CCC Recap

The last tournament of the semester did not fail to quench the illini’s thirst for competitive ultimate. The day started out chilly, but the weathered soon warmed up. By game time, 60 degrees and calm winds held the promise of a great day.

Vanderbilt gave us our first challenge of the day, and it wasn’t much. The illini coasted to a 13-5 victory. Our depth gave the starters some respite that would come in handy since we still had four more games left against much tougher opponents. Although a few uncharacteristic drops seemed to hint at danger, the illini were eager to test their mettle against UNC.

Neither team expected an easy game, and neither team was disappointed. The illini took half looking like they would break seed on their second game of the day, but it was not to be. Second half intensity dropped ever so slightly, and that was all it took for UNC to mount a comeback. The illini offense let up a few easy breaks, and UNC’s offense didn’t give any quarter. The Illini dropped the second game 14-12, but the clouds had yet to darken the sky. Vengeance was at hand as the illini moved over one field to face Colorado.

Once again, the illini brought their a-game. We took half for the third straight time. If Colorado has one asset that they can reliably fall back on if everything else fails, that asset is height. They tried to force us to play their game of hospital disc after hospital disc, and most ended up in their hands. But the illini held on to be on serve heading into double game point. How sweet it would be to take our vengeance on such an occurrence. But alas, we fell victim to the hammer again. Granted, we did turn it over about 25 yards outside of our end zone, but it just feels cheap when a hammer, a hammer, beats ya.

After lunch break, the illini looked to take down the current undefeated team of our pool: White-Water. We came out rolling. The D got two quick breaks, and Sub Par found themselves on their heals until half-time. But history seemed to repeat itself. Our offense found it very difficult to break the cup that White-Water ran. We watched our lead erode quite quickly. Finally, after a lot of offensive bleeding, Cole was called into the game. The offense scored their next four points and the D-line salvaged just enough to bring it to double game point. We were on D. The pull couldn’t have been prettier. Seriously, I wish every girl I brought home looked that good. Victory seemed to be ours as Joel beat his guy in for a Callahan. But in true White-Water fashion, a foul was called. Three throws later, the illini cause a turn, and score within the next three throws. Our double game point drought ended in sweet vindication.

James Madison provided the Illini with a nice end to the day. A quick victory gave us the chance to stuff ourselves with Chinese Buffet, watch our rose bowl hopes play out just as expected, and get some good rest before Sunday.

The march to ninth place began against Dartmouth. They ran a very small rotation with quite a bit of skill. They gave us a good run, but our good players outnumbered theirs. The long battle ended in an Illini victory.

Davidson was next. They ran a cup. Luckily, the illini learned their lesson from yesterday. Stupca opened up the lines quite a bit, and the rookies got to see what playing on Sunday was like. Oh Rado, you make one of the sickest grabs I’ve ever seen and then drop the very next pass that hits you in stride, in the hands, in the end zone. Can’t win ‘em all kid. The illini won in dominating fashion and moved on to watch NC State close out their game against Minnesota.

Ah, NC State, we always face them. Always. It’s as if some curse has been cast to always bring our fortunes together in the end. There’s been a lot of bad blood between us, but pappy had graduated and so had their number ten. Perhaps a friendly game could played? Now, in the past, NC State generally has played a more physical game than we’re used to. Granted, their style has been a little over the top, but we may have over called some things in the past as well. This time around, we decided to fight fire with fire.

The game was quite fierce. The marks were vicious and few egregious calls were made. Although their was one. I completely tooled my guy on an in cut and got the D. He called a foul. I didn’t even touch him. I guess I hurt his pride. Normally games come down to the wire, but this one was decided in the beginning. NC State got some quick breaks and our defense couldn’t make up the difference. We traded points until they won 15-12. I must make note that number 00 on NC State made one of the sickest grabs I’ve ever seen. Pat had him covered deep and both made an initial play for the disc that caused them both to stumble without getting a had on it. Then, 00 lays out a good 6 yards and over Pat to make the grab just before the disc hit the ground. Granted, he did turn it on the next throw, even I ran over to give some respect to one of the sickest plays I’ve ever seen.

The Illini took tenth with a record of 5 and 3. Sick lay outs were had by Joel, B rad, rip. Lamp, and Pavan. Chuck had a sweet sky that caused soul ja boy to ring out on the fields. Poaches by Bonges, Mickey, and Rado provided some excitement. But criticism could be found in our basics. Catching. Catching. Our inability to haul in the disc consistently hampered our game play. If we got half of those back, we’re playing on the field with an audience on Sunday. Take that as motivation going into the winter break. There’s nothing like playing in the showcase finals, especially if you’re sporting a Mohawk, headband, and eye-black.