10/19/25 - Men’s Ultimate Huckfest 2025
The spooky season started early for Squid LITE as they took the field at UC Irvine for Huckfest. Huckfest is the first tournament of the new school year and a Halloween-themed two-day clash to kick off Fall Ultimate. With only 14 players on the roster, the Squids knew they’d have to rely on grit, chemistry, and the classic LITE hustle to make it through six games in two days. Still, spirits were high, (some) costumes were out, and team captain Joey “Fan-Fan” Toscano led the charge dressed head-to-toe as Vegeta, ready to go Super Saiyan on whoever stood in LITE’s way.
The first matchup of the weekend came against Occidental College Detox. As tends to happen early in the season, LITE got off to a sluggish start: defensive miscommunication, mistimed cuts, and rust still lingering from the offseason. But as the game went on, the rhythm began to build. The sidelines came alive, defensive intensity ramped up, and Fan-Fan, channeling his inner Vegeta, started catching everything thrown his way, igniting the team’s energy. Though LITE couldn’t claw their way to a win, ultimately losing 10-13, they ended the game with momentum that carried into the rest of the tournament.
Next up was USD, The Flat Tax Ballers. The Squids came out flying, jumping to a 4–0 lead in what looked like a statement game early on. The handlers moved smoothly through the zone, cutters found open space, and breaks came quick. However, after that explosive start, LITE cooled off. Turnovers began to mount and focus wavered. By half time the flax tax ballers had managed to almost even out the score with a 7-6 half in the squid's favor. But great breakout plays from Tusc, continued great performance from Fanfan, and the squid lite handlers breaking the zone heavy defense of USD led the squids to push through. Continuing the early performance held up just long enough to secure a victory with Apollo helping to secure the victory following up on a missed catch in the end zone, ending up winning 13-10. It wasn’t the prettiest showing, but it was enough to put the Squids in the win column and keep morale high.
Their last game of the day came against another squad, the Cal Poly Pomona Cows, where athleticism took center stage. Tuscaloosa commanded the skies, coming down with two massive skies that sent waves through the UCI fields. Even though it was the end of the day, both teams put up an impressive fight. LITE battled hard but ultimately fell short at 8-13, closing out Saturday with a 1–2 record and tired legs all around. The shortened roster began to feel the miles, but the energy was far from gone.
Sunday morning came early, beginning with the LMU Lions under a clear Irvine sky. With limited numbers, LITE leaned on patience and smart possession play, but fatigue began to show from the previous day. Despite solid possessions and effort on every point, LMU capitalized on turnovers and transitions, forcing LITE into a grinding morning loss at 7-13. Still, confidence remained. There were definitely moments that showed promise, so LITE kept looking forward, especially knowing two big matchups remained to close out the weekend.
The second game of the day came against tournament hosts UCI Nightlife. The hometown team brought heavy pressure, but LITE responded in style. One of the biggest highlights of the entire tournament came courtesy of Tuscaloosa, who soared over two defenders— and even Papa Perc— to bail out a floaty huck from Limbo. The sideline erupted, the energy surged, and suddenly it felt like the Squids could take on anyone under the Halloween sun. While the game ultimately ended with LITE falling to Nightlife 11-12, the effort and flash reminded everyone what makes LITE special, our relentless belief and trust in their teammates.
The closing game of Huckfest was a rematch against USC Blockdown, featuring a familiar face in former Squid Tsunade. Fueled by rivalry energy, LITE brought out their best performance of the weekend. The energy on defense was palpable, the offense found its rhythm, and every break was met with roars from the sideline. Point after point, the Squids “cooked” their old teammate, executing crisp swings, strong deep looks, and forceful defensive sets. When the final point was scored, LITE walked off the field with a resilient 13–8 victory, an emphatic finish to a long, demanding weekend.
Huckfest 2025 was a proving ground for this new chapter of Squid LITE. Despite being shorthanded, every player stepped up. From handlers grinding out long points to cutters making full-field sprints late on Sunday, the team showed the same heart that defined their success last spring. The chemistry from last season didn’t fade, it evolved. This weekend proved that even with only 14 players, LITE’s resolve runs deep. Huckfest wasn’t just a tune-up tournament, it was a reminder of who the Squids are and what they’re building toward. If this weekend was any indication, LITE is primed for another season of resilience, energy, and the kind of teamwork that makes the pod so much more than just a team.
