Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Pre-Regionals

Wow. So Sectionals came and went- quick as that. Sectionals champs once again :) And it feels good to be back there. That being said, we have a lot we need to take away from this weekend

-close games happen to all teams. looking at the other sectionals results I'm seeing that almost across the board. Cal, Iowa State, etc. 
-you can learn from those situations. In our case, I would say we need to remember and IMPLEMENT playing at our level at all times and valuing every team. you can't take for granted that you're going to win. It still takes work, whether you're the best or not.
-focusing on your personal game is important. I am proud of how I played at Sectionals, despite the things going wrong as a team unit. It was great that my parents got to come watch me play for the last time in my collegiate career.
-When you see mistakes/errors happening take the time to PICK YOUR TEAMMATES UP. You don't want to be that person bringing the energy or vibe of your team down. Take the time to tell someone whose head is hanging what you liked about their last point on the field- and be GENUINE. 
-be a better sideline. Everyone. Always. Can improve this.

So, Melee definitely, undoubtedly did not play our best ultimate at Sectionals. We went to ultimate point against UNT who (thanks to coach Paul who hails from Iowa) played as a TEAM for the first time ever in the series. Yes, they've played in the series before but true kudos to them for actually coming together. Their work ethic improvement showed. Then, got to play our B team in what was a REALLY FUN game and seeing their improvement was a pleasure. Then, Texas State. So, finals next day. Played A&M. Their (fabulously talented) captain Meredith (you may know her from Showdown) took the game off (after beating Rice in ultimate point at the end of Saturday) to rest up for Regionals. Though they put up a good fight, 14-9 final score (after a 10 minute or so ordeal where my teammate ran head first in to a METAL SOCCER GOAL. DUMB. we need true ULTIMATE FIELDS. no line painting. just made for that purpose. hah I can dream. She is alive and well, sans concussion and going to rock a harry potter-esque scar from her 32 stitches).


Not peaking at Sectionals is a good thing. But we are going to have to play our game every game ALL WEEKEND at Regionals. Winning the pool in order to have the more desirable format Sunday would be ideal. However, I truly believe we can beat every team at the tournament. We just have to focus. From what I've seen, when/if we have poorer games it is NEVER something the other team is doing. And that fact alone is why I think we could do major damage at Nationals this year. Because there isn't a team out there that can stop us when we're playing our best. It's just a matter of making sure we are strong enough to keep it together ourselves. And those other top contenders out there are the same way. The mental game is the name of the game for Women's Ultimate 2012.

I have two weeks until my last assignment for grad school is due this semester. But worst case scenario my college career ends in four days. That is insane. We have to go out with a bang. And no regrets. Melee Love!

Libby
 

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