Challenges

On the eve of a brand new season, there comes a time where I will just think about what I want to accomplish this season. I’ve done this for every college and club season that I’ve been a part of, in addition to individual tournaments and even the occasional pickup games. I constantly challenge myself to push myself and my game to new limits, working on fundamentals such as keeping a solid force on the mark or not getting beat up-line, to things that are more “out-there” such as working on my off-hand throws or high release flicks.

My philosophy is that if you don’t constantly challenge yourself to get better, to work on different aspects of your game, you won’t improve and your game becomes stale and predictable and it’ll show through your play at the local pickup game or at nationals. I have a post-it stuck on my wall, directly in front of me as I sit at my computer that says these simple words:

“Someone is working harder than you--->10/29/2009”

If you haven’t caught on, the date 10/29/2009 is not just Jen “Zip” Chen’s birthday, but also the start of the UPA Club nationals in Sarasota, Florida. For LA Metro, that’s the goal. This will be the last time I talk about Natties here this year, but as a team, our captains have made it clear that we are not only focused on qualifying for it, but also making some noise there.

On the individual scale, my challenges for this year are even harder than what I faced last year. Last year’s goals for the LA Metro ’08 season was to blend in as a reliable and solid role player, and to develop into an elite level handler. I’m not sure if I accomplished the latter goal, but I felt like I did establish myself as a reliable cutter last year, being moved from D-line handler to O-line cutter.

Offense

This year I want to be perfect. That’s saying so much and I know that I’m never going to achieve such a goal (no one will), but it’s a mentality thing. I want to handle the disc and cut for the disc in a way that strives for perfection. This means throwing consistently and accurately, mixing brains with ability and making the right high-percentage decision every time. This doesn’t mean I won’t be hucking or throwing higher-risk passes. The captains have encouraged me to huck more, but with this “clearance” comes more responsibility and restraint. I hope by year’s end I will be a smart and sound handler that can not only distribute the disc accurately and fluidly on the under cuts, but also keep the defense alert with the potentiality of my deep throws.

- 100% throws, minimal turns

- Establish deep game

- Clearing space for others

Defense

I hope this is the year I break out defensively. I’ve been working on my defense this entire off-season with the UCI team, LPC at Sean Ryan, and other tournaments with various teams. The title I really want to earn is the “lock-down defender,” especially on the opponent’s main handler. My goals are to be a lot more physical on the defensive side, to use my body and position to my advantage and to make the offense go where we want them to go. Calstates showed me that I’m still not there in guarding handlers that are significantly bigger than I am, so much work is needed both in my speed/agility, and in the weight room.

- Lock down defender status

- Body the offense. BE MORE PHYSICAL

- Dictate the offense

- Want the disc more than the other guy

- Lay out big, lay out aggressively, lay out safe.

We went into last year with a “let’s see how well we can do” mentality, and we missed a trip to Nationals by 5 points. This year, we’re gearing up for a run that will hopefully take us all the way to November. The roster is being assembled, and track workouts are being run. I was lucky enough to be offered a roster spot on this awesome team, and when it matters, I don’t want to be the one that lets the other 26 down. This is the last time I mention it, but yes, our challenge for this year is nationals. The season starts now, and I couldn’t be more psyched out for what it will bring.

-Hammie

Roster as of 11:42pm

Here's the LA Metro 2009 roster so far. There are one or two spots on both the men's and the women's side to be decided.

Martha
Enway
Zip
Mary Kate "Uzi" Hogan
Lindsey Cross
Marie Madaras
Sarah "Carny" Carnahan
Michelle Andrews
Karen Ko

----

Chad
Keegan
Simon
Hammie
Spencer
Scott
Kief
Rob
Miller
Yugo
Barrz
Frankie
Jeff Chai
Ryan "Trogdor" Hunt
Andy Curtis

Final roster soon. Congrats to all who made it =)

-Hammie

Happy Father's Day Baba

I love you and miss you so much

Stuff to Bring

After going to tournaments for the past 3 or so years, packing for such events brings excitement, as well as frustration aided by the lack of organization and or procrastination. From that huge load of laundry that consists of just capaline, warmups, and under armor, to the final cleat check as you head out the door, there are just things that you pack just because it's an ultimate tournament. This is my list, this is how I roll to tournaments.

(List is in no particular order, and omits obvious items such as wallet, keys, cell phone, athletic bag, discs, sandals, sunblock, etc.)

The Essentials

(what you're always gonna need regardless of any tournament)

1. CLEATS

There is no way an ultimate player should ever be separated from their footwear. The number one item that is always packed are the cleats. Doesn't matter if they're turf cleats, soccer, or football, they're essential because they are the rare-find once you get to the tournament site. You can always borrow socks, shirts, or shorts, but step onto the pitch and realize that you're cleatless, you'll be walking the sideline in your rainbows feeling dumb. Unless you're the rare guy who plays better barefoot, pack your cleats FIRST. If you're flying to a tournament, cleats go into the carry-on in case the airline loses your checked gear. You never lose sight of them and you should always know where they are.

2. LIGHT + DARK

It's a Ultimate cardinal sin if you bring only one color, or a gray. If you imagine the bare essentials in ultimate, it's cleats #1, and then your shorts (given), and then a light or a dark. It is common courtesy for other ultimate players including your own team, and hey this gives you a chance to show off your jersey wardrobe. Make a statement! And remember that tie-dye is always a dark.

3. Nalgene

Apparently, the more stickers you have on your nalgene, the cooler you are. Hahaha no I'm joking about that one, but hydration is important. Who wants to be "that guy" who never brings their own nalgene and is constantly bugging other people for precious water? Yea I thought so. I was initially one of those "re-use my gatorade bottles" type of guys and I found that it just accumulates and it isn't as nice. A Nalgene bottle teaches responsibility as it forces you to know where it is, to wash it after use, and to remember to pick it up afterwards and not to leave it out by itself. A Nalgene bottle also allows expression of personality through colors, stickers, etc. etc. Maybe I'm just jealous of those people with Sigg bottles. Except when they get all dinged up. Then I just find it funny and I'm even happier with my nalgene.

B-level tournaments

(what you need for lower level tournaments that aren't too strenuous)

1. Wristbands

Building up a sweat since you're gonna be playing a bit more than pickup? Then yes, bring a wrist band. It not only keeps your hand dry from the sweat comin' off your arm, but it also compresses your wrist, keeping it warm and handy for us handlers. Although you may develop a weird and obnoxious tan like I do... the trade-offs are well worth it. And besides, I get to show off my UCI Colors every game, no matter what jersey I'm wearing.

2. Snacks

[warning... biology lesson ahead]

For those 90 minute byes, a snack is a must. While you're running, your body's "fight-or-flight" nervous system (Sympathetic nervous system), essentially prioritizes your blood flow and energy to your muscles as your work. This is essentially the body prioritizing resources on what is best. And while you're running down a huck on game point and about to lay out, your brain doesn't care about that bagel that you ate in the morning and it's most certainly not worried about digesting it. However when the bye rolls around, your body starts workin' on that digestive system and replenishment is neccessary. So a power-bar, a banana, more bagels, or if you're my friend Enway, rice balls, is a definite must for those tournaments with byes.

3. Hat

I can't really relate... but apparently wearing a hat makes you that much more of a frisbee baller. So I guess if you guys want to "keep the sun out of your eyes," or "keep the sweat from your eyes," bring your trucker hat. And don't forget to take that extra energy to take it off before you get skied by someone who didn't have to. =P jk jk love you guys.

A- Level tournaments

(stuff you need for a high level-tournament where you're gonna be sore the next day).

1. Ibuprofin (aka "candy," or "the good stuff")

The big question here is do you take 3 or 4 before warmups. I personally am at 3 before warm-up, and another 3 mid-day. This precious little drug does wonders on the field and honestly it's to ultimate as sterioids is to baseball. You pop a couple of these and those shin splints, that bum knee or ankle, and any other nagging pain goes away and you go and sky some foos. It is acceptable to share with friends, but again, don't be "that guy" who asks for some and steals like 6. Not cool.

2. Pre-wrap/Tape

For those who have bum ankles or wrists, this is for you. A lot of high level tournaments will provide trainers (Labor Day, Cal-States, Sean Ryan, Prez-Day, Vegas), however there are a lot of tournaments that do not. Therefore, bring your own preventative equipment. Pre-wrap and tape on a sore LCL could mean the difference between roaming the sidelines and playing. Recently at Cal States, the trainer ran out of tape and the only way I got my ankle wrapped for the semi-final game against Mischief was because I brought my own roll. Granted she used the entire thing on me, but it helped my ankle out and I was glad I brought it. And for the especialy hairy people, pre-wrap IS your best friend.

3. Extra Socks

This is really important. News-Flash... Your feet sweat! Yes. Your socks are gonna soak up whatever moisture you produce in addition to the dew or water on the field. Wet socks = blisters and infections. I try to play two games per pair of socks, so for a weekend, i typically bring 4-5 pairs of socks which helps beyond belief. What I wouldn't suggest would be to have the socks be at different lengths because then you'd have multiple sock tans and everyone would point and laugh at you. But yes, multiple socks = happy feet.

4. Red Bull

I picked up this habit from LA Metro when our team captain/mom Martha gave me one before the start of one tournament. I had never "red bulled" before a tourney, but it definitely worked for me. I'm not saying I rely on this stuff, but one (small) can before the tournament helps me wake up mentally. This doesn't do much for me physically other than make me burp alot during the first game, but it's a mental boost that can also be replaced by coffee, monster, or any other drink that's designed to perk you up.

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This is not a comprehensive list, and I'm sure you guys will argue that you can bring this, or you can bring that. Yes.. you definitely can. This is just a little list of what I find essential for frisbee players... and hopefully this list will help ME remember what to bring as tournaments approach. Hope you found this usefull. Until next time, Cut smart! Throw Smart! Pack Smart!

-Hammie #10

The Foot Block

i apologize for the formatting. It got all jacked up...)


Many people would argue that the footblock is considered as a "dangerous play." The likelyhood for the thrower to injure themselves via cleat to hand is pretty high when facing a mark that utilizes the foot block. As handler that constantly relies on low release throws or step outs, the possibility for injury to either my hand or arm is a considerable issue, however on the defensive side, the foot block is one of those "tricks" that the marker can throw at the handler in almost an element of surprise. There's more technique in it that most people would think, but a point block is a point block, and you know it feels good when you D a disc mere miliseconds after it is released.

1. Positioning

Getting a foot-block isn't merely getting your foot out in the path of the frisbee. From my experience, it requires a little bit of observation, and set-up. Starting from body position.

Every handler you face will be different. Some have the high relase, some got the low release, and some got those nasty step-out low releases that reduce your mark to string cheese. On a force-flick situation, a lot of young marks will position too close to the open side, allowing an easy step around break. You wanna position yourself more to the break side, making the around throw harder. Where does the foot block come in? The most ideal throw to utilize the foot block would actually be the IO flick break. It's generally a very quick release from the handler and from most players, will be a lower release that will fly by the mark around shin height and level out for the receiver. Position yourself too far to the open side, the mark will have a more difficult IO throw, but you will get beat on the around.

It is definitely easier to get a fooblock on a backhand break as the motion is a bit slower. In this case, it's back to body positioning and allowing him zero ground in achieving what you're trying to prevent.

2. Quick feet

There is no way you should EVER be on your heels on the mark. A good mark should constantly be moving side to side, shuffling, on their toes. Constant movement on your toes will allow a higher likelyhood of a foot block because a foot block is simply a quick kick up into the path of the disc, which is set up through quick feet. Try this: Stand there idly, on your heels, not moving. Now try a quick kick block. To do so requires a weight shift to the off foot, your body almost has to turn and square up to the side you're blocking, and it's slow as heck. Not ideal. If you move on your toes and allow yourself quick movement UP on your toes... the kicking motion will be quicker and less awkward; in addition to the fact that you won't lose any positioning through unneccessary weight transfer. Quick quick feet. Good!

3. The Motion

The kick block should not be something that you over-commit to. You will see people kick-block as if they're kicking a ball or something and/or just holding their leg out there... hoping that the thrower will throw it right into theirleg. That's incorrect technique and you'll look pretty stupid afterwards when the mark just swings around and breaks you. The kick block should be just a quick *snap* upwards, and then down and back on your toes. A quick kick up and then back down. The kick shouldn't be higher than your waist level and can be as effective at ankle height. I remember getting one foot block by simply pointing my toe upwards, while keeping my heel on the ground. It was surprising but the more important thing was that I didn't yield my position and had the guy not throwin that, I would still be in optimal

position to establish the mark and continue the stall count.

The only time I can legitimize foot blocking about waist level is if you're desperately trying to stop a full field huck that you're more than 80% sure the guy will throw. It's all about reading what the thrower wants and if you see that huge wind up on the backhand for the power-position huck and you're chasing/catching up. Just friggin Liu kang dragon Shadow-kick that disc out of the sideline. The quick foot movement should just be a snap up, and you almost slam your foot back down to the pitch and stay in your toes. It's very quick, and it takes a lot of energy, so you'll see less of this motion and more of those high kicks as the mark gets fatigued. The point is... don't get yourself caught up with your leg up in the air. It'll get some laughs from people, and with all your weight on one leg, you're gonna be out of position and your mark undressed.

4. Intimidation

This is gonna be the shortest tid bit here. If you establish the fact that you have a legitimate foot block and/or have several throwing lanes covered by your super foot. You will get into the handler's mind. From my own experience, I get footblocked throwing a quick IO flick or blocked on an around backhand, the best thing to do offensively is to continue throwing it and regaining that lane. But that knowledge that your mark has it has already gained residence in my mind and it'll reflect in my throws. Instead of releasing lower, the adjustment might be a higher release and tougher throws. Whatever it is, if you establish it, they will respect it. Nuff said.

5. Celebrate

After you get that foot block, celebrate by taking off and scoring the bookends. Or you can just wait for the stack to set up, and then score the bookends. Whatever it is. You just shut down the thrower before anyone knew wherethe heck they were throwing. It's not easy getting foot blocks but the sound of plastic smacking your cleat means defense becomes offense. Which leads to breaks, and wins.

Till next time

hammie #10

yea... knee to the chest on this one. Not a good way to foot block...

Cal States 2009 Wrap-Up

Ahh Cal-states. The forecast had called for 30% for rain/isolated thunderstorms but when we arrived at the fields at 7:00am on Saturday, we all knew that we were in for a partly-cloudy, 65 degree day. Perfect weather for Ultimate.

For LA Metro, this tournament was the first "official" tournament where we would finish up our rounds of tryouts and also gauge where our team stood against the best from Southern Cal and NorCal. As stated in the preview, we were seeded 4th out of a field of 12, with games against Brown Chicken Brown Cow, TWSS, two byes, then wrapping up the day against GNT and CTR. 

Keegan's keys to the tournament:

-Start strong, offense needs to score the first 3

-Minimize turns to x<10

-Boring red-zone offense

-Disc movement near the end-zone 

-AMP it up on D

----SATURDAY----

  Last year we had to wait until the finals of the So-Cal Sectional to play our rivals Brown Chicken Brown Cow. This year, the TD's wasted no time and scheduled us with a first round, 8:00am game against our rivals from the city of angels. The game started out in our favor, with BCBC making several early mistakes and calling a time out with us up about 4-1 or so. It was a good time-out as they went on a run of their own, tying the game at 4's. From there it was very close with our team gutting out the victory 10-8 on hard cap. Our offense was pretty sloppy all game, and our defense was sluggish, but it was a feel-good win and we knew that if we wanted to play well this tournament, we would have to step up our energy. We suffered a big loss this game when our captain, Keegan, went down with an injury catching the game-winning goal. We knew that with him out, we would have to play even better and that huge hucks would be more evenly matched. LA Metro wins 10-8 hard cap.

       We then played TWSS n a relatively close game that featured breaks back and forth as well as some sloppy zone play. At this point, most of us had our legs under us so we were running well, but we were not taking care of the disc. We were definitely winning the battle of the sexes as our women were dominating and showed great poise in zone as well as in cutting for the disc. It was a quick round, LA Metro wins 12-9. 

(insert two round bye here + lunch, Strike-Slip vs. Street Gang, quick nap)

Next up in round 5 was GNT. We had been soundly beaten by this team last year in Chico 13-6 and 

we were looking for redemption. GNT ran a quick offense with their movement based solely on handler movement with the disc. This movement definitely gave our defensive line trouble as both men and women alike were constantly being beat up the line and/or letting of easy resets off the dump. It was frustrating trying to stop this, but we knew that although they were effective in the beginning, their handlers would eventually tire out and their strategy would not be as effective; which proved to be true. We began to wear down their offense, forcing up difficult throws, or long hucks at high stall counts. It was still a closely contested game but the defense did its job and got several key breaks. LA Metro was sitting pretty at 3-0 on the day with a 12-9 win over GNT. 

Last round of the day was the battle of the unbeatens. CTR vs. LA Metro. CTR had cruised through their rounds and was looking good. CTR ran a very effective verti cal stack, using their women very well and also had the deep hucks to stretch out the defense. Their defensive zone also stiffled our offense as we would work it up 3/4 of the field very easily and then get stuffed or be forced into a bad decision whereupon CTR would jack a huge 70+yard huck for the score. It was a frustrating game for us as we could not figure out a way to break through. We did get our scores in however the game was not as close as the final score dictated. The offense frequently stalled and there was very little flow through our horizontal stack and even so in our vert. Barrs did make a spectacular lay out callahan snag to keep it close but CTR proved to be too fundamentally sound for us this time. CTR wins the pool with a 12-9 win over LA Metro. 

Turns killed us the first day. We turned it atleast 20+ times in the first 4 games that we played. Although it was an early tournement, even that stat was unacceptable. We were lucky to be sitting at 3-1 going into Sunday. We knew that if we wanted a shot at playing against Mischief or at CTR again, we would need to clean up our offense. It was really frustrating watching our offensive lines struggle, just sitting there with Scott, Barrs, and d-liners... just anxious to get in and earn that break. Our defense was the highlight of the day, with great all around play from our ladies and our men after generating turns. We had a lot to work on and think about but we knew that we could turn it around. 

LA Metro goes 3-1 on Saturday. Currently 2nd in the pool. 

 ---- SUNDAY ---- 

First round bye, so our game started round 2 against S.F. Rush. You think we would clean up the offense for this game, but it was not the case. Rush ran a pretty good zone defense that we managed to break through several times. But we frequently turned it about 5-10 yards from the end zone while the zone was still in effect. This game became a battle of the defenses. Both team's defenses were completely owning the opposition's offense. At one stretch, defenses scored 3 straight for each side. It was kindof of hilarious... but also sad knowing that our offensive lines, which are designed with scoring in mind were finding themselves playing defense most of the time while the defense did the bulk of the scoring. It came down to 8's, game to 10 but at 9's, hard-cap blew and universe point. Both teams had multiple posessions on universe before our ladies finally worked it through the zone for the goal. 10-9 Metro. Yay us! It was a good game for the defense, but continued to demostrate the flaws in our offensive execution. With the win, we advanced into semi's against Mischief.

At games end, Mischief had scored two callahan goals on us. That's the type of game it was. It was very high intensity, very well played game despite the score being 7-15 in favor of arguably the top co-ed team in the n

ation. We didn't have answers for their guys who were schooling us but our ladies held more than their own and were very effective. We went 3-4 at several points and it worked. We did have the help of Matt Welsh, who picked up with us for the last two rounds. He proved to be not only an asset on the field, but also aided in calming the team down and making plays when needed. With the loss, we headed to the 3rd place game against Classy, who got shalacked by CTR in the other semi-final.

Our captains had been awesome all week in terms of leadership, pep-talk, and implementing strategies that proved to be successful, an

d if unsuccessful, adjusting according. We had a lot of great frisbee minds with plenty of "strategery" up their sleeves. For this game, we decided to practice a zone we had been talking about. 3-2-2 zone with just handler sags and poachy defense from the mids. The point was to get the handlers to swing to their hearts delight, and to channel throws through the gut of the defense (to the mids), rather than allow the throws up the sideline. Our women proved to be awesome on their handler marks, with some of our women even fouling male handlers (lolz). We went on a big run again, with our defense proving to be solid and at this point, more impactful than the offensive lines. We played very well, great movement, and although we failed in our bid to get our turn count under ten, we ended up with a tournament-low 

12 turns.

LA Metro wraps up the tournament with a 3rd place finish and a 15-7 bounceback win over Classy.

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What now?

--------

After this tournament, Metro will be making a first series of cuts to gradually trim our roster down to it's final size. Every single person who was trying out with us played well and I know that the captains will have a very difficult time deciding who makes the roster and who doesn't. We have a lot to fix, but with a 3rd place finish at cal-states after only one practice, things are looking good. We finished 2nd last year, but the field had definitely gotten better and the level higher.

Being the top Southern California team there was a good thought, but I know every single one of us want to be one of the top in the Region if not the Nation. We have natties on our mind and what's gonna take us there is adjusting to our bad tendencies, working hard, and playing as one team with a common goal. I always tell younger players. Don't think you should be the superstar. If the team plays boring ultimate with sound fundamentals and low risk throws. You will win. Every single time. On the defensive side of the disc , if you don't like contact, then you will not win. You have to sacrifice your body for the disc. Leave your feet and get in the offense's grill. Most offensive players don't like being harassed. They're the clean-shirted "wine and dine" crowd. Defense should be there to crash the party, make them feel awkward, take that disc away and then show them how it's done. That's what our LA Metro defense strives to be.

Next up is a series of practices, and then P-Town throwdown (if it happens), and then Discos up in Chico. But yes, till then, rest up, keep on striving for more.

-hammie #10

(all photos courtesy of Simon Margolis)

moments after my lay-out callahan against Cla$$y

barrs skying for the disc

Matt Welsh goes up against Haegen(sp?) for the disc

Cal States 2009 Preview

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CTR(1)

LA Metro(4)

Brown Chicken Brown Cow(5)

S.F. Rush(8)

That's What She Said(9)

GNT(12)

-----------------

I'll say it right out, Cal-States is probably my favorite Ultimate tournament that I have played to date. Not only are the fields gorgeous, but it also pits the best club teams on the West Coast against each other in a pre-season mentality where each team is still trying out players. I've looked forward to it all year, and here on the eve of it, I am getting quite anxious at lab. 

We're seeded 4th in the mixed division behind CTR, Mischief, and Night train; despite placing 2nd in this tournament last year (losing to Mischief 13-11), beating Night Train twice and placing 3rd in the Southwest Region. I guess it comes down to the reputation of the regions. The Northwest has long been stronger of the two regions when compared to the Southwest in both mixed, open, and womens. Regardless, we're the top Southwest seed and in this early tournament we hope that we can just make waves and prove our seeding wrong in the best way possible. 

Without a doubt, our rivals last year were our friends from Brown Chicken Brown Cow. All the drama, all the controversy, all boiled down to what was the most intense game of ultimate I had ever been a part of up in the thin air of Colorado in the Quarters of the Southwest Region. We pulled away with a universe point win, ending their chances at nationals while barely missing a trip to Sarasota by a mere 5 points. There definitely was a rivalry and some amount of dislike between the two teams on the field. This year, we don't have to wait until Sectionals or Regionals to play them as the TD's have graciously scheduled our first round game agains the two premire co-ed teams from the city of angels. It should be a closely contested game with both teams throwing their big guns early. We need a quick start and sound play from our top players to really set the tone for this game and to get our intensity to where it needs to be. This game will undoubtably test how well we get out of the gate and how we react to a good team like BCBC. 

The other teams in the pool I am less familiar with. S.F. Rush is a new Bay-area based team that from what I hear picked up some people from the recently disbanded Brass Monkey. They didn't do well at DUI but look for them to get their game together and hopefully the game will be a good one. Those Bay Area guys sure can disc. GNT is ranked last in the mixed division, but we found out last year at Discos Calientes in Chico, CA that a slow start can doom us, even from a pick-up team like GNT. We came out flat against them, albeit with 2/3 of our squad, and got rolled 13-7. It was a gut check for us and although we played poorly, I know for a fact that every player who suffered that loss won't remember how we lost that game, but rather how we picked up our game and completely ruined the next team 13-2. Ultimate is a game about momentum, runs, and desire. I know for sure that I won't underestimate any of these teams tomorrow. Each person needs to come into each game playing like it's the game to go. If we're to break seed, we will also need to upset the #1 seeded CTR who beat us on Universe Point during Labor Day last year. Our losses to GNT and CTR all came with short-lined squads, with key losses due to injury. We're healthier this year, and hopefully we'll take this opportunity to show them what so-cal ultimate is about.

The buzz on the team is earning another crack at Mischief. We beat them at DUI in 2008, but lost a close and thrilling game at Cal States 08 14-12, after clawing back from being down 8-4 to take the lead at 12-11. We couldn't close the door on them and with a couple unforced errors, Mischief went on a 3-0 run to win the game and take the Cal States tournament. We played them again at Labor Day, going up 6-2, taking half 8-4 but then losing our focus and dropping the game. It was tough, but it was encouraging to our young team to know that we could hang with a team that has placed well at Club Nationals for the last couple years. 

It's year two for LA Metro. No more "first year" excuses, no more unfamiliarities with the offensive strategy. It's Sophomore year. Time to really show that we belong with the best in the region and the nation. Cal States will be a good measuring stick for how much our team needs to push to acheive its full potential. I'm excited for this season. I'm excited for this tournament. I'm excited for each and every point of this season. 

Till next time, gone discin' in Santa Cruz!

-Hammie #10