Thursday, July 25, 2024

Mirsad, Corinna and Kate were in a car accident on the way to the game. We're super glad they are ok, and the league sends best wishes. In their absence, Big Disc Energy played a really close game with shRED in the opener, with the end zones defined by discs and cleats since there were no cones or scoreboard. The game was tight the entire way. shRED played savage, and got the win 12-11 on universe point. Dr. B. went over three defenders to catch the game winner!

In prime time, Area 51 faced off against Black Pearl. It was also a close game. Both teams started off with excellent DoW attendance and played 4-3 ratio most of the first half. Loved to see it! The score was tied at 6-6 and 7-7 before Area 51 took half up a break 8-7. With a lot of long points, both teams knew the second half would be short and there'd be a hard cap. Jane and Evan had to leave at halftime, so the second half also had more 5-2 ratio play. Area 51 held and scored another break to take a 10-7 lead, which looked big as hard cap approached. Black Pearl got a break to narrow the lead. As time grew shorter, Pearl scored a quick point on a big huck from Babs to Billy. With the score 11-10 Area 51, Pearl could force U-point with a break as time expired, but Area 51 got the hold with Nova catching the final score. Aliens 12-10, ending an 8-game skid. Their last win also came in a close game vs Pearl on June 17th.

Sophie contributed this epic writeup of the nightcap! Two nations, once allies, turned competitors faced off in the late game. An important game weeks before playoffs. Points were traded early but Blue Wave took the half. White Lotus tied it 9-9 in the second half, but fell short to Blue 13-11 in the final moments. Amazing hucks from Chris, layout D’s from Tom, and break throws from Keegan were witnessed by all in this close game. Ending the game on a high note was a glorious cut and catch by Olive! Could she be the next avatar? Time will tell.

After tonight's games, shRED is alone in first at 10-5, Blue Wave one back at 9-6, White Lotus in third at 8-7, Black Pearl at 7-8, BDE at 6-9, and Area 51 at 5-10. With just two more regular season games before the postseason, Area 51 and BDE have clinched playing on the first night of playoffs and shRED have clinched a playoff bye. The second playoff bye is still technically up for grabs, though I'm not doing the tiebreaks yet to confirm.

Good luck and safe travels to everyone going to Wildwood this weekend. It was also great to see Gary Chasteen in town and at the field before heading to Wildwood too. Proud to have our league so well represented at the world's biggest beach tournament!