Regionals - Day 2

So here we are, Day 2 of Regionals. Only 6 teams left. Michigan, Illinois, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Miami, and Northwestern. We were slated to play Notre Dame at 9 am Sunday morning. As was said before, Notre Dame ended our season last year after a devastating collapse from Miami and tenacious run by the boys from South Bend. It’s a different year and we were determined to make it a different story.

We arrived at the fields before 8 am and began to prepare for a battle. Notre Dame, much like us, returned almost their entire team. They had a very impressive spring season and were the third seed overall at this tournament. They suffered a loss against Illinois in the semis and we knew they wanted nothing but their shot at nationals. Unlike last year, we were a different team, a more prepared team, and a more talented team.

9 am. Gametime. Miami vs. Notre Dame, win or go home.

Miami started the game on offense and were ready to work the disc through another formidable cross wind. The offense marched down the field, refusing to give up the disc, and found themselves 10 yards out of the end zone. An isolation on the goal line and a tough catch in tight coverage put Miami on the board first. Fired up and ready to shock the teams and spectators in Detroit, we sprinted down the field off the ensuing pull, fiercely seeking a break. A stingy defense forced the turn and a composed offense put the disc securely in the end zone for the first break of the game. Miami 2 Notre Dame 0.

From the start this weekend felt different and we had already put together a College Series for the Miami history books, but this team was not content with one game on Sunday. A couple of quick points affirmed our energy and intensity and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Notre Dame is not the type of team that folds under pressure and we expected them to regroup. They found their break several points later and put the game back on serve. The rest of the half consisted of both teams trading O points. The first half was a mixture of zone and man D and some grueling ultimate. Both teams were playing for the rights to another game and it showed. A layout here, a big sky there, it was an excellent showcase of talent. The score at half was Miami 8 Notre Dame 7.

It was at halftime that we realized we were really doing this; we were really contending for a spot at Nationals. This wasn’t just playing to see how far we got, we weren’t just happy to be there. We were beating a team consistently ranked in the top 25 in the nation and paving a legacy for this program.

Notre Dame is always a different team when they come out of a huddle. They have the tendency to regroup very well and change the dynamic of the game. That’s exactly what happened here. They came out of halftime and punched in their O point. Then in the blink of an eye they broke our O twice. Their surge brought the game to a 10-8 score in favor of Notre Dame. We stopped their momentum for a brief moment and converted our O point. Another ND goal followed and the score was 11-9. Miami then found itself giving up another break and being down 12-9.

We were in the same spot as Michigan State, down 12-9 in a “do or die” situation. We called a timeout and got together as a team. We huddled up and chose to leave everything on this field. Miami’s offense walked back to the line determined to change the tide of the game. A solid offense point led to a Miami score. Notre Dame 12 Miami 10. Was it happening again? Could we really pull off another late game comeback?

We pulled the disc to ND and they converted on O, so our backs were against the walls; Notre Dame 13 Miami 10. I looked over at my co-captain and we decided to construct the same set play that helped change the momentum in the Michigan State game. We received the pull and the pass came to me in the middle of the field. I look at Snaps , he faked in, and then took off deep. I set my sights on the end zone and launched a forehand huck. Snaps had steps on his defender and was poised to get the score. The wind pushing down on the disc, forced the huck lower than I had wanted. Snaps turned on the jets and was about to make his attempt. His defender was not in position to make a play so it was just Snaps and the disc. As the disc started to pass his defender, Snaps prepares himself for one last lunge. He throws his body out in front and extends his arms to make a play on the disc. Despite a great bid, the throw had been sent too far for his outstretched fingers.

This turned out to be the final opportunity for Miami to claw its way back in the game. ND took the disc back and scored to push the game to its final point. Another ND break would signal the end to the game and an end to Miami’s season.

Notre Dame scored 3 straight points to close out the game. It was a heartbreaking finish and Notre Dame found a way to end our season for the second straight year. The final score was Notre Dame 15 Miami 10.

That was it. An end to a season and an end to many college ultimate careers. It was hard to know what to say or what to feel. A lot had happened this season and it all culminated on the polo fields in Detroit on a brisk Sunday afternoon. It was a great run this year and there are way too many things to say about it in this post. I’ll put something up in the coming days about the season, this team, and Miami University Ultimate.