Overcoming obstacles is a staple of any sports team's season. Whether it be struggles with team chemistry, logistics, or strategy; a good team finds ways to overcome and exceed expectations in the face of adversity. Such was so in our first trip to GRUB (Grass Roots Ultimate Benefit) in Boulder, CO. Already going into the tournament without 3 of our main offensive handlers as well as a dominant offensive cutter, we knew that the remaining 19 or so would have to step up our game offensively but after losing our main O-line handler Friday night due to a "freak injury," the cards were stacked that much more against us. Factor in the travel, the altitude, and temperatures in the high 90's... we had the beginnings of a potentially disappointing turnout.
We were seeded 4th overall in the tournament with Colorado's Liver Punch and Pimpin' Hoes, and Arizona's Barrio seeded 1-3 respectively. We already knew that the altitude would be a factor for us sea-level dwellers, but the heat didn't help... hitting nearly 100 degrees in the sun with very little breeze. We knew about the odds we were facing, the adversity, and we knew that it would require every single player to step up his/her game for the team to succeed.
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Saturday
Round 1 vs. Mesteno
Mesteno was a team we faced in Regionals the previous year. They feature a line of athletic cutters and one or two real throwing threats. Biggest surprise to many was the success the O-line had from the get-go in terms of chemistry and flow. We had only 2 practices since CalStates and despite the absence of our top line handlers, the disc flowed without resistance while our defense was a bit slow to figure out Mesteno's offense. We eventually figured out their offensive strengths, forcing them into tough decisions and risky throws which added up to a 15-11 win. We were up big at some point, but definitely showed a lack of poise in allowing Mesteno to steal some easy breaks at the end. D-line closes the door 15-11.
Round 2 vs. Colorado University
We knew we had to improve and play better against the College team from Boulder, CO. In pre-game, we referred to them as "kids" but we all knew that we had to play better than them to merit such judgement. The offense continued to gel and play well together while the D-line worked to contain their deep shot oriented offense. Additionally, this team wasn't very effective at cross-gender flow so the D-line had a field-day exploiting their matchups and forcing risky up-field throws by harassing the throwers on the mark. Metro wins easily 15-9.
Round 3 vs. Operation Kapow
The last time we played each other, a bid to Nationals was on the line with Metro prevailing 15-9. This time around, the stakes were not as high, but bragging rights were definitely desired. We started the game by trading the first couple points. Our women were consistently winning their matchups and it came down to the men working harder to step it up and win theirs. Our hard defense and patient offense began to wear down the team from Denver, and before we knew it, we had taken half 8-4 in the midst of a 9-0 run that put Kapow away 15-4. At half up 8-4, the mood was loose, smiles all around. But every single player demonstrated that they were not satisfied and being up 8-4 was by no means grounds to relax. The defense continued to be relentless. Big D's, hand-blocks, run through D's, we forced Kapow into very uncomfortable situations and dictated their throws rather than reacting. Metro wins 15-4 to take Pool D.
Cross-over vs. Liver Punch
Liver Punch was the #1 seed overall in the tournament with top players from CU as well as Bravo and Box/Rare Air. They really did not have a weakness and was a team that would not turn the disc on their own accord. We went down early, playing flat and uninspired offense as well as "prevent" defense rather than actual defense. Despite only being down 1 break at the half, fatigue and the effects of a long day in the sun were starting to show. Throws were a little bit too far... discs were being dropped, but we were right there. Liver Punch was good but they did not put us away right away and allowed us to "hang around." Losing 12-15 to them might have felt as a relief in being able to go home, but to many it was a bitter defeat. We knew we were good enough to beat them and despite many opportunities to punch in breaks, we were unsuccessful.
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Sunday
Quarterfinals vs. Barrio
Big games require big performances. Whether it comes on the defensive side, or the offensive side... it simply has to happen. Against Barrio, we all knew that the big plays would have to come from the defensive side of the disc. Our offense was playing well all weekend and had the simple assignment of scoring each time. The defense was facing a very disciplined, very well coached team that would not give up breaks easily and whose defense could break us back just as easily. We started on D, and to our surprise, generated a turnover and punched it in for the 1-0 lead and quick break. The next 5 or 6 points or so were very intense with each team's offense moving it effectively and without incident. Barrio then threw a zone and got their break back after a series of bad decision on our part. They had the momentum, and were looking for their offense to continue to trend. But our defense stepped up big time and generated a stop, and not one... but two breaks to put us up 8-6 at the half, on offense to start.
But oh how the wind can change. We pushed it to a 9-6 lead with an offensive gem of a point after half but after the defense failed to make a stop to make it 9-7, Barrio's defense showed their teeth in the form of a standard zone that proved to be our downfall. They scored 4 straight on the zone to bring it to 10-11 and hard-cap on (first to 12 wins) with Metro on defense. We were on Defense trying to force universe, and Barrio calmly moved the disc down for the 12-10. It was a very bitter loss for us. We ALL knew what had happened, and we all knew what we "coulda woulda shoulda" done. Turnovers did us in, and it was a team effort in the loss... and we all knew that things could have been different.
Placement Game (5th) vs. Love Tractor
This could have easily been a "throw-away" game where we just tune out and "let things go." This might have been the case last year, or the year before, but I can vouch for everyone there that not one person wanted to relax and would much rather take their frustrations out on the next game. We came out firing generating 2 or 3 breaks right away behind the solid play from the defense. Love Tractor was a solid team that had formidable throwers and deep threats and we didn't really contain their offense until late in the first half. The offense continued to flow very well behind stellar play from Keegan and Karen Ko who paced the team to a 15-6 win. Throw in a post-game chat and a sudden 20 minute thunderstorm, and we had the punctuation point to a very successful showing at our first ever GRUB.
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We now have two weeks off to rest and relax before a series of practices in preparation for ECC in August. GRUB really served as a barometer for our team in terms of where we stack up in the Region and things look optimistic and bright as we head into the meat of our season.
-Regards
Hammie
LA Metro #10
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