2009 CUC Womens Final Review- Lotus Blossoms on Universe to win National Championship

Nation,

The women's final was the last match of the 2009 CUC championships. It brought some of the most loyal and loud fans to the stadium, and was helped by the return of sunshine to the Winnipeg skies.

Joining Rahil Suleman and myself in the commentator booth was Lexi Marsh. Marsh, a former Lotus and Capitals player, brought an excellent resume as player (who knew both Lotus and Stella) and as a world juniors coach, and had the sort of positive personality to help our broadcast efforts.

I stepped out for part of the first half due to a CUPA board meeting, but returned to the booth and served as the 3rd person color when needed.

Women's Final- Lotus (Toronto) versus Stella (Ottawa)

One of the biggest rivalries in Canadian ultimate is also one of the best examples of teamwork and cooperation. These two teams, which battle each other all summer, annually combine their best players to compete in the UPA finals each fall. In 2007, they combined all summer to try to win a worlds birth at Canadian nationals that year (Losing in the finals to Vancouver's Traffic). These teams train together, work together to make tournaments like No Borders attractive to American teams, and are loyal to nationals every year.

Stella was the defending champion but entered the 2009 championship seeded 5th after a regionals loss to Lotus. Stella had been without some of their key players this season due to World Games committments, but all players would be in Winnipeg. Outside of a universe point 11-10 loss to Lotus in pool play, Stella sailed through round robin and playoffs, disposing of PPF in the quarters (11-5) and Storm in the semi-finals (10-4). The champs would be underdogs going into the final given their 0-3 record versus Lotus this year, but the universe point loss suggested Stella was peaking at the right moment.

Lotus had lost only one game all season (No Borders final against Boston's Brute Squad). Outside of games versus Stella and QUB, they remained relatively unchallenged in pool play. Playoffs saw pure dominance from Lotus, as they beat Fusion 15-1 in the quarters and a 15-3 whalloping over a promising Zephyr team from Vancouver.

Heading into the match, Lotus fans were concerned with a reported injury to Hadiya "Dee" Roderique. An injured ankle resulted in a hospital visit and a doubtful status for the finals. Given that ultimate players are notorious for overhyping their injuries for no apparent reason, everyone watched the warm up to see what the great striker was able to participate in. It turned out that Dee was still hurting and her play time was very limited.

I was able to see the back and forth nature of the first few points before heading out of the booth for a meeting. One of the biggest impressions made to me on the first few points was was the play of Martha Paterson. Paterson was clearly showing the ability to go deep and get open underneath, and I wondered how Stella was going to manage her. It made me think the tall striker from Traffic in 2007, whose deep play was unstoppable and really hurt the Capitals.

After a brief meeting (still able to catch the Anner Mercier Callaghan in the first half) I got to return to the booth and watch a great match. It seemed like no team could really make a big run on the other team. It was a 1-2 point the whole way. The key seemed to be the mental make up of the teams- Stella was calm and relaxed throughout the match, and was not the least bit intimidated at key moments. Lotus was equally relaxed, and not having challenges leading up to the finals did not pose a problem.

Stella was getting some great play from a number of different sources. Kate Cavallaro was playing at her best, being a very active cutter and scoring several points in both the second half. Sam Morris was taking the proverbial "next step", playing lights out defence with layouts, and showing her ability to produce on offence on turns. Cassie Bergquist was providing very intense marking in the lane and on the disc. Captain Jenna McBride was scoring points, playing hard d, and managing the lines. It was exhausting just watching her, but she was handling it well.

As the game progressed, Carly Bassett was really the player that stood out throughout the game for Stella, providing the kind of handler play (100% throws, getting open for east resets, working in perfect tandem with Marie Imbeault and Anne Mercier) that every team needs to win.

Lotus was being lead by some stellar veterans. Allyson Walker was showing the country why she is so highly regarded. She was all over the field on offence and on defence. Kaitlynn "Hoodie" Lovatt seemed to be the player Stella had trouble matching up against. Her ability to get open at will in the second half was proving either points or free resets to Toronto. Winnipeg native Malissa Lundgren (who had a great performance at No Borders) is making her mark this game with absolutely huge pulls into the Stella endzone on each defensive point.

Outside of the dominance of Walker/Lovatt, the unsung hero is Laurel Berkowitz. Number 5 from Lotus has a very tough task- shut down Anne Mercier. Point after point, she's doing it, especially in the second half. A couple of key turns for Stella come from trying to force it in to their Mercier, and Berkowitz is getting d's preventing the pass, and shutting down the big throws from Anne before she gets it. Only when Lotus opts for a zone is Mercier able to really contribute.

Further, one of the most dangerous players in the game (Kate Crump) is not the focal point of Stella O. Lotus leadership has devised a game plan to prevent the big play, and Crump's ability to get open at will (watch her folks.. open every play!) was neutralized by the lack of throwing lanes to her. The fact that the game is so close comes from Stella's other cast of players who are able to play high level ultimate outside of Mercier and Crump... that's what good teams do.

In the end, the game is tied 14-14 and its universe point madness. The point starts with many fans standing in excitement. Both teams have at least three chances to score, and all opportunities end of long distance throws that can't connect. Finally, Lotus buckles down and works the disc underneath. Walker and Lovatt are crucial to the disc movement, but Stella's d is so tight that many passes and swings are needed. Eventually, the patience pays off and Lotus puts it in for the winning goal on universe.

Congratulations to both teams who combined with the open finalists to provide the best finals ever in terms of parity and play. It's so exciting to see two teams play their best when it matters most, and have the best players play their best.

Lotus serves as a deserving champion, building a deep program that helps their team and their sister squad Lily. Their use of strategy and team depth made up for the loss of one of their best players.

Women's Ultimate in Ottawa- What's Next?

Nation,

2004 was an interesting year for women's ultimate in Ottawa. Following a 2003 nationals finals collapse that cost the city a berth at Worlds, there was great tension in the female ranks. Many felt a stable secondary team was needed to assist perennial national championship contender Stella. Others felt that politics and old guard were preventing younger/unknown players from developing and surpassing current starters.

What ended up happening was interesting. A second team did emerge that season, but was run independently by Jaime Boss, Sweet Marie Celine St-Jacques, and Justine Price. Maeve, as the team was called, was full of young exciting talent that proved they were ready to compete nationally at finals. The squad finished 4th at the 2004 nationals, and many thought they would soon surpass Stella in future seasons (Stella finished 3rd at that nationals).

That did not happen. Stella managed to emerge with the talent Maeve developed, and Maeve folded. It was replaced by a team named Scarlett, which was a direct B team to Stella. Many players who couldn't make the move to Stella bolted for Ottawa's coed team, and Scarlett greatly suffered. It was really a lose lose, as the females that went to coed also lost because.. it was Ottawa coed.

So, Stella had great seasons in 2005 and 2006, winning a national title and a silver medal in respective nationals. In 2007, top players from Ottawa joined forces with top Toronto players to try and win the 2008 worlds berth. The Stella brand was "retired" for the season (which has been criticized), and Scarlett was pretty much left to their own vices again. Many solid females were lost to coed again, but Scarlett had a great season lead by the leadership of Ottawa 'legends' Deb Murphy and Justine Price.

After a dominating 2007 season by the Capitals, the team failed once again in the national finals, unexpectedly losing to Vancouver's Traffic.

It's 2008, and it looks like Stella and Scarlett will be sisters again. In order to find out how the family is doing, I set up an interview with Stella captain Danielle Fortin. I wonder if lessons have been learned in the past five seasons, and what will/should be done in the next three years to bring a worlds women's berth to Ottawa.

Capitals at Flowerbowl 2007
Photo Source: Ultypics and Alex Benedict

Talking with Trainor: Stella/Capitals Captain Danielle Fortin

Nation,

In 2004, a second women's team, named Maeve, was full of young exciting talent that proved they ready to compete nationally at finals. The squad finished 4th at the 2004 nationals. It was a springboard team for many females who are now highly regarded players in national and UPA ultimate today.

One of these players was nicknamed Baby D.

Danielle Fortin has gone from second team rookie to one of the Stella/Capitals captains in less than three years. While not serving as a Stella captain this year, She continues to be known for being a skilled thrower, well liked teammate and hard worker. She gladly accepted my offer to do an interview and she will hopefully be the first of many women's division players we profile.

Danielle Fortin
Photo:Corry Berghout

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Was the Capitals a Toronto team, an Ottawa team, or really a team representing both cities?

The Capitals summer team included a representation from both cities. We were surprised that after writing down the last couple names on the roster that there was a even split of ladies from each city. It was pretty cool. We mixed things up in the fall by adding players from up North and out West.

What is the status of the Capitals for the 2008 season?

Caps jerseys will be hung up for the 2008 summer season with players taking what they learned in '07 back to their home teams. As for the fall - there's always talk between the two cities on joining forces and that's where it sits right now.

What was the highlight of the 2007 season for the Capitals?

This is a tough one - but I'd have to say either winning Boston Invitational or our finish at UPA's. Both Ottawa and Toronto have competed in the Boston Invite each year but have ended up watching the finals from the sideline. To win it all was pretty awesome. I believe it was the first time that a Canadian women's team has ever won the tournament.

What was the 2007 lowlight?

With the bid to Worlds on the line - our finish at nationals.

What happened at Nationals 2007? Specifically, the 2007 finals?

We had a strong tournament with only 14 points scored against after six games. It was a cool feeling being in Toronto. Four months earlier we found ourself playing on the exact same grass meeting our teammates, setting goals and figuring out what it meant to be on the Capitals. Our goal for the season was to be recognized as a unified, gritty, highly skilled team. There's no doubt we achieved that. It's unfortunate that the bid to Worlds rested all on one game - but that's sport. The finals was a big game for the team as many of our players found themselves there four years earlier while others were making their first appearance in a CUC final. Many factors played into the loss and I think we'd all dissect it differently as we had different experiences. It's always great to play against west coast teams as they bring experience and intensity after having a season full of high-caliber games and tournaments. It would be great if we could be exposed to challenging games throughout our entire season.

Photo Source: Capitals Ultimate

Was the UPA finals performance (5th) considered a success?

Of course! It was the highest finish for the team. Having the opportunity to play against some the top UPA teams in playoffs can always be considered a success. Our pre-quarter game against Safari was what allowed us to meet up with Riot in the quarters. Coming back from being down 11-6 to win the game 14-12 was...pretty cool. Mother nature was on our side that day.

Who was the team MVP for 2007 season overall?

I honestly don't think I can name one. Sure comparing one game to the next there was a player that really brought their best game out but when I think about a season that was over 6 months long it's hard to name just one person. It truly was a team that worked together to make the best out of the unique situation we had created.

What should we expect from Ottawa women's ultimate this summer?

Definitely expect some new faces on both Stella and Scarlett this summer. It's going to be a big building year for the program. From what I've seen in the gym, at scrimmages, and other training sessions it's going to be a good group of women that have been training hard to get back outside and challenge each other.

How would you describe the women's current relationship with its local association (OCUA)?

The women's program has a good relationship with OCUA. The competitive cell as a whole is working hard this year to get the right documents in place so that the teams can go into the season knowing what will be going on. It's always a challenge balancing personal/team development with clinics and other volunteer activities so any planning that can be done ahead of time is a bonus.

What players need to step up this year?

Every player looking to play this summer has to step it up. Last summer provided many players with unfamiliar experiences whether it was playing Capitals, Scarlett, or co-ed. Sharing these experiences with each other will only make us better so it's key for everyone to show up with their A-game.

Photo Source: Scarlett Ultimate

Who is the best female player in Ottawa? Who is the most underrated?

Top player - I'd have to go with with Ali Flynn (Lemay) (pictured, photo courtesy Corry Berghout). She brings experience, knowledge and skill to any team she plays with. On the field she's got a collection of throws that most can only dream of and her defense on the bail and in zones is so much fun to watch. She also has a great ability to anticipate movement on the field. I think the best thing is seeing how much time she puts into figuring out strategy and her own game. She's a good role model for those looking to play comp - you don't just get there without putting in a little effort.


Most underrated would have to be the Little French Girl (LFG). Marie-Andree Imbeault (Magoo) came into the Ottawa ultimate scene 3 years ago as a cutter. After a month or so on Stella she was put behind the disc to be one of the team's starting O-line handlers. She can make some sweet grabs and great break throws that are so quick you usually miss them. She's also great at breaking through zones. I think her "quiet" nature has fooled many because she's a big part of the party on any team she plays for. You can't replace a player like her on the field.

What is your assessment of the brand equity of sister team Scarlett?

It's getting better each year. Like we've seen in the men's program - it just takes time. It's great seeing more and more university students and recent high school grads playing with Scarlett as it's a great place to work on individual skills while gaining competitive tournament experience.

Photo Source: Scarlett Ultimate

Does anyone want to play with them? Will this be a good year?

I think there are a good number of women that would like to play with Scarlett. It's encouraging to see that players have made the transition from Scarlett to Stella and Capitals. Looking back at the team's 2007 roster and season I can't find a reason why it wouldn't be a good year.

How does the women's program measure success for Scarlett? What needs to be done to ensure Scarlett success?

Success can be measured in a bunch of ways - having players move from Scarlett to Stella, seeing players developing, and higher finishes at tournaments. For Scarlett to be successful there needs to be a good group of women playing on the team that are dedicated to getting better and working together. There should also be a good link between the two teams (Stella and Scarlett) as well as with the other competitive teams.