Women’s ultimate frisbee conquers Metro East regional competition for bid to nationals
Escargot’s full team roster after clinching their bid to nationals!
This week SUNY Geneseo’s Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee Team (Escargot), led by senior team captains Allie Judge, Katey Church, and Katherine Arriaga, took on the Metro East Regional tournament in Fort Ann, NY. Escargot headed into the tournament looking for one out of the two available national bids among the eight competing Division III Women’s teams. This was the first time since the program began that the women’s team had a chance to qualify for the national tournament. Escargot was ranked first going into the tournament, and knew they had a shot at making organization history.
The first day of pool play, Escargot faced Connecticut College and won with a final score of 11-4, beat The College of New Jersey with a final score of 13-0, and won their game against Ithaca College with a final score of 10-5, making for a clean sweep with a 3-0 record for the day. They then headed into the championship bracket, where they faced off with University of Rochester and came out with a significant win, racking up eight points to Rochester’s five, then heading to the championship game. On the last day of play they faced their toughest competition, Skidmore College, and fell short with a tough loss of 7-14. Escargot had one final shot to clinch their bid to nationals by playing the University of Rochester once again. In a close final game, Escargot pulled through and came out on top, beating Rochester with a close score of 10-8. The game ended with a point between their two seniors, where Katey Church assisted Kate Flynn.
Senior captain Allie Judge
After the national-securing win, Katey Church commented: “Playing this weekend at regionals, especially in the final game to bring us to nationals, made me realize how grateful I am to be a part of a team that is always willing to work hard and support each other no matter what. Having a competitive season and being so successful after not having a season for two years has been incredible, and it’s really a testament to how much every player embodies our core values of community and spirit!”
Each year the club welcomes many new faces, including those with little to no experience. They have players who just started playing this season that are already a huge part of their success! Escargot could not have made it so far without the knowledge that has been passed on from alumni over the years. Receiving their bid to nationals was a historical moment that this team will never forget!
Escargot will now be heading to Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the end of the month to face some of the best teams around the country. Interested members and fans can join them along their journey and wish them luck by following their Instagram account @geneseoescargot. Escargot is very excited for their members to have this opportunity and wish them all of the best!