USQ Cup Rankings: College D1
Voters: Cat Hay, Nojus Ausra, Tanner Bonheimer, Lauren Curry, Jackson Vaughn, Lauren Smith
Rankings:
1. Creighton 96 (6)
T2. UT San Antonio 87
T2. Harvard 87
4. Mizzou 78
5. Rutgers 71
6. Sam Houston State 65
7. University of Virginia 53
8. Texas State 49
9. Arizona State 48
10. Brandies 43
11. University of Michigan 37
12. Blue Jay 34
13. University of Texas 29
14. Columbia College Chicago 18
15. Illini Ridgebacks 12
16. Penn State 7
1. Creighton
Possessing perhaps the deepest roster among collegiate teams, Creighton's adeptness in beater and seeker strategy has only flourished since the addition of Amanda Dallas and Ryan Davis, players and coaches of the highest national and international caliber. Under Head Coach Sena Morimoto, this team has thrived, continuing the dream handed down by Curtis Taylor and Creighton/Blue Jay alumni of years past. Given the extensive depth and capacity to distribute the workload across approximately seven games, our rankers’ conviction stands firm that if CU secures a berth in the Final Four this season, this iteration of Creighton is poised to seize that tantalizing achievement the program has flirted with the past few seasons: a national championship.
Creighton epitomizes the pinnacle of the collegiate D1 landscape fielding a fusion of elite talent and squad depth. Anchored by the formidable beater duo of Madi Namanny and TJ O'Connor, both renowned for their remarkably error-free gameplay despite their aggressive approach, Creighton boasts a robust starting line. Their chasing corps complements the beaters with an athleticism and physicality that fortifies one of the most impregnable defenses in the current college meta. Moreover, Creighton exhibits efficiency on the offensive front, extracting contributions from nearly every chaser on their roster. This amalgamation of offensive prowess, defensive resilience, and beater supremacy solidifies Creighton's perch atop our rankings.
With all the requisite components in place, Creighton stands on the cusp of realizing their aspirations, having pursued the championship for the past three years. While their recent setback against Harvard at their home Blue Jay Classic tournament may raise eyebrows—fun fact, Creighton has never won their home tournament—the ensemble cast features standout performers such as the aforementioned beater tandem of Namanny and O’Connor, bolstered by chasers such as Danny Rendon and Ryan Mehio, underscores their formidable depth and the synergy cultivated over years of collective play. This cohesion across multiple lines in their roster renders them the team most capable of fighting through multiple intense matches across the weekend.
Not much in this season exists to doubt Creighton's capabilities. Despite their hiatus following the defeat to Harvard at Blue Jay Classic, their overall season record arguably outshines Harvard's (and any other team’s), and their performances have hinted at a slight edge over their adversaries.
As the epitome of well-roundedness and resilience within College D1, Creighton rightfully lays claim to the coveted first seed. Unlike their counterparts at Harvard and UTSA, Creighton doesn’t show dependence on individual players and navigates matches with minimal card-related complications, something past iterations of the team struggled with. Their capacity to sustain high performance across their roster without significant talent drop-off signals their status as the quintessential contender, and shows how Morimoto, Dallas, and Davis have raised the bar of college to the one met by Warriors last April in Valley Forge.
T2. UTSA
As defenders of the collegiate national title, UTSA boasts an elite level ensemble across all facets of the game be that chasing, beating, or seeking. While their reliance on standout performers is evident, such star-driven dynamics are commonplace in collegiate competition. UTSA flaunts a roster brimming with talent, where players like Jay Stewart, Milena Sousa, Matt Blackwood, Javi Tijerina, Kyle Bryant, David Rodriguez, Alyssa Villalba, and Emme Gouveia would shine as luminaries in any squad.
Tied at second place, UTSA mirrors Harvard's standing, albeit with a distinctive twist. While the Roadrunners lack the depth found in other teams, they compensate with a high level of conditioning and consistency to continuously bring the fight to their opponents. The top echelon of UTSA's lineup - Stewart, Blackwood, Sousa, and Villalba with Tijerina and Bryant at beater - matches any other collegiate contender. They bring club level talent to every aspect of the game, showcasing a fearless approach to deploying their best against opponents, both in scoring goals and thwarting offensive advances. Furthermore, Stewart as a seeker adds another lethal threat as games draw on.
Concerns linger, however, regarding UTSA's susceptibility to penalties. The propensity of players like Stewart and Tijerina to accumulate cards poses a precarious risk, particularly in high-stakes matchups where such infractions could tip the scales unfavorably. This uncertainty leaves UTSA in a concerning position, especially when pitted against the likes of Creighton and Harvard.
UTSA and Creighton pose a conundrum, particularly with Creighton's absence from southwestern clashes this season. Though untested, UTSA's volatility, even through disciplinary concerns, casts a shadow of unpredictability. The team's reliance on individual brilliance, particularly Stewart and Tijerina, underscores vulnerabilities against more substantial opponents, especially those with a host of experienced, non-playing coaches who can implement strategies on the fly against the UTSA athletic juggernaut. Nonetheless, with an unblemished record of health and conduct, UTSA's raw athleticism and collective prowess hold the potential to propel them to the grand finale.
The recent absence of Stewart and Tijerina during the beginning of the Oklahoma Qualifier offered a glimpse into UTSA's adaptability without two of their leadership. The Roadrunners only lost to SHSU (their only loss of the season), but the return of Stewart and Tijerina displayed how these two are indispensable for a team working toward back to back championships, elevating their teammates along the way. Stewart's facilitative role amplifies the effectiveness of his compatriots, while players like Villalba, Sousa, and Blackwood retain the capacity to seize opportunities and influence outcomes independently. Notably, Bryant's stellar performance in OKC brings confidence in their abilities to match up with anyone in D1.
While UTSA's dominance against other Southwest adversaries is evident, their limited travel and susceptibility to penalties cloud their standing amongst the "Big 3" alongside Creighton and Harvard. Additionally, we’ve yet to see mid-game adjustments to the level of those employed by the aforementioned duo which could become an issue come bracket. Nevertheless, UTSA can claim wins over both Harvard and Creighton and bring home two chips in a row.
T2. Harvard
Jess Lee and David Chen epitomize excellence as a beater pair, being arguably one of the most powerful college beating pairs nationwide. Their encounter against UVA at a rain-shortened Knights’ Cup, however, showed their vulnerability to quick cards with Lee racking up two yellow cards in under a minute of gameplay, ending the game early for her as she was pulled. While Creighton and UTSA are the clear favorites to be wearing gold medals come Sunday evening, Harvard has the potential to create an upset.
In the rankings, Harvard emerges as the unequivocal third, endowed with strategic prowess honed to a razor's edge through meticulous coaching across all facets of play. The Horntails, perennial contenders, are poised to enter nationals armed with a tactical edge, owing much to the astute guidance of their internal star coaches permeating every position. Complementing this formidable beating duo of Lee and Chen are Harvard's chasers, who under the stewardship of Leo Fried, exhibit a blend of intelligence, synergy, and blistering speed, stifling the advances of virtually any adversary. Their offense thrives on fluid ball movement, distinguishing itself by generating abundant high-percentage opportunities through mid range shots and deft cuts. Fried, akin to Stewart, commands unwavering attention in the seeker game, a testament to his prowess.
Despite their prowess, Harvard finds itself just shy of the pinnacle, trailing UTSA primarily due to a lack of consistent scoring threat in Fried's absence. While glimpses of such a figure occasionally emerge in players such as in Anna Blanchfield, who can find open shots through any gap in coverage, and Andrew Steinberg, who carries experience at the USQ Club, MLQ, and national team levels, the lack of sustained success in this role produces apprehension, relegating the Horntails just below S tier in national champion estimation.
Dominance at recent MQC round robins underscores their prowess, leading to a razor-thin distinction between them and the top two contenders. All three will win against the teams they’re supposed to, though Harvard’s pool provides ample opportunity for the coaching staff of the other contenders to scout how Harvard attacks different playstyles.
Harvard undeniably possesses the potential to steal the national crown from the other Big 3 teams, having traded blows with Creighton at Blue Jay Classic. Yet, concerns linger regarding their beater depth, which could leave them vulnerable in tightly contested encounters. In contrast to Creighton, the drop in talent from their premier line to subsequent ranks is perceptibly steeper, potentially posing challenges in critical junctures of closely fought contests, and UTSA, against whom they’ve come up short before. This time though, they’ve got another year’s worth of experience and the addition of Steinberg to write a new story.
4. Mizzou
The pivotal questions looming over Mizzou ahead of nationals revolve around their strategic resource allocation. Will Vincent Reyes undertake a marathon stint as a relentless beater for a full 20 minutes? And if so, when will he hit his rigor mortis bend? Might Lauren Smith seize the moment to flaunt her prowess as a ball carrier? Will Grant Himmelman explore the off-ball role reminiscent of his tenure with the Chicago Prowl?
When it comes to unwavering competition against the cream of the crop, Mizzou stands as the paragon of reliability, particularly in lockstep with the top three teams. Echoing the recurring theme among the Big 3, Mizzou boasts a formidable beating corps with stalwarts Vincent Reyes, Keighlyn “KJ” Johnson, and Evan Danaher, all capable of matching their opposing counterparts. The Tigers' chasers have consistently demonstrated their adeptness on both offensive and defensive fronts, yet they have been unable to come out alive against any of the Big 3, despite outpacing Harvard in quadball play on one occasion. Despite this, apprehensions persist regarding their offensive structure, notably the disproportionate reliance on Grant Himmelmann. While Himmelmann's prowess as a chaser and his adeptness in penetrating defenses and converting midrange shots are undeniable, there remains a lingering concern that the offensive burden disproportionately rests on his shoulders. Despite this apprehension, the collective contribution of the remaining chasers, such as Janessa Duce and Jackson Fahl, mitigates any potential ranking downgrade.
This season has witnessed substantial strides from Mizzou, underscored by the impactful performances of stalwarts like Smith and Himmelmann in crucial matchups, affirming their contention for USQ Cup honors. However, the underutilization of key assets such as Johnson and Danaher seems to curtail the Tigers’ full potential.
Throughout the season, Mizzou has asserted dominance, encountering few stumbling blocks outside of encounters with the Big 3. Even then, Mizzou has fiercely contested games, as evidenced by their narrow quadball victory over Harvard. While the setback against initial D2 bid earner Texas State raises eyebrows, Mizzou remains the sole consistent challenger to the top three squads in the nation. With expectations poised for a top-four finish at nationals, Mizzou could very well be eyeing a title contention, were it not for their setback against UTSA at Brooms on the Brazos.
5. Rutgers
With nail-biting encounters against Michigan and a depleted UVA squad, Rutgers’ position in the top 5 is shaky at best. Throughout the spring, their offense has struggled to surpass the 130-point mark in quadball. While their intimidating half-court press often triggers swift transitions and easy buckets, unlocking consistent scoring in the half-court remains a pressing concern. Despite boasting considerable star power, Rutgers may find themselves trailing behind Mizzou, facing notable challenges reaching into their depth that cast doubt on their potential to disrupt the rankings.
The Scarlet Knights have amassed a formidable roster, spearheaded by Byron Ng, Jason Ng, Jahved Cole, and Annika Kim. Jason Ng, in particular, has emerged as a beacon of consistency among college beaters, albeit lacking a robust partner akin to those bolstering the top contenders. While Rutgers flaunts dominant talent upfront, their supporting cast in both chasing and beating roles fails to match the depth seen in other D1 outfits. Notably, Rutgers excels in the initial 20 minutes with an aggressive defensive approach, racking up turnovers and fast breaks. Post seeker floor, however, their performance drops off precariously, with defensive lapses and offensive struggles surfacing, often leading to slim leads or narrow escapes. This susceptibility during the seeker floor raises doubts about Rutgers' capacity to realize their full potential.
While the Ng brothers undoubtedly elevate the team's prospects, the absence of substantial support casts shadows over their Final Four aspirations. Nevertheless, Rutgers' victories against formidable opponents like Brandeis, Penn State, and Virginia underscore their prowess, positioning them as formidable adversaries in D1 competition. Despite setbacks against Creighton and Harvard, their ability to outscore the latter in quadball points suggests a latent capability to challenge top-tier teams. With stars across all facets of the game and a roster boasting USNTDA representation, Rutgers holds a lofty ceiling - albeit with an equally low floor - if they can harness their full capabilities. Jason Ng's impact in the beater game is undeniable, yet the team's fate hinges on their ability to convert opportunities in the chasing game.
6. Sam Houston
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) emerged from the Oklahoma City Qualifier with a commendable performance, suffering only one defeat against UTSA while triumphing over Texas State on two occasions, each by a considerable margin. Despite the departure of stalwarts Brandon Kubena and Chris Dorsey, their resilience remains, particularly evident in their unyielding defensive fortitude and cohesive offensive strategies, apparent in the newest dynamic duo of Andrew Acosta and Amelia Anderson.
The Bearkats of Sam Houston State epitomize a formidable challenge for any adversary, renowned for their fast-paced and physically imposing style of quadball, earning them the epithet of the "hardest hitting team in college." Led by Hayden Boyes, their defensive maneuvers are executed with precision, stifling opponent offenses with aggressive interceptions and swift transitions. Boyes orchestrates their offensive plays adeptly with his calculated drives and precise passes stretching opposing defenses thin while also nullifying the effectiveness of rival beaters.
Nevertheless, it's worth noting that SHSU's beating contingent, while competent, lacks the prowess seen in other top-tier teams, particularly shown in their second game against UTSA at the OKC qualifier with the return of Tijerina from suspension. This deficiency could potentially pose challenges, particularly against opponents with dominant beater corps, a challenge that SHSU must surmount if they are to find a podium finish on Sunday night. Despite this, SHSU, under the leadership of Boyes, is poised to make a formidable showing at nationals, leveraging the strengths of their youthful talent, exemplified by the likes of Andrew Acosta, Amelia Anderson, and rookie Billy Nellums.
While SHSU may lack the star power in their beating department compared to some of their counterparts, their adept chasers such as Boyes and Acosta compensate admirably, enabling them to contend against formidable opponents. Their ability to clinch crucial victories, as evidenced by their triumph over a short-handed UTSA, underscores their capacity to excel under pressure, setting the stage for a compelling Nationals appearance, albeit a stage that might be slightly dimmed by their subsequent loss to a full-staffed UTSA the following day.
7. Virginia
Virginia embodies a style characterized by swift, assertive gameplay. Their starting beaters showcased commendable resilience against formidable opponents like Harvard’s Jess Lee and David Chen at Knights Cup. However, the looming question persists: can UVA maintain their momentum beyond their initial duo? Speaking of duos, UVA has adeptly balanced aggression with seasoned composure, epitomized by the pair of veterans Emma Rollins and Zan Siddiqui, who discern when to seize the moment.
In a manner reminiscent of Sam Houston State, Virginia employs athleticism and velocity to swiftly convert hits into turnovers, steals, and rapid transitions. Their offensive efficiency hinges on two pivotal scenarios: the strategic initiation by Emma Rollins or the dynamic drives to the hoops executed by their agile male chasers. While this yields a potent offense, it's crucial to note that their success thus far has primarily been against opponents lacking the athleticism to match UVA's prowess - a dynamic unlikely to persist in college D1 competition.
Despite boasting a formidable chaser lineup, doubts linger regarding Virginia's capacity to enforce their offensive will against stiffer opposition. Freshman beater Rhett Krovitz presents potential to disrupt in the beater game, yet the lack of adequate support may hinder his impact against the elite beater corps of college D1. Anticipate UVA to make day two at Nationals, though concerns loom regarding their depth in bracket play.
Virginia's limited exposure to formidable adversaries hampers prognostication, yet their encounter with Rutgers sans Siddiqui suggests a propensity for resilience. While their resume might be lackluster, their ability to vie with higher-caliber competition - exemplified by their close contest against Rutgers - hints at latent potential. Though a title push may seem ambitious, don't discount the prospect of a bracket play surge from this resilient outfit.
As an enigma within the D1 bracket, UVA remains untested at full throttle against genuine contenders, barring a solitary outing at Knights Cup before its untimely conclusion. Persistent card trouble and a struggle to reconcile physicality with legality among younger and seasoned players raise concerns regarding their competitiveness against top-tier adversaries.
8. Texas State
Texas State has demonstrated glimpses of brilliance, hanging tight with high level opponents such as SHSU, UTSA, and even toppling Mizzou in a dazzling display at Brooms on the Brazos. Yet, amidst these triumphs, they’ve had their fair share of stumbles, most recently on the opening day of the OKC qualifier, succumbing to the likes of a rebuilding Texas program, far removed from its glory days.
Texas State shares a narrative akin to Sam Houston State. While boasting undeniable star power and well-crafted offensive and defensive stratagems, their Achilles' heel lies in the caliber of their beaters, lagging behind the echelons of top-tier collegiate teams. David Avila emerges as a stalwart force at keeper, anchoring both offense and defense with resounding consistency. This season, Texas State bolstered its ranks with a cadre of adept rookie chasers to complement Avila's prowess.
The Bobcats’ roster teems with potential, evident in their close encounters with the titans of the Southwest and occasional upsets. However, lurking beneath this potential lies vulnerabilities that cast doubt on their ability to fully harness their prowess. Avila's historical struggles with enduring lengthy tournaments pose a precarious prospect, compounded by uncertainties regarding the leadership capabilities of secondary figures in the event of his absence. Lingering issues with penalties and consistently drawing red cards throughout the season further punctuate the team's vulnerability in critical moments.
Texas State's physicality presents a formidable advantage against lesser opponents unaccustomed to such intensity, such as the bottom third of the D1 field. Yet, this advantage is tempered by deficiencies in beating strategy and experience, rendering them susceptible to the tactical machinations of seasoned adversaries.
As the national stage looms, Texas State emerges as an enigma, with their fate poised upon a precarious fulcrum. The scintillating performances of individuals like Nate Targonski offer tantalizing glimpses of their potential to ascend the ranks, hinting at a possible charge towards the upper echelons. However, the upset loss to Texas during the OKC qualifier serves as a sobering reminder of their susceptibility to stumble against seemingly lesser foes. Thus, while their potential to upset top-ten adversaries looms large, their erratic performance throughout the season raises doubts regarding their resilience in a single-elimination format.
9. Arizona State University
Nestled within the confines of the West, Arizona State has largely reigned supreme over all. Though their showing at Diamond Cup in the Fall featured a modest roster, it's doubtful that the same lean ensemble will grace the National’s stage.
While many pundits tout Arizona State as potential spoilers at Nationals, the balance between their upside and downside remains underestimated. While chaser depth stands as a notable asset, the Devils' reservoir of female players for Nationals appears worryingly shallow. In the beater game, where star power often eclipses depth, Arizona State boasts four top-tier beaters. However, the absence of a reliable substitute raises concerns should any of the quartet succumb to injury.
Embracing a style characterized by aggression, athleticism, and physicality, Arizona State's emphasis on depth has proven efficacious for their chasers, who deploy a resilient hoop zone defense—a strategy that propelled the team to a D2 National Championship last year. Yet, the beaters' replication of this approach yields mixed outcomes. While their robust throws and aggressive tactics yield turnovers and swift counterattacks, the absence of successful beats can lead to precarious situations, especially during FROP. Furthermore, while Austin Cruz has exhibited proficiency in flag catching at HVI and the Placer Valley National Qualifier, his skill against top-tier flag runners remains untested.
Arizona State presents perhaps the most viable potential for a Nationals’ breakthrough among the lower-ranked contenders, owing to their distinctive playstyle and relative seclusion from mainstream competition. However, legitimate apprehensions preclude their ascension among the nation's elite college teams. While skepticism remains around their prospects for an Elite Eight berth, Arizona State may yet emerge as a dark horse, primed to unsettle unsuspecting opponents in the early stages of competition.
Though ASU's dominant performance at Placer Valley and a recent triumph over Columbia merit recognition, their losses against the Southwest's top four D1 teams cannot be disregarded. Granted, their incomplete lineup at Diamond Cup suggests readiness for redemption at Nationals, potentially heralding a resurgence.
In the D1 bracket, Arizona State stands as another enigmatic entity. Bolstered by their beaters' contributions, they've elevated their competitive stature compared to last year. Nevertheless, with a youthful roster and a dearth of standout talent, they face an uphill battle against the premier contenders.
10. Brandeis Quadball
Nestled within the rankings, Brandeis emerges as a perplexing mystery amidst the collegiate field. Despite initial hype in the FBN rankings, their glaring dearth in beater depth stands as a palpable concern, particularly when juxtaposed against their Division 1 counterparts. It falls upon their stalwart chasing contingent to shoulder the burden, as this team channels its efforts towards getting dodgeballs down, thus affording their chasers the opportunity to shine.
Brandishing a starting lineup spearheaded by the formidable Eli Fighter, Brandeis treads the competitive landscape with commendable tenacity. However, the absence of standout beaters and noteworthy talents beyond the top six roster members significantly hampers Brandeis' potency on the national stage. While glimmers of promise have surfaced in closely contested matches against Rutgers and Virginia, these are juxtaposed with nail-biting encounters against Brown, compounded by disheartening defeats at the hands of RPI and a recent drubbing by Harvard. Tentatively, Brandeis secures its place within this tier, buoyed by its demonstrated ability to vie against top-tier adversaries, save for Texas State. This ability is more a testament to the coaching abilities of Tyler Beckmann and Fiona Wiseheart. Yet, it remains a precarious position, where the prospect of being outshone by lower-ranked counterparts looms ominously.
Dominating most Division 2 adversaries, Brandeis falls short in showcasing the elusive "upset potential" against premier contenders such as Harvard, Creighton, and Rutgers, barring a lone exception against the latter in October.
11. The Michigan Quadball Team
As anticipation mounts for the national showdown, all eyes turn to Michigan's lineup, pondering the personnel they'll unveil on the grand stage. Memories linger of their heart-wrenching defeat to UTSA during their Final Four run just last year, while recent skirmishes with Purdue and Michigan State reveal a team teetering on the edge.
As maybe the best 1-2 combo in the college game, Michigan boasts a dynamic duo in Julien Theuerkauf and Rei Brodeur. Their star power alone is ample to squash many opponents. However, reservations linger, anchored in the uncertainty surrounding Michigan's supporting cast. Despite the brilliance of Theuerkauf and Brodeur, doubts persist about the team's resilience in their absence. Recent outings without Theuerkauf witnessed a concerning dip in performance, and even with his presence at Falcon Cup, MQ trailed in quadball points against in-state D2 rival Michigan State, a team they’ve never lost to since the 2014-2015 season when Jim Richert still donned the hoplon.
While Brodeur commands respect as a beater of unparalleled caliber, akin to Rutgers, Michigan appears to rely heavily on a star-studded duo rather than fostering a robust beating line. This vulnerability may place them at a disadvantage against a myriad of D1 adversaries. Even with Theuerkauf's return, questions loom regarding his post-injury stamina and the leadership vacuum in his absence.
Michigan's strategic acumen and adept manipulation of their lines may offer a semblance of redemption, elevating them above certain D1 contenders. Yet, glaring weaknesses persist, precluding their ascent into the top 10 rankings. Nonetheless, Michigan harbors the potential to spring surprises upon the national stage, particularly with Brodeur's indomitable presence, capable of exploiting the weaknesses of teams lacking beating strength. Alongside Brodeur is seeker Neil Peterson, one of the few “automatic” seekers in the D1 field, who can help propel the team to upsets against higher ranked teams.
Though setbacks like the loss to Columbia sting, glimmers of hope emerge from victories over formidable adversaries like Illini and Blue Jay. The return of Theuerkauf, complemented by seasoned players like Brodeur and Nick Love, injects a sense of promise into Michigan's aspirations for Nationals. However, their reliance on Theuerkauf's star power underscores the imperative to integrate their female and gender nonconforming players more prominently into offensive strategies, a facet requiring meticulous refinement for sustained success.
12. Blue Jay
Derek Dearking emerges as THE force within the beater ranks for Blue Jay, showcasing an athletic prowess that proves pivotal against adversaries within the lower echelons of D1 competition. Blue Jay's dominance on the field against such opposition cannot be overstated.
While acknowledged as a developmental unit, the strides in progress witnessed across their roster are nothing short of impressive. The beating corps, spearheaded by players like Dearking, epitomizes excellence. Furthermore, the secondary beating line exhibits a consistent upward trajectory, holding its ground admirably against formidable opponents as the season progresses. While Blue Jay's beating might not surpass or outshine the majority of their D1 counterparts, thye certainly will be able to keep pace with the majority.
In terms of chasers, Blue Jay finds itself in a similar realm. While their competitors may boast greater star power, Blue Jay's chasers remain competitive in nearly every matchup. However, the team lacks the elite potential showcased by some of their D1 counterparts.
Blue Jay continues to captivate with their predominantly rookie lineup. Players like Edgar Alcoser promise an exciting trajectory of development in the coming year.
Though Blue Jay has slipped from the top 10, it's not a consequence of their own shortcomings but rather due to burgeoning confidence in a select few teams above them. Their season boasts notable victories against Columbia and Illini, along with respectable showings against Michigan. However, setbacks against Mizzou and Creighton mar their record. Yet, their triumph over Texas, coupled with a competitive match against Harvard, solidifies their standing just above the Longhorns.
Comprising a roster of athletic talents, Blue Jay has witnessed significant growth since their national qualifier. With a sturdy beater core and capable chaser ensemble, they epitomize the pinnacle potential among teams of similar caliber.
13. Texas Quadball
Ranked 13th, Texas defies the notion of a mere pushover, emerging as a dark horse poised for a potential berth in day 2 nationals. Despite a lack of consistent victories and a setback against Blue Jay, they hold a formidable presence, making them an undesirable Pot 4 opponent.
The enigma of Texas pervades assessment, harboring the broadest spectrum of outcomes within the field. Their gameplay garners admiration, orchestrating an offense that distributes production among myriad chasers and leverages female players in a manner seldom seen in collegiate play. Although the Longhorns lack standout star power, they've notched impressive triumphs this season against the likes of Sam Houston State and Texas State. A team-centric ethos pervades both offense and defense, yielding fruitful results for much of the campaign. However, erratic showings, such as a narrow 170-155 loss to UTSA followed by a lopsided 205-80 defeat to Texas State, raise significant concerns.
Texas maintains its reputation as a physical squad, boasting a select cadre of athletic players capable of decisive interventions. Kyle Louden, in particular, consistently dazzles with his game-altering prowess. Led by veteran Swathi Mannem and buoyed by talents like keeper Will Spencer, the Longhorns exude the aura of a significant dark horse contender. However, reservations linger following their showing at the Blue Jay Classic, where defeats against powerhouses Creighton and Harvard, alongside setbacks to Mizzou and Blue Jay, stifle their ascent in the rankings. A special mention goes to Angel Avina for a standout performance at OKC, particularly in the beating game.
While trust in Texas's strategic prowess and anticipation of robust contributions across the board at Cup, the absence of a go-to chaser in critical moments looms as a potential Achilles' heel. An upset on day one wouldn't shock the world, but the team's volatility precludes the likelihood of a sustained run into day two.
14. Columbia College Chicago
Nestled within a modest roster, Columbia College Chicago (CCC) gears up to make waves in Round Rock. Spearheading their defensive prowess, the trio of beaters—Bella Rios, Colin Gaines, and Maverick Wolf—stand resolute, forming the bedrock of the team's impenetrable Baylor zone defense. On the offensive front, the electrifying tandem of Milly Hunter and George Blackwell is poised to outmaneuver any defense, deftly seeking out open hoops for their teammates. Yet, beyond their primary lineup, CCC grapples with assembling a squad capable of seizing a competitive edge against the upper echelons of D1 competition.
With appreciation for CCC's strategic approach to roster construction and gameplay, doubts linger regarding their prospects at Nationals. Despite securing a notable victory against Michigan during the Champaign County Qualifiers, their standout performance of the season may pale in comparison to a 145-80 loss to Creighton. With the exception of the triumph over Michigan, CCC's victories seem to have been attained against adversaries of lesser caliber, including a lukewarm record of 2-3 against the Illini Ridgebacks, with two losses suffered in February.
The Renegades exhibit a commendable aptitude for generating and capitalizing on fast breaks, exemplified by their triumph over Cal at HVI, wherein a significant portion of their quadball goals were netted through swift transitions. However, their offensive efficacy outside of fast breaks is sorely lacking. While individual talents such as Gaines, Rios, Hunter, and Blackwell shine intermittently, the amalgamation of their skills often fails to yield a cohesive offensive strategy. Moreover, with only eight snitch catches out of 24 games this season, CCC appears overly reliant on fast break scoring—a vulnerability that may prove exploitable by adept D1 adversaries.
Although CCC retains the potential to spring formidable upsets through adept snitch catches, their ability to stay competitive hinges heavily on maintaining parity within the initial twenty minutes of gameplay. Trading victories with Illini throughout the season positions them closely in the rankings, yet resounding defeats against Creighton, coupled with setbacks against Mizzou and Blue Jay, cast doubt on their parity with the upper echelons of competition. Despite dominating D2 adversaries, CCC has struggled to prevail against other D1 contenders this season.
15. Illini Ridgebacks
When it comes time to watch Illini, all eyes are on the dynamic Ojas Turekar, a standout who showcased his prowess representing Team India last summer. Turekar's agile maneuvers, marked by jumps, evasions, and clutch catches, often dismantle opposing defenses, creating advantageous scenarios for his team. Adding to their formidable lineup are the skilled beaters Veronica Hoffman and Camila Rodriguez, formidable threats in their own right. Meanwhile, the return of Nevin O'Donnell to the chasing game, following a stint as a stellar non-playing coach during his recovery, injects a renewed vigor into the roster.
While the Ridgebacks undoubtedly offer a thrilling spectacle, particularly with Turekar's masterful beater play, doubts linger regarding their ability to vie with the D1 elites. Their roster, albeit spirited, appears lacking in star power and depth necessary to contend consistently at the D1 level. Although they managed a closely contested match against Michigan and secured a 3-2 record against CCC this season, their triumphs predominantly stem from encounters with D2 adversaries, failing to assert dominance over higher-ranked D1 contenders. While their tenacity is commendable, the Ridgebacks seem outmatched against the caliber of D1 competition.
While Turekar and Hoffman form a formidable beating core, the absence of a robust chaser contingent raises concerns about their competitiveness within their pool. Nonetheless, their capacity to keep games tight poses a warning to complacent adversaries, rendering them a formidable albeit unpredictable opponent.
16. Penn State
Acknowledging Penn State's success securing a D1 bid for Cup, it becomes apparent that they may find themselves overpowered amidst the D1 competition. Penn State's sole encounter with a college D1 team resulted in a 225-110 loss to Rutgers in November. Nevertheless, anticipation remains for Penn State's ability to accrue points in their pool play encounters, given their consistent scoring record, having tallied no less than 110 quadball points in nearly every game, and securing triple-digit scores in each fixture this season.
The chief concern surrounding Penn State lies in their inconsistency. While they often contest matches closely, they've suffered unexpected defeats to teams like RPI, underscoring their occasional struggle to assert dominance, a trait pivotal during the heightened stakes of nationals.
Regrettably, Penn State's demonstrated potential appears limited against both D1 and select D2 adversaries. Lacking standout performers in the chaser and beater roles, optimism for their prospects of advancing beyond their pool stage remains minimal. While the Nittany Lions would certainly be formidable contenders for the D2 National Championship, with wins over RPI and Emerson, and a narrow loss to Brown due to a flag-pull, the D1 challengers may overpower the Lions' capabilities.
The Lions, like many other teams, lie on the cusp between D1 and D2, but if the gaps in their seeking game can be filled, when combined with their scoring ability, Penn State may yet be a lethal underdog with something to prove.
Edited by: Ally Manzella, Christian Barnes, Owen Weekley, Marek Bugaj & David Banas
