A Big Day at MBA Ultimate Tournament

The USN Ultimate team went 4 and 1 at the MBA round-robin tournament on Satuday, January 29.  The team came out strong in their first three games, easily defeating their opponents while fielding their newest players: Thomas Chickey, Grant Eidam, Rosario Falzone, Isaac Gabella, and Grant Given, all of whom contributed to the team's success. 

The fourth game against Blackman High School proved a tougher challenge, but the Tigers maintained their focus and discipline and won the game 11-7 in a hard cap.  USN fell in their final game to a resurgent MBA team in a hard-fought but spirited game by both teams.  Despite the loss to their rivals, the team processed the defeat as a learning experience, and they plan to avenge the loss at the Deep Freeze tournament in February. 

Seniors David Kuhn, Will Knowles, Eliot Linton, Mikeie Reiland, and Gray Yarbrough supported the team all day with their solid play.  Eliot and Mikeie were spectacular on both offense and defense, snatching the disc out of the opponents' grasps and making seemingly impossible catches on offense.  David also scored several points and played solid defense, and Will created several turnovers.  Sophomores Andrew Bridgers, Matt Hoffman, and Eli Motycka stepped up on offense, assuming new roles as handlers, calmly leading the offense with their disciplined play, while sophomores Miro Hurdle, Mitchell Lutz, and Jack Spiva sustained the offense with their well-timed cuts and tough catches.  Sophomore Connor Seitz also contributed offensively and made some great plays on defense as he stopped the opposing team from completing their deep throws.  Captains Ryan Del Casino and Will Shaw motivated the team with their strong, focused play on offense and defense and through their guidance on and off the field.  Overall the one-day tournament was a success, and the team will build on their strengths and learn from their mistakes as the official tournament season begins.