This past Memorial Day weekend, UCSD Dragon Coalition competed in the holy grail of college ultimate tournaments: the USA Ultimate D1 National Championships. After months of preparation, including weeks of heat training to prepare for the unpredictable Milwaukee weather and the intense competition, D-Co flew out Thursday night to start pool play the next morning. 

Friday morning dawned gloomily but the D-Co’s spirits were high as they geared up to play Colorado State. In a very spirited game, D-Co’s practiced defense easily took down the Hell’s Belles finishing the game 15-6.  Next up was a rematch from Northwest Challenge: University of Virginia Hydra. With much improved play against their zone, D-Co’s offense calmly worked the disc up the field, led by Maggie “Manta” Pierce. Taking down Hydra 15-7, D-Co finished the day 2-0, setting them up well for the next day. 

D-Co came into a gusty Saturday morning knowing that they would face tougher competition than the day before. Their first opponent, the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, were an unknown adversary for them. With a strong defensive presence, led by Denika “Sonic” Hallin and Shaina “Noggin” Jewett-Wolf, D-Co took an early lead. Not to be broken down so easily, UBC responded, taking the game back and testing D-Co’s perseverance. With incredible catches by Lauren “Linux” Hanna and Kate “Guava” Lindeman, UCSD regained control and, in one of the best games of their season, beat UBC 14-11. In their final pool play match, UCSD squared up against Carleton College Syzygy whom they had yet to defeat this season. Despite D-Co’s grit and awe-inspiring plays by Ava “Raffi” Hanna, Syzygy just came down with the disc more than D-Co. Falling to Carleton 8-15, D-Co took second in their pool, meaning they had an immediate bracket play pre-quarterfinal game against Tufts University Ewo. While each D-Co played their heart out on the field, they couldn’t quite catch up after the early lead Tufts took, finishing 9-12. With that D-Co ended their tournament run and post season, tying for 9th place in the nation. 

The team spent the rest of the weekend watching finals and celebrating, Raffi who was a finalist for the Callahan award: the highest honor for a D1 college ultimate player. D-Co wants to thank family and friends for all the support they received this season and wish the best to all their graduating players as they move on to their next adventures!