense and forced stall 9 hucks. We stayed tight on defense and played great force side D. We kept trading points. The last two points were epic and lasted a very long time. The first point were fought hard to make it 8-9. In the last point we were on the goal line several times and just couldn't connect. They won on hard cap 8-10. It was heart breaking to lose but we all recognized how hard and well we played individually and as a team which left us all feeling great going into our bye.

Game 7 vs. UC- Davis (10-8)

And with the good comes the bad.... Our bye destroyed our momentum and we came out flat and tired against UC-Davis. We were playing overconfident and lazy and had no intensity. We were struggling with our back net defense even though they were running a Colt like play that should have been easily shut down. We were not communicating well and they ran an offense with no dump which was confusing to some. Never the less, we fought through our struggles to take and maintain the lead. While the game ended 10-8, it was MUCH closer than it needed to be.

Monday- 13th place bracket

Due to poor weather (aka. RAIN) we were relocated from UCSD to San Bernardino which is about 1 ½ hours north of San Diego.

Semis vs. Texas (9-8)

The weather was a HUGE impact on the play. It was very cold and rainy. The fields were covered in about 1-3 inches of water. It was inevitable that you would get completely soaked. (unless your Doug, who had about 10 layers on and lots of rain gear) Texas came out strong broke us right away and took a 0-2 lead. We fought back and got around their cup to Preeti who placed it to Neela in the endzone. Stretching their defense and showing that despite the weather we still had a deep game. We went on a run and brought the score to 6-3 us. We had opportunities to take half but with some sloppy turnovers, they were able to take half 6-7. After half, we started on defense and with a lay-out by Jackie and great ho-stack defense, we were able to get a break to make it 8-7. They fought through our Umbrella defense on their ho stack to make it 8-8. By this time the hard cap was on to make it universe point. We started on offense and walked the disc down confidently to score and win the game 9-8.

Finals vs. Colorado (8-10)

The rain continued to pour down and we lost many roses due to cold weather. We played the entire game with 8 players! They went up quickly to make it 2-6. We fought back hard. Some noteworthy plays involve Sterling laying out to catch a disc only to bobble it and catch it on her stomach. India had an amazing foot block that stopped their fast break. We fought back to tie the game up 6-6. With missed opportunities to take half, they took half 6-7. In between points, many players would break out into random fits of laugher. With only one sub, the pouring rain, the puddled fields, the cold weather, and the under dressed players, there was nothing we could do but laugh. The second half was short with the soft cap coming on only 10 minutes after half. They scored the first point and then we fought back to score the next two. It was tied 8-8. Our offense was struggling but we fought hard on defense which made for very long points. We were unable to convert and they won 8-10.

All and all is was a good weekend. The amount we grew as a team and as players from Saturday morning to Monday was exceptional. We learned to play as a team and play hard. We ended the weekend at 14th place which means that we broke seed which was something we were looking to do. This is a great way to start off our spring season and we have great expectation for the team this year.

Thanks to all of those people who came out and supported us this weekend! Ali ('08) came to watch us on Sunday. Collen's parents, Jackie's parents and brother, and Neela's sister were a great cheering sideline and provided us with refreshments that sustained us through the days.

Our next tournament is Terminus on March 14th and 15th.

Terminus

Cummings, GA
2009-03-14

This past weekend, the Roses drove 15 hours south to Atlanta hoping to escape the cold and rainy weather of Ithaca. Georgia on the other hand found themselves finally escaping a drought.

Saturday- Pool Play: Game 1 vs. Michigan (4-11) (Written by Sterling)

After a rearranging of pools, we were given a first round bye and welcomed the extra sleep after driving all day on Friday. We got to the fields early and warmed up in the cold rain, which continued throughout the entire day. However, after our experiences at San Diego, we were prepared for the weather and donned shower caps, garbage bags, ponchos, and other waterproof clothing. We opened the game with a hard-fought point that finally ended when Sterling made a layout catch and quickly threw it to a wide-open Kelsey in the endzone for the score. Unfortunately, Michigan, the tournament's top seed, then answered with 4 points. They continually threw quick flicks across the front to the break side. We were able to score again on a huck from Preeti before Michigan took half 6-2. The second half continued much like the first half, but we had improved our umbrella ho-stack defense and had better communication and switching, which made for a number of long points. We scored twice more, but were unable to catch up to Flywheel, who took the game 11-4.

Game 2 vs. Emory (?-8) (Written by Kelsey)

Emory came out strong in this game, having just soundly defeated their previous opponent. On the other hand, our fundamentals were shaky, and we turned the disc over a number of times on uncharacteristic drops and throw-aways. Emory quickly pulled ahead 4-1. We were able to regain some momentum and clean up our game, but they took half 6-4. We came out stronger on defense in the second half, with a few effective backnets and two layout D's by Jackie, but we had some issues with communication in our umbrella defense and were beaten deep several times. After a number of long points, the cap went on, and there was some dispute about the score. Emory thought they were up 7-5, while we thought the game was tied at 7's and we were at universe point. Either way, we put on a strong D line and threw a zone, but they were able to work the disc up and score for what was probably the only turnover-free point of the game and the win.

Game 3 vs. Tennessee- (13-5)(Written by Jennine)

We knew this game was a must win to put us in good shape for the beginning of bracket play. Win and play a 2 seed, lose and play a 1 seed. Tennessee played a very poachy man defense, which we capitalized on quickly going up 4-0. Tennesee then switched to zone as the wind picked up. We saw this as a good opportunity to work on our previously struggling zone offense. Our zone handlers and poppers seemed to be working together more and we were able to move the disc down the field well. This game really allowed us to open up subbing. Mackey shined catching a few scores. Despite much heckling from the Tennesee mens team, we managed to take half and win the game rather quickly.

Saturday- Cross over/ Quarters (Written by Weilin) Game 4 vs. Penn State- (6-10)-

Due to a confusing tournament layout, we somehow ended up starting this game at 6pm, causing us to have a 3 hour bye during which we dined on cheese pizza and sipped on hot chocolate at a cute little pizza parlor. We began the game well fed, warmed up, and quite a bit drier. However, we started the game on offense and got broken right away. We decided to go with the same line and again failed to score. Clearly, this was not ideal, but we switched up the line a bit for our next point and finally got on the board, twice in a row, in fact. We continued to trade points until half as we played the best ultimate we had all day. They tried to throw zone on us and our zone offense broke through their cup and flowed down the field. During one point, everyone on the field touched the disc and without a turnover, we scored with ease. Preeti also had a couple of fabulous hucks into the endzone, one to Jin and one to India. On defense, we tried something new this game: force-middle defense. Penn State had throwers who liked to huck it down the sidelines and our force middle defense really stalled their offense, because we were communicating so well on the field and on the sidelines. Penn State managed to take half and eventually won the game, but the game always felt close and within our reach. We finished the day proud that we had worked so hard in this game and played many points of good ultimate.

And the rain continued. Throughout Saturday night, it poured. When we arrived at the fields at 8am on Sunday morning, we were greeted with the disappointing news that the tournament had been canceled. Upset that we were not going to be able to prove ourselves at this tournament, we headed east to Folly Beach where we will spend the remainder of our break.

After an excellent 3 hour practice today, I am really looking forward to pulling things together for our remaining tournaments. Next weekend, we head a few hours north to Wilmington NC for Easterns. After Easterns, we head right into the College Series. Sectionals this year will be held in Ithaca (yay!) on April 4th and 5th. Regionals is in Princeton NJ on April 25th and 26th. We hope to see many of you at these next few tournaments.

UpState New York Sectionals

Ithaca, NY
2009-04-04

Saturday Pool Play Game 1 vs. Geneseo (15-0) (Written by Colleen)

We started off Sectionals on a gray and blustery Ithaca morning, but the lack of rain cheered us given our ratio of tournaments with rain to tournaments without is about (tournaments - 1): 1. Although we came out a little slow, mistakes from Geneseo allowed us to gain our lead even on the shaky early points. As the game progressed we established clear dominance with both successful offense with minimal turnovers and defense that left the Geneseo girls confounded. When the handlers yelled for force side cuts when we were marking straight up we knew they were frustrated. We finished the game quickly allowing Geneseo no goals and ready to play Syracuse in our second game.

Game 2 vs. Syracuse (15-3) (Written by Merkis)

In the second game of sectionals the Roses came out strong against the Syracuse Fox Force. The girls played hard, especially the O-Line who was able to quickly score the first point. Highlights of the game included a fabulous hand-block by Natalie Thompson and a perfectly executed layout by Rachel Reichenbach. The Roses really worked their flow this game and were able to quickly break through the zone of the Fox Force defense, with fast moving poppers and some great hucks. The D-Line was also very successful in creating Ds as opposed to receiving them. The girls ran a variety of zone plays, and thanks to the depth created by such a strong team, took half at 8-1. The second half continued much of the same way with a few lucky plays for the Fox Force. Regardless the Roses finished strong despite the weather and the game ended 15-3.

Game 3 vs. Ithaca College (15-4) (Written by Rachel)

In our third game on Saturday we faced our neighbors to the East, Ithaca College. Kweezy had recently scrimmaged T-Horny so we knew they had a few good handlers and ran a ho-stack. The wind also picked up for this game and the temperature dropped further but despite these difficult conditions we came out strong and quickly dominated on offense and defense. They threw a cup with a very active mark but we were able to break it with many short throws up the field. Several of these points involved everyone on the field touching the disc, which reminded us that it really takes a whole team to win. We used many different defenses forcing Ithaca to resort to hucking and playing D. Traditionally we've had a difficult time pulling down swill in the air but we've really improved in recent weeks and this game proved it. We closed out the game on a high with a great endzone play between Jackie and Jin, winning 15-4 and leaving us with 45 minutes before our final game of the day.

Game 4 vs. Colgate (15-2) (Written by Amelia)

So for the last game of the rainy (but thankfully not as rainy as forecasted) day, we played Colgate. Though we had trouble at the beginning completing O points effectively, we polished our game for the second half with very few turnovers and the O line simply walked it straight in for a goal. There were some long points due to errors on the Roses part (staying chilly with the disk and making good decisions). But we were able to capitalize on their lazy defense and recognize the poaching. By running hard we got open both deep and under on our defenders. Like the other three games previously in the day, the Roses were overall able to play high level ultimate.

Sunday- Pool Play Game 5 vs. Union

Due to an accident getting to the fields on Saturday morning, Union was unable to compete in Sectionals. This gave us a first round bye Sunday.

Finals vs. Ottawa (9-12)(Written by Sterling)

The Roses arrived on Sunday to face our first competition of the weekend, Ottawa, who was ranked 3rd on RRI, and 1st in power ranking. We treated it like any game, warming up early, and adopting the mentality that if we’d play best if we played smiling. We started on O-line, but we were unable to convert. However, we did manage to put up a good point, and it made us realize we really could roll with Ottawa. We answered back with a upwind score, which was a huge mental breakthrough, as we reversed the tendency that we had at Eastern’s of letting teams go up several points before we got it together. We were then fired up, and the arrival of more and more fans intensified this, with the Buds, Shake, friends, family, and Ithaca Ultimate community coming out to support us in amazing numbers. We truly appreciated the support. We played good, crisp, fast-paced offense, and really worked on our new idea of sprinting as soon as we threw the disc. This was especially effective as some of Ottawa’s more experienced players were playing poachy defense, which we abused with quick up the line cuts, swings, and break throws.

On defense, we did our best to shut Ottawa down and while we did earn several D’s, they showed why they are a nationally ranked team, making very effective use of space with their ho-stack and showing off their impressive break throws. However, we knew if we scored every time we were on offense, we could continue to hang with them. We did just that, trading points for the entire half. One highlight was a pair of bookends by India, who had an all-around stellar weekend. Everyone played heads up, especially on offense, and there were several good saves by heads up Roses in the stack. We were able to earn a break, and with the game tied at 7, we worked the disc down and closed out half with a nice hammer by Sterling to a wide open and poached Preeti in the back corner of the endzone. It was a terrific way to take half 8-7, and you had better believe we were smiling! Ottawa was shaken, and we were fired up. However, as Doug reminded us, a half of ultimate is different than a full game, and we needed to come out big in the second half….

And boy did we come out big! We added a whole extra player! Due to a miscommunication, we nearly played an entire point with 8 players on, before a disheveled Ottawa realized that their poaching could not account for how amazingly open one Rose was at all times. Thankfully, Ottawa was good-natured about the mishap, and we restarted the half. We started out on D, but again, Ottawa was able to work it down and score. Ottawa then set their 4 man cup on us, a defense that has given us trouble in the past. We tried to break it with hammers over the top, but had a few unlucky drops and slip ups on the muddy field which Ottawa continued to capitalize on until the soft cap went on at 10-9. The game ended at 12-9, but even that score does not reflect how close the game was. It was truly a fantastic game, with several aspects of our game finally coming together after months of practice and hard work. We had some stellar individual performances and a truly amazing and inspiring TEAM effort. We proved to Ottawa, our region, (the nation?), and most importantly to ourselves, that the Roses can run with the big teams.

2nd place game vs. Rochester (15-1)

After losing a tough game, we knew we had to maintain our energy and play one last game. We took this as an opportunity to practice playing one emotionally draining game and then coming out strong again like we may have to do at Regionals. Rochester had a close game with Ottawa the day before finishing (9-12) just like we had, so we knew we should not underestimate them. Cornell played calm, smart ultimate in this game. We didn't have to do anything flashy, but when we were given the disc, we didn't give it back. The majority of the points we didn't turn the disc over. We were also able to have all seven players touch the disc on the majority of our Zone-O points. Laura had a bookend point where she got the D in the cup and then made a great cut to score. Weilin had an impressive run through D. In the end, we were able to take the game with poise and confidence 15-1.

We finished up the weekend excited that we had finally seen a change in our playing. All season, Doug has been telling us that we have glimpses of crisp, clean ultimate. Our task was just to put those pieces together, point by point, game by game to make up a tournament. Even though we did not win Sectionals, we proved to ourselves that we are able to run with the big teams. We finally pieced together an entire weekend. With our remaining few weeks before regionals, we have a focus. We know our weaknesses and we need to work out all of our kinks before the culmination of our season.

We are very excited(and nervous) to compete at Regionals. We have big goals and are ready to see them become a reality. If you are in the Priceton NJ area the weekend of April 25th/26th, please come cheer us on at Regionals! We would love to have a sideline rooting for us.

Metro East Regionals

Princeton NJ
2009-04-18

Saturday- Pool Play: Game 1 vs. Princeton (15-2) (Written by Kelsey)

We opened the weekend against the 4th seed in our pool, Princeton. We had played them twice earlier in the season and knew they had some solid players. We put our starting O line in, and quickly got out to a solid lead. Besides one point early in the game where our cuts weren't timed well and we were having trouble working the disc down the field, our offense flowed well and our defense was shutting Princeton down, forcing them to throw up swill. We generally did a good job of capitalizing on their turnovers and not giving the disc back. We jumped out to an early lead and subbed deep into our roster, resting the starters. The Roses continued to take care of business on the field, soon putting the game away 15-2.

Game 2 vs. John Hopkins (15-4) (Written by Jennine)

After "taking care of business" during the Princeton game, we had a nice break before our next game. After re-cleating and warming up in the slightly stronger wind, we were ready to go, starting out on OFFENSE!! Our starters came out strong and after going up a few breaks Doug began subbing deep into our bench. Giving our starters a well deserved rest, we worked through Hopkins' very lose zone. Multiple times our handles barely touched the disc, making one throw through the cup and then utilizing our poppers and deeps to finish for the score. Many players got "book-ends" just showing off our well rounded play. We finished the game off 15-4.

Game 3 vs. UPenn (11-15) (Written by Weilin and Sterling)

We played UPenn, seeded first in our pool, for the 3rd and toughest game of the day. They had a handful of very talented star players and a solid team overall. We came out on O and despite a turnover were able to score. We then proceeded to trade points for the first half. We were moving the disc well on offense, but so did UPenn, who rarely turned it over and punished us for any turnover, moving the disc quickly and impressively. We worked our straight up defense and were particularly careful to mark up smart. We worked hard and were able to stay in the super intense game all first half, and we took half 8-7. In the second half, both teams were visibly tired from the draining first half in the hot weather. After their main handler showed she could still manage to get hucks off when being forced straight up, we started to run a 3 person trap cup, taking special care to watch the outside in hucks. This proved to be a turning point in the game, as disagreements over double team calls, coupled with the stress of the game started to wear on players and the game quickly became heated. UPenn began playing more huck and play D, and unforced turnovers became our downfall. However, we did not give up, and continued to fight and lay it all out. One highlight was a huge layout score by sophomore captain Jackie Booth. Another highlight was when Mackey attempted to layout and catch an out of bound disc, even though she was unable to catch it in bounds, she gained 50 yards for us. Unfortunately, towards the end of the game both teams were guilty of letting the intense emotion of the game affect their spirit. Although we fought to the end, our starters were exhausted from the draining game in the intense heat, and UPenn took this game 15-11.

2nd place Back door games: Game 4 vs. Hofstra (15-10) (Written by Tree)

Our last game on Saturday was against Hofstra. Hofstra kept putting up swilly throws that then were completed. They also played a strange zone where they had a two person cup that we had difficultly breaking. Despite being tired and dehydrated, the Roses managed to hold it together and play hard to win 15-10 and continue on to Sunday.

Sunday- Game 1 vs Georgetown (15-10) (Written by Natalie)

Sunday morning bright and early at 8:30AM the Roses came out alive and sweaty. After our hearty hour-long warm up, we started off the game against Georgetown very strong. If my memory serves me correctly, we scored some four points straight on Georgetown, but then let up and gave them a point. In those early points our offense was working well, with quick passes and perfectly-timed cuts. After Georgetown’s first score, we came back and scored two more points to make it 6-1; but then we completely faltered, allowing Georgetown back in the game to make it 6-5. Fortunately we were able to pull ourselves together and take the half 8-5. However, we were not fortunate enough to play crisp, clean ultimate in the second half, and struggled all the way to the soft cap, at which point we were up 14-10. With fifteen minutes left until the end of the round, we fumbled around with the disc for a while, and then finally scored our last point to win the game. At the start of the game we were fired up and ready to play ultimate, and it seemed that Georgetown was still waking up. But after their first point, we certainly let up a bit and our confidence began to slip. Georgetown was a good team and made us play hard against them, although most of our errors were self errors: throw aways, easy drops, and lazy defense. I think it was our early lead that allowed us to stick it out and win the game, even despite our sub par playing.

Game 2 vs. Penn State (11-15) (Written by Laura)

Going into the PSU game we knew that this was going to be a hard, close game. We knew that PSU liked to throw a 4-man cup zone and we had been practicing ways of breaking through that. PSU scored the first couple points but we soon molded into each other and worked the disc down beautifully through their zone to take us to a 7-3 lead. However, due to a whole range of factors, that in retrospect shouldn’t have played a part, we let this team back into the game and allowed them to take half. In the next half we were fired up to show this team who the Roses were and although we fought hard we ended up losing 15-11. Their goals were mainly due to two excellent players and team full of girls who can read/catch swill. It was very emotional to have our season ended but we were all definitely proud of the way we played as a team this season. We finished the tournament in 5th place.

After finishing our season, we looked around at the girls(and Doug) we had worked so hard with all year and were so proud with how far we had come. We had some big shoes to fill after losing so many players last year and each individual player on the team truly stepped it up and embraced the challenge. After finishing our game against Penn State, we were able to go cheer on the Buds as they won the Region!