Chico Hops Ultimate Gathering 2005
Oct 22 -23 ; Chico, CA

Overall record at Tournament: Y - 3 wins, 3 losses X - 3 wins, 3 losses

Davis sent two teams to compete in the Chico Hops Ultimate Gathering on Oct. 22-23. On Saturday morning, Davis X faced off against Old Balls, a Chico alumni team. X put up a good fight despite being much less experienced, but lost 13-6. X got a chance for revenge the next round though, and took advantage by beating higher seeded Chico A 13-10. In their final pool play game, the team went down fighting to Oregon Y, 11-5. X faced Chico B in the cross-over game and beat them handily, 13-4. Team Y also went 1-2 in pool play. They took down top-seeded UCSC in the first round 13-6, then lost to eventual CHUG finalist Las Positas College 13-7. In game number three, they mounted a strong second-half comeback against Oregon X before coming up short 13-10. Y ended the day with a solid effort against Lewis and Clark, but ended up on the losing end of a 13-10 score.
Both teams started Sunday in the consolation bracket quarterfinals. Team Y rolled over Redding in their game, 13-7, and X avenged Y’s earlier loss to Oregon X, winning 13-10. The two teams then met in the semis, and Y earned bragging rights by winning that game 13-6.
The two teams combined for the finals against UCSC. Santa Cruz got the first break, but the teams traded points for the rest of the half and UCSC ended up leading 7-6. Davis came out with a break after half to tie, and the two teams continued to trade points until the score reached 13-13, hard cap at 15. UCSC put in their O point, then forced a turnover and scored a quick goal to end it, 15-13.
Despite the tough loss to end the tournament, we returned home optimistic for the coming season. The returners showed they can handle the pressure of leading and rookies showed great potential. It should be a great season as we look forward to Sean Ryan Memorial tournament at Santa Cruz in November.
If we can show the mental toughness we did this whole weekend during the year, we can show the college ultimate community how competitive Davis Ultimate can be.
-Report by Mike Sintetos