Hello Dragon Coalition Fans! We’re back with another tournament recap for UCSD’s Womxn’s Ultimate Team! This past weekend, the DCOs headed over to sunny Santa Barbara for the first regular season tournament of 2024. With 5 games played in those two days, the DCOs worked hard and demonstrated their grit and resilience. We began bright and early on Saturday with an 8 AM game against the University of Utah. This was a game full of strong defense, with epic shut-down handler defense by Sophia “Aera” Fitch and two absolutely stunning layout Ds by Abbi “Pierogi” Shilts, as well as some awesome offense. Fourth year Xuan “Gadro” Feldman had amazing handling and gorgeous hucks and Audrey “BATS” Schneider had an awesome sky. However, we unfortunately lost 9 to 12. But we kept spirits high into our next game against UC Berkeley. This game was super competitive and full of great aggressive defense, with one point where Josie “Bumpa” O’Toole had two amazing Ds in one play! As we went into the second half of the game, adrenaline was high and the intense battle ended on Universe, where unfortunately UC Berkeley scored and took the game. For our final game of the day, we matched up against the University of British Columbia. They always provide a challenge, but we came out of the game with some great experience playing against a worthy competitor. This game, Abbi “Pierogi” Shilts really demonstrated her defensive talents with another layout D and an incredible hand block. We ​​were knocked into the consolation bracket, but the DCOs kept their heads high and got ready for the next day of games. 

A little sunburnt and definitely hungry, the DCOs piled into Ravine’s house for a delicious pasta dinner with plenty of great conversation and team bonding. Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Ravine! Bellies and hearts full, we got to bed early and woke up revitalized and ready to go! 

On day two, we were able to sleep in until (gasp) 7:30 before our 9:45 game against San Luis Obispo. After some head-to-head play, we unfortunately lost the game 7 to 11, but it was filled with some great frisbee all around. One particularly memorable point was where Xuan “Gadro” Feldman threw a beautiful huck to Abbi “Pierogi” Shilts, which she caught right in front of the endzone before quickly throwing it right back to Gadro for the score! We finished the tournament with a win against Northwestern, 15 to 5, putting us in 14th place. This game was filled with strong defense by everyone. with awesome Ds by Audrey “BATS” Schneider and Parissa “Tunez” Teli. All in all, a great tournament, filled with lots of experience, growth, and learning moments. Can’t wait to see what the DCOs bring to the rest of the season! DCO, you know!!