Stanford Superfly won the USA Ultimate Division I Women’s College Championship 12-10 over the Whitman Sweets.

Stanford Superfly and the Whitman Sweets came out ready to fight for the 2016 title, and fight they did. The end score of 12-10 does not speak to the level and intensity of play that was exhibited in today’s final match up. Whitman claimed the first point in their usual fashion, moving the disc quickly to set themselves up for a beautiful huck to Linnea Soo for the score. Stanford had a little more trouble getting their offensive flow started, due to Whitman’s defensive plays and some throwaways. Once Superfly regained their footing, they reverted back to their favorite break-and-huck combo for the score. Whitman didn’t take any of Stanford’s rare mistakes for granted, and broke early in the game to lead 3-1. Stanford also struggled against Whitman’s 2-3-2 zone. The key to the Sweets’ zone was the smooth transition to man defense before Stanford entered the red zone, not allowing Superfly to find any holes. Stanford used a tight four-man cup on defense to force some turns from Whitman’s handlers, leading Stanford to a three-point run. Superfly maintained their lead to take half 8-6.

The second half began with only 13 minutes until soft cap. Whitman came out ready to combat Stanford’s zone and score some quick points. They began to find the holes and move the disc more quickly, not allowing the Stanford zone to set. Handlers Alex Hardesty and Nina Finley were essential in Whitman’s movement of the disc through the zone. Soft cap came on with Stanford leading 10-8, making it a game to 12. Stanford continued to generate Ds with their zone and immediately convert to offense, looking to cutter Courtney Gegg repeatedly to come down with hucks. While Whitman gave it their all during the last few points, they were simply unable to get past Stanford’s zone, and they were one step behind on defense. Stanford finished out the game 12-10 to take the title for the eighth time since 1995.

Both teams played their hearts out – a great finish to an incredible 2016 season.

Congratulations to Stanford Superfly on their championship!

All-Tournament Starting Seven

Alex Hardesty, Whitman Sweets

Linnea Soo, Whitman Sweets

Claire Revere, Whitman Sweets

Monisha White, Stanford Superfly

Courtney Gegg, Stanford Superfly

Jesse Shofner, Oregon Fugue

Janina Freystaetter, Central Florida

With so many incredible players to choose from, these were the seven that stood out the most throughout the tournament. Alex Hardesty, Linnea Soo and Claire Revere were not only critical to the offensive movement of Whitman, they made big defensive plays to help earn their team breaks and their first trip to the semifinals and finals. Monisha White and Courtney Gegg of Stanford Superfly could easily be labeled as two of the top handlers and cutters, respectively, in the women’s division. Jesse Shofner of Oregon Fugue is well known for her speedy, aggressive cutting as well as her huge defensive plays that help elevate her team as a whole. Lastly, Janina Freystaetter of Central Florida kept her team alive during many a hard-fought game with her layout Ds as well as her offensive movement.