It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s another tournament for UCSD’s Dragon Coalition.

This last weekend, the dragons hosted a very exciting memorial tournament in honor of Kendra “Punnett” Fallon, entertaining 13 teams. Splitting into A and B teams, the DCO’s and BCO’s started off Saturday strong with wins. Overall, B team ended 4-3, losing twice to our rivals the Santa Barbara Skirts and placing third, and A team went 6-1, losing in finals to UCSB, but playing with wide open lines to give more experience to everyone on the team.

Some highlights of the weekend were a rookie point played against San Diego Community members and alumni, in which the rookies scored the final point, securing DCO a position in the finals. Another highlight was two wins for B team against Arizona State University and USC. One of the most exciting matches of the weekend was UCSD’s own A team versus B team, featuring many turns, great interceptions, and connections from both sides. 

Another fun matchup that seems to happen at least once per tournament was UCSD’s rookie Rango guarding another Rango from Clairemont! Many amazing plays arose as our teammates fell… to the floor for layouts, that is. We had a hefty handful of legendary layouts this tournament, including Emma “Capwn” Elleffson-Frank and Chantal “Dzaddy” Rabay putting in work on the floor. Another handful of rookie layouts came from Liana “Rango” Kitchel, Annika “Flash” Ross, and one from Josie “Bumpa” O’toole in the endzone to score! A round of applause for the hard work, and hopefully a bag of ice or two while you’re at it.

One way the dragons love to lift each others’ spirits besides fun chants from the sideline is—you guessed it—absolutely humiliating themselves for the greater good of a few laughs! Our lowlight reel for the weekend includes, but is definitely not limited to, Josie “Bumpa” O’toole’s would-have-been-beautiful pass to Jessie “Saber” Finkelor. Unfortunately, Saber was not actively playing in the point, and passing to spectators is not allowed, so the pass was a turn. We also had alumni Sara “Frost” Zhang talking some big game to our second year Kezha “Crush” Neale-Sachs, only to turn around and be nailed in the face with Crush’s laser pass to the endzone. And to follow her trash-talk regarding “breaking ankles,” our sweetheart alumni broke her own ankles. (Not literally, but it did incite more than a few rounds of good-hearted laughter.) We love you Frost, it was great to play with you again!

It should be noted that our DCO’s trucked each other more than anyone trucked other teams, and in the name of great spirit, some teammates tried to score for the opponents, too! Kezha “Crush” Neale-Sachs made a run for the wrong endzone, another moment that definitely made the weekend one to remember. Altogether, returners continued to step up to the plate with leading roles on the team, and rookies gave it their all throughout the games. Dylan “Ravine” Mullaney turned every head on the field when she flew a good 3 meters above ground for an attempted D. Way to leave it all on the field, rookies! We can’t wait to see what everyone on Dragon Coalitiion accomplishes next, at this upcoming weekend’s Sean Ryan tournament in Santa Cruz. Stay tuned!