Keene State College Ultimate Frisbee competed in their final tournament of the fall season this past weekend.
In what some would call their most important tournament of the season, Mixed Regionals validated KSC to be a tough competitor for the Northeast region, when all was said and done.
The team traveled to Oxbow Marina in North Hampton, Massachusetts to match up against nine other teams within their division.
Luke Stergiou / Senior Photographer
KSC came out to a slow start on their first day and took losses to Brown University and St. Lawrence College (SLC).
They were able to bounce back for their last game of the day and defeated Skidmore College 10-4.
In their first game of day two, KSC stepped over Providence College (PC) 13-7.
With two large wins and point differentials working in their favor, KSC earned themselves a spot to rematch SLC in the semi-finals.
After a decision by time cap, KSC would get their revenge with a final score of 12-7.
The win would solidify KSC’s spot in the finals against Brandeis University.
After a hard fought game, KSC was ultimately defeated by Brandeis 15-9.
Speaking with some players from the KSC team it was apparent they were excited for what the future had in store.
Sophomore standout Gianni DeMasco said, “In the beginning of the year we had a large group of first year players that didn’t really understand the basics. They all pushed themselves, so I’m stoked to see what we can do as a competing team.”
Luke Stergiou / Senior Photographer
The team is definitely young in comparison to other teams in their division and this is evident on the field said DeMasco.
Although, age is not the only area that Keene State Ultimate Frisbee is experiencing growth.
The club saw their largest turnout to date this year at tryouts and have a deep 25 student roster.
With only seven players on the field at a time, it easy to assume the competitive drive that must take place to earn time on the field.
It is decisions like this that are being made by the new head coach Dan Lapolla.
In recent years Keene State Ultimate has been self-coached said Lapolla.
In a sport that is also self-officiated this is not an uncommon sight for college teams.
When asked about the team’s offseason plans, senior captain Ryan French said, “We don’t plan on letting the snow and cold keep us flat footed. We will have weekly practices in the gym and the opportunity to play indoors thanks to our friends at Franklin Pierce.”
French seemed confident that KSC would be able to, “come out strong in the Spring.”
Senior captain and president Seth Dube agreed and said he was, “happy with the way everyone started to play a lot better team Ultimate.”
As a whole there is an evident overall positive energy with this team and a sense that they are determined to work hard and compete with the best come spring.
Jared Sumner can be contacted at jsumner@kscequinox.com