2026 Western Ultimate League All-WUL Second Team

2026 Western Ultimate League All-WUL Second Team

The All-WUL Teams recognize the all-around top players in the league for the 2026 season. The teams were decided based on a combination of voting results for the Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The top seven vote getters are recognized on the All-WUL First Team, and the next seven are recognized on the All-WUL Second Team. The players on each team are listed in alphabetical order.

Before checking out this year’s All-WUL Team honors, we recommend reviewing the WUL stats and stat definitions page to get familiar with the advanced metrics featured in the selections below.

Abbi Shilts (SD)

Abbi Shilts established themself as the focal point of San Diego Super Bloom’s attack in 2026, pairing game-breaking athleticism with consistent production to earn recognition as a 2026 MVP finalist and a spot on the All-WUL Second Team. Whether skying defenders for highlight-reel grabs or generating momentum-changing blocks, they delivered impact plays in every phase of the game.

Shilts led San Diego with 16 goals and 1,204 receiving yards while also tying for third on the team with nine blocks, showcasing the two-way versatility that made them one of the league’s most dangerous matchup problems. Their ability to attack deep space and win contested discs gave Super Bloom a constant vertical threat, while their defensive instincts regularly created possessions.

Shilts erupted in Week 1 for six goals and 271 receiving yards against Bay Area to earn WUL Player of the Week honors. It was the kind of explosive performance that became their calling card throughout the season, combining elite speed, body control, and timing to produce plays few others in the league could make.

From acrobatic catches to momentum-swinging blocks, Shilts’ remarkable athleticism elevated San Diego on both sides of the disc and made them a deserving selection to the 2026 All-WUL Second Team.

Caitlin Fitzgerald (OR)

Caitlin Fitzgerald made an immediate impact in their first season with Oregon Soar, quickly establishing themself as one of the league's most disruptive defenders. After previously competing with Portland Rising in the Premier Ultimate League (PUL), Fitzgerald brought their trademark athleticism to the WUL and wasted little time announcing their arrival.

They burst on the scene with a dominant performance in Oregon’s doubleheader in Week 3, earning Player of the Week honors for 4 goals, 3 blocks, and 273 total yards against Utah, and 2 goals, 4 assists, and 394 yards against Colorado.

They finished tied for third on the team with 1.2 blocks per game and ranked fourth on Oregon in Relative Defensive Efficiency, a reflection of just how much stronger Soar became with them on the field. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Week after week, Fitzgerald seemed to produce at least one highlight-reel layout block, turning routine possessions into momentum-shifting plays and energizing their teammates in the process.

For a player adjusting to both a new team and a new league, Fitzgerald's consistency and game-changing defensive presence made them an easy choice for the 2026 All-WUL Second Team.

Eva Bell (UT)

Utah Wild relied on 19-year-old Eva Bell to do just about everything in 2026, and they delivered every time. Identified as a pre-season X-Factor, Bell captained the offense from the handler space while seamlessly shifting into an initiating cutter role, finishing as the team's leader in assists (21), throwing yards (2,666), and total yards (3,844)—ranking seventh, third, and second in the league in those categories, respectively. They also led the entire WUL with 373 completions, added seven blocks, and finished third on the team in receiving yards.

What made Bell's season especially impressive was the consistency. Even as Utah faced difficult matchups and often found themself playing from behind, Bell remained a fixture atop the league leaderboards, dictating flow and finding her teammates downfield. As one teammate put it, "Just give Eva the ball." Whether resetting under pressure, attacking as an initiating cutter, or launching the next big throw, Bell had an answer.

That versatility—and the trust it inspired throughout the roster—made Bell one of the league's most valuable all-around playmakers and a deserving 2026 Breakout Player of the Year nomination and 2026 All-WUL Second Team selection.

Kennedy McCarthy (CO)

Kennedy McCarthy's breakout season was impossible to ignore. In their first full campaign as a major contributor for Colorado Alpenglow and the WUL, they emerged as one of the league's most dynamic two-way stars and a driving force behind the team's success, earning the honor of 2026 Breakout Player of the Year.

McCarthy stuffed the stat sheet from every angle, finishing second on Colorado with 20 goals and 10 blocks while adding 13 assists, a team-best 129 Player Efficiency Rating, and 1,957 total yards. Whether generating turns, stretching the field deep, or taking command after the disc changed hands, they consistently found ways to impact winning.

Their season was also filled with unforgettable moments. Against Seattle Tempest in Week 2, McCarthy became the first player in WUL history to record a 3-goal, 4-assist, 4-block performance, punctuated by a layout Callahan that helped earn the first of two Player of the Week honors. They later became the only player in 2026 to win the award twice after erupting for 5 goals, 3 assists, and 416 total yards in another dominant outing.

From game-breaking defensive plays to offensive takeovers, McCarthy proved they could do it all, making their selection to the 2026 All-WUL Second Team a fitting recognition of one of the season's brightest stars.

Kristen Reed (AZ)

Kristen Reed entered 2026 as Arizona's preseason Player to Watch and spent the season proving why. A finalist for 2026 Defensive Player of the Year and former Colorado Alpenglow captain and scoring stand out, Reed anchored the Sidewinders' defense while simultaneously emerging as their most dangerous deep threat.

On defense, they tied for the team lead with 11 blocks and 1.4 blocks per game while ranking third in defensive points played, consistently taking the toughest matchups and generating momentum-shifting turns. On offense, Reed was just as impactful, leading Arizona with 19 goals and 1,590 receiving yards. Their 19 scores also set a new franchise single-season record, showcasing an uncanny ability to get open when it mattered most.

Few players influenced games on both sides of the disc for Arizona as completely as Reed. From erasing possessions with timely run-through blocks to finishing scores in the end zone, they embodied the definition of a two-way star and earned a well-deserved place on the 2026 All-WUL Second Team.

Meg Manning (SEA)

Meg Manning's impact on Seattle Tempest went far beyond generating turnovers—they made sure those turnovers ended up on the scoreboard. Manning, who joined from PUL’s Raleigh Radiance, combined relentless defense with explosive counterattack offense to become one of the league's most dangerous D-line weapons, earning a nomination as 2026 Defensive Player of the Year.

They finished second on Seattle with 13 blocks, tied for fifth in the WUL in both total blocks and blocks per game (1.6), consistently disrupting opposing offenses. But once the disc changed hands, Manning transformed into a premier deep threat. Despite playing primarily defensive points, they tied for sixth in the league with 19 goals, ranked fourth with 1,712 receiving yards, and finished second in Receptions Above Expected (15.9), routinely turning defensive stops into instant scores.

Manning's ability to stretch the field culminated in a new WUL single-season record with 17 huck receptions, underscoring just how lethal they were in transition. That two-way ability played a large part in Tempest’s championship campaign and their selection for the 2026 All-WUL Second Team

Sarah Itoh (CO)

Sarah Itoh didn't just win 2026 Defensive Player of the Year—they authored one of the most dominant defensive seasons the WUL has ever seen. After transitioning into a full-time defensive role this season, Itoh became the centerpiece of Colorado Alpenglow's relentless pressure, turning routine possessions into takeaways with remarkable consistency.

They led the league with 19 blocks, tying the WUL single-season record, while also finishing second in both blocks per game (2.4) and block rate (11.9%). Every week seemed to bring another momentum-shifting play, including a five-block masterpiece against Utah that matched the highest single-game total recorded in 2026. Their anticipation, closing speed, and impeccable timing made throwing windows disappear and offensive game plans unravel.

But Itoh's value extended beyond the stat sheet. They elevated Colorado's entire defensive identity, routinely creating short-field opportunities and changing the complexion of games through sheer disruption. By pairing elite athleticism with exceptional field awareness, Itoh established themself as the league's premier defensive force and an undeniable selection for the 2026 All-WUL Second Team.

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Note: Selections were based on voting results for the 2026 WUL Awards, but the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the WUL.

Contributors include:

Ben Sadis (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician

Noah Gumerman (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician

Kaetlynn Daoust (she/her), WUL Media Manager

Aly Steinfeld (she/her), WUL Marketing Director

2026 Western Ultimate League All-WUL First Team

2026 Western Ultimate League All-WUL First Team

The All-WUL Teams recognize the all-around top players in the league for the 2026 season. The teams were decided based on a combination of voting results for the Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The top seven vote getters are recognized on the All-WUL First Team, and the next seven are recognized on the All-WUL Second Team. The players on each team are listed in alphabetical order.

Before checking out this year’s All-WUL Team honors, we recommend reviewing the WUL stats and stat definitions page to get familiar with the advanced metrics featured in the selections below.

Abby Thorpe (CO)

Abby Thorpe once again proved why they’ve been one of the WUL’s defining stars, building on three consecutive MVP finalist campaigns (including winning the award in 2024) with yet another First Team-worthy performance. They led Colorado Alpenglow with 22 goals and added 20 assists while finishing among the team leaders in blocks, showcasing the all-around game that has made them one of the league’s most difficult matchups.

Thorpe’s ability to chew up field space was unmatched. They led the entire WUL with 2,434 receiving yards—a new single-season league record—and also paced the league in total yards with 3,870, reaching 10,000 for their career (only the second player to do so in WUL history).

In Week 1 against Oregon, they rewrote the record book with 452 receiving yards, the highest single-game mark in WUL history. They were also one of the rare players to finish in their team’s top five in goals, assists, blocks, throwing yards, and receiving yards, highlighting their ability to contribute in every phase of the game.

Just as important was the effect they had on everyone around them. Thorpe led the league in Relative Offensive Efficiency, with Colorado’s offense reaching another level whenever they were on the field. As one opponent observed, “Abby’s relentless cutting and ability to carry a heavy load through the whole season adds a dimension to Colorado’s play that no other player is capable of.” 

Alex Barnett (BAY)

Alex Barnett wasted no time making their mark in their first season with the WUL and Bay Area, identified as a pre-season Player to Watch, emerging as one of the league’s most reliable engines, and finishing as an Offensive Player of the Year finalist. They tied for the team lead with 13 goals, added 12 assists, ranked second in throwing yards with 1,431, and finished fifth in receiving yards, stuffing the stat sheet while serving as one of Bay’s most dependable playmakers.

What set Barnett apart was just how cleanly they produced. They were the only player in the WUL to surpass 2,000 total yards this season while committing fewer than 10 turnovers, pairing high-volume touches with exceptional decision-making. Their advanced metrics backed it up, too: second in the league in Player Efficiency Rating, third in Completions Above Expected, and fourth in Receptions Above Expected. They were also one of the select few players to finish in the league in their team’s top five in goals, assists, blocks, throwing yards, and receiving yards.

As one teammate put it, “Alex Barnett will get themself open no matter what to keep the disc and offense moving.” That relentless ability to create separation, combined with a calm presence and elite efficiency, made Barnett an invaluable addition to Bay Area and a deserving selection to the 2026 All-WUL First Team.

Cheryl Hsu (SEA)

Cheryl Hsu was the conductor of Seattle Tempest’s high-powered offense all season, earning the title of 2026 Offensive Player of the Year with a blend of vision, efficiency, and execution. Preseason expectations were high for Hsu, named a 2026 Player to Watch, and they did not disappoint. They finished second on the team with 27 assists (third in the league) while adding 12 goals and ranking among the league leaders in total scores. Hsu also led Seattle Tempest with 2,899 throwing yards and amassed 3,331 total yards, the second- and fourth-highest totals in the league, respectively.

Their ability to attack every inch of the field made them nearly impossible to defend. Hsu completed 17 of 20 huck attempts, an 85% success rate, that set a new WUL record among players with at least 15 hucks in a season. Whether patiently working underneath or uncorking pinpoint bombs, they consistently generated high-value offense and put opposing defenses on their heels. Their five-assist, 480-throwing-yard masterpiece against Oregon in Week 6 earned Player of the Week honors and served as a perfect snapshot of their impact.

As one teammate put it, “Cheryl has been on an absolute tear this season and their ability to attack any point on the field creates massive problems for any opponent.” With a history of excellence, record-setting deep accuracy, and the ability to dictate the tempo of every possession, Hsu was the driving force behind one of the WUL’s most dangerous offenses.

Chip Yen (LA)

Chip Yen did a little bit of everything for Los Angeles Astra this season—and did it at an elite level. Named a pre-season X-Factor, they delivered. They finished tied for second in the league with 22 goals, ranked second on the team with 12 assists, led the team with 13 blocks, and piled up 1,964 receiving yards, the second-highest total in the WUL. Remarkably, they were one of just two players across the league to rank in the top two on their own team in goals, assists, and blocks, underscoring their impact on both sides of the disc.

Whether stretching the field deep or operating through the middle as a connector, Yen was a constant problem for opposing defenses. Their Week 7 performance against Utah—a jaw-dropping five goals, four assists, two blocks, 430 total yards, and just one turnover—earned Player of the Week honors and showcased the complete package they bring to the field. They followed that up by recording 426 receiving yards against San Diego in Week 8, the second-highest single-game total in WUL history.

As one teammate put it: “Chip is trusted both in the deep space and the middle of the field connecting handlers and cutters. They’re really fast and a very well-rounded player who excels in multiple aspects of the game.” 

There simply wasn’t a facet of the game where Yen didn’t make an impact, making them a finalist for 2026 MVP, and a clear choice for the 2026 All-WUL First Team.

Jamie Kauffman (SEA)

If there was a stat sheet to fill out for a Tempest game in 2026, Jamie Kauffman’s name was probably all over it. The 2026 WUL MVP authored one of the most complete seasons in WUL history, becoming the first player ever to finish first in both goals (24) and assists (29), with their 29 assists setting a new single-season league record. They also ranked second in the WUL with 18 blocks, making an impact every time they stepped on the field.

As a first-year player in the league, Kauffman’s versatility over the course of the season was astounding. They started on the Seattle D-line for the majority of the regular season before switching to O-line for the playoffs, using huge pulls to pin the opposing team’s offense deep, a big and active mark to frustrate life for opposing handlers and preventing hucks by actively patrolling the deep space. After forcing a turnover, Kauffman regularly was on both the throwing and receiving end of Seattle’s fast break attack. Additionally, a subtle talent of Kauffman’s this season was their composure in the red zone and ability to turn a possession into a goal no matter the situation. Like a star closer in baseball, once they got close to the end zone, Tempest would get the disc to Kauffman and she’d get the job every time.

Opposing defenses had no easy answer. As one coach noted, “Jamie has dominated the stat lines and completely alters how defenses have to counter Seattle's offensive attacks.” 

That unique defensive skillset, explosive offensive production, and unmatched red zone efficiency made Kauffman the engine behind Seattle Tempest’s success, and earned her the title of 2026 WUL MVP.

Rachel Egan (OR)

Another pre-season X-Factor, Rachel Egan was the steady force behind Oregon’s attack all season, combining efficiency, playmaking, and defensive grit into a complete campaign in 2026. They led the team with 15 goals, chipped in eight assists, tied for second with nine blocks, and finished tied for second on the team with 1,162 receiving yards, consistently finding ways to impact games on both sides of the disc.

Their signature performance came in Week 4 against Utah, when they erupted for two goals, six assists, four blocks, and 345 total yards without committing a single turnover, earning WUL Player of the Week honors. That mistake-free approach defined their season—Egan was the only player in the league to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards without recording a receiving error, a remarkable feat that helped propel them to the fourth-highest Player Efficiency Rating in the WUL.

Beyond the numbers, Egan’s presence was invaluable to Oregon’s success. As one teammate put it, “Egan’s offensive and defensive contributions make them very valuable on the O-line, and they are a great teammate and captain.” 

Reliable with the disc, disruptive on defense, and trusted in every big moment, Egan earned their place on the 2026 All-WUL First Team.

Robyn Fennig (BAY)

Robyn Fennig continued to cement their place among the WUL’s elite handlers in 2026, following up a 2025 MVP finalist season with another outstanding season that earned her 2026 Offensive Player of the Year finalist honors. With the disc in their hands, Bay Area’s offense flowed through Fennig’s vision, precision, and ability to create opportunities all over the field.

They led Bay Area in assists (18), throwing yards (2,195), total yards (2,678), and Completions Above Expected (13.9), with their throwing yardage ranking fourth in the WUL and their advanced completion metric trailing only one player league-wide. Time and again, Fennig paired high-volume touches with quality decision-making, consistently putting teammates in position to succeed while driving one of the league’s most efficient offenses.

Their signature performance came in Week 1 against San Diego Super Bloom, when they piled up 593 throwing yards—the second-highest single-game total in WUL history. The performance showcased their willingness to attack every part of the field, from patient resets to pinpoint deep shots, and set the tone for another exceptional campaign.

As the engine behind Bay Area’s offensive attack, Fennig blended consistency, creativity, and production at an elite level, making them a deserving choice for the 2026 All-WUL Second Team.

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Note: Selections were based on voting results for the 2026 WUL Awards, but the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the WUL.

Contributors include:

Ben Sadis (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician

Noah Gumerman (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician

Kaetlynn Daoust (she/her), WUL Media Manager

Aly Steinfeld (she/her), WUL Marketing Director

2026 Western Ultimate League Awards Winners

2026 Western Ultimate League Award Winners

The annual WUL Awards honor outstanding players and coaching staff who have made significant contributions to the league and their teams. Each nominee exemplifies excellence in their respective roles and was honored with an awards ceremony during Championship Weekend.

Most Valuable Player:

Jamie Kauffman

Jaime Kauffman put together a season unlike any the WUL has ever seen, powering Seattle Tempest to new heights while rewriting the record books along the way. Kauffman became the first player in league history to lead the WUL in both goals (24) and assists (29), with her 29 assists setting a new single-season record. As if that weren’t enough, she also finished second in the league with 18 blocks, proving she could take over games on both sides of the disc.

Her all-around impact was unmatched. Kauffman led Seattle in goals, assists, blocks, and receiving yards (1,868), while finishing third on the team in throwing yards (1,261), making her the only player in the league to rank in the top three on their team across all five major statistical categories. Even more remarkably, she became the first player to lead the league in either goals or assists while playing the majority of their points on the defensive line—a testament to just how often she turned stops into scores.

One opposing coach summed it up simply: “Jamie has dominated the stat lines and completely alters how defenses have to counter Seattle's offensive attacks.” Kauffman’s production-per-turnover efficiency also set a new WUL single-season record with a 161 Player Efficiency Rating.

In a year filled with standout performances, Jaime Kauffman still stood alone. By combining elite offensive production, game-changing defense, and unprecedented versatility, she delivered the most complete season in WUL history.

Offensive Player of the Year: Cheryl Hsu

Seattle Tempest’s Cheryl Hsu orchestrated one of the most efficient and explosive offensive seasons the WUL has ever seen. A constant catalyst with the disc in her hands, Hsu finished second on the team with 27 assists—third in the league—and added 12 goals, placing her among the WUL leaders in total scores. Her command of the offense extended well beyond the endzone, leading Seattle with 2,899 throwing yards while amassing 3,331 total yards, the second- and fourth-highest marks in the league, respectively.

What set Hsu apart was not just volume, but precision. She completed an astonishing 17 of 20 huck attempts for an 85% completion rate, the highest ever recorded by a WUL player with at least 15 huck attempts in a season. Every deep shot carried the potential to flip a game, and more often than not, Hsu delivered. Her Week 6 performance against Oregon—five assists, 480 throwing yards, and a perfect 3-for-3 on hucks—earned Player of the Week honors and showcased exactly why defenses struggled to contain her.

A teammate captured her impact best: “Cheryl has been on an absolute tear this season and their ability to attack any point on the field creates massive problems for any opponent.” Whether stretching the field with pinpoint throws or patiently directing the offense underneath, Hsu consistently created opportunities that few players in the league could match.

Elite vision, record-setting efficiency, and the ability to dictate every possession made Cheryl Hsu the engine behind one of the WUL’s most dangerous offenses this season and a clear choice for the 2026 Offensive Player of the Year.

Defensive Player of the Year: Sarah Itoh

Sarah Itoh transformed Colorado Alpenglow’s defense into a turnover-generating machine in 2026, delivering a season defined by relentless pressure and game-changing plays. Itoh led the league with 19 blocks, tying the WUL single-season record and establishing herself as the premier defensive playmaker on her team and in the league. She also finished second in both blocks per game (2.4) and block rate (11.9%), consistently finding ways to disrupt even the league’s top offenses.

What made Itoh’s campaign even more remarkable was the consistency. Week after week, she generated momentum-shifting stops, including a five-block performance against Utah in Week 12 that tied for the most by any player in a single game this season. Her anticipation, closing speed, and ability to attack throwing lanes made every possession feel precarious for opposing offenses.

The achievement is even more impressive considering Itoh’s evolution as a player. After previously spending much of her time on the offensive line, she embraced a defensive role and quickly became one of the most feared defenders in the league. As one opponent put it: “Sarah Itoh has been the most prolific block-getter in 2026, and uses their speed and field IQ to great effect to generate pressure and turnovers.”

By pairing elite athleticism with impeccable instincts, Itoh anchored Colorado’s defense and delivered one of the finest defensive seasons in WUL history, earning the title of 2026 Defensive Player of the Year.

Breakout Player of the Year: Kennedy McCarthy

 Colorado's Kennedy McCarthy wasted no time establishing herself as one of the league’s premier two-way threats. She finished second on the team with 20 goals, third with 13 assists, second with 10 blocks, and led Colorado with a 129 Player Efficiency Rating while piling up 1,957 total yards.

The numbers only tell part of the story. McCarthy was part of the engine behind Colorado’s biggest moments, capable of taking over games on either side of the disc. Her Week 2 performance against Seattle Tempest entered the record books as the first 3-goal, 4-assist, 4-block game in WUL history—complete with a layout Callahan—and earned the first of two Player of the Week honors in 2026. Seven weeks later, she did it again in a different way, torching opponents for 5 goals, 3 assists, 416 yards, and almost no mistakes to become the only player in 2026 to earn Player of the Week honors twice.

From injured reserve to indispensable centerpiece, no player made a bigger leap this season than Kennedy McCarthy.

Coaching Staff of the Year: Oregon Soar

Dara Linkfield, Leo Micklem and Chelsea Putnam

Head Coaches Dara Linkfield, Leo Micklem and Chelsea Putnam engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the WUL, transforming Oregon Soar from a winless squad into a team capable of pushing the league’s elite. Their influence showed up in every phase of the game, building a disciplined, confident roster that took a major step forward in 2026.

Offensively, the numbers tell the story. Oregon increased its scoring output from 10.8 goals per game in 2025 to 15.6 in 2026—an improvement of nearly 45%—while boosting its hold rate from 38.1% to 57.9%, a jump of more than 50%. The team also led the league with a huck completion rate above 66%, pairing vision with remarkable efficiency.

The coaching staff’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet. Putnam, Linkfield, and Micklem cultivated one of the league’s most dynamic defensive units, with Oregon consistently challenging and frustrating even the WUL’s top contenders. Their emphasis on discipline, communication, and execution reshaped the team’s identity on both sides of the disc.

An opposing voice captured the transformation perfectly: “Oregon’s competitive trajectory was night and day from 2025 to 2026. While some credit must go to the players, I feel the coaching staff likely had a crucial impact in elevating Soar from a winless team to one that can play tight with the league’s top contenders.”

Check out the entire list of Award Finalists here.

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WUL Award Ceremony Gallery

Photography Credit: John King & Rowdy Webb

2025 Western Ultimate League All-WUL Second Team

2025 Western Ultimate League All-WUL Second Team

The All-WUL teams recognize the all-around top players in the league for the 2025 season. The teams were decided based on a combination of voting results for the Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The top seven vote getters are recognized on the All-WUL First Team, and the next seven are recognized on the All-WUL Second Team. The players on each team are listed in alphabetical order.

Georgia Cardosa (BAY)

On a Falcons squad returning much of the league’s top-ranked defense from 2024, it was almost inevitable that a Defensive Player of the Year finalist would emerge in 2025. What no one expected—at least outside the Southwest—was that it would be Georgia Cardosa. Entering the season with just a single game and two points played in her WUL career, Cardosa wasted no time making her presence felt: she racked up four blocks against Arizona in Week 1 and delivered three jaw-dropping foot blocks versus Seattle in Week 2. From there, she became a staple of the Bay Area D-line, locking down handlers and generating yards with aggressive under cuts after turnovers. Her breakout season earned her a DPOTY finalist nomination and a well-deserved spot on the All-WUL Second Team.

Jackie Riley (OR)

A product of Oregon’s storied youth scene, Jackie Riley brought exactly what the Soar needed in their inaugural WUL season: dynamic young talent with a high ceiling. From the first few games, it was clear Riley would be a force on Oregon’s D-line—jumpstarting break opportunities with big throws and clutch catches. They made an early statement with four goals and 299 receiving yards in Soar’s opener, followed by three goals and 327 receiving yards just two games later. But Riley’s biggest impact came on defense. Over the final three games of the season, they averaged a staggering three blocks per game, finishing with 12 on the year—tied for second-most in the league. That disruptive presence earned Riley a spot among the DPOTY finalists and a place on the All-WUL Second Team.

Kat Songer (UT)

One of the league’s steadiest and most reliable handlers, Kat Songer once again anchored the Utah Wild offense with unshakable poise and precision. While she may not dominate highlight reels like some of the league’s flashiest throwers, Songer quietly does everything right—hitting open receivers, making smart decisions, and keeping the offense humming. She’s the kind of player coaches should show their young handlers on film.

In 2025, Songer threw 11 hucks and completed eight—a 73% completion rate, second-best in the league among players with at least 10 attempts. And that efficiency is no fluke: she went 10-for-14 in 2024 and 4-for-5 in 2023. Her year-over-year numbers reflect remarkable consistency:

2023: 11 assists, 1,679 throwing yards, +3.2 completions above expected
2024: 15 assists, 1,539 throwing yards, +1.9 completions above expected
2025: 16 assists, 1,518 throwing yards, +3.1 completions above expected

The one major change in 2025? Even with a career-high in touches, Songer committed five fewer turnovers than in either of the previous two seasons. And she never let up—her 104 points played led the entire league. An iron-willed leader at the helm of the Wild O-line, Songer’s All-WUL Second Team nod is a testament to years of quiet excellence.

Kaitlyn Weaver (SD)

On a team as stacked as San Diego, even big-name signings can raise questions—how will they fit? Will they stand out? In the case of 2023 MVP finalist Kaitlyn Weaver, the answer was clear from the start: contribute everywhere, elevate the team, and make a deep impact on both sides of the disc. In her first season with Super Bloom, Weaver seamlessly stepped into a high-usage role, finishing second on the team in points played (95) and earning both a DPOTY finalist nod and a place on the All-WUL Second Team.

Weaver’s presence took pressure off San Diego’s longtime stars Keala Helton and Dena Elimelech, allowing them to thrive deeper into games. But make no mistake—Weaver wasn’t just a role player. She was Helton-esque in her all-around production:

942 receiving yards (3rd on the team)
12 assists (3rd)
8 blocks (3rd)
7 huck receptions (1st)

She routinely initiated the offense, whether by stretching the field with big cuts or grinding out yardage underneath. In the red zone, she was just as comfortable taking charge—often throwing the final pass to cap drives. With her versatility, stamina, and playmaking instincts, Weaver gave Super Bloom exactly what they needed to finally break through to a gold at Championship Weekend.

Kelli Iwamoto (SD)

Kelli Iwamoto’s shift from First-Team All-WUL and MVP finalist in 2024 to Second Team in 2025 isn’t a drop-off—it’s a reflection of just how complete and balanced the Super Bloom roster became this season. As San Diego evolved into a more cohesive, championship-caliber unit, Iwamoto remained the steady force at the heart of it all.

Iwamoto once again delivered the kind of poised, efficient handler play that doesn’t always make headlines—but absolutely wins games. Across just five appearances, she tallied 5 goals, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and over 1,000 total yards—despite logging 75 fewer touches than she did in 2024.

But Iwamoto’s impact can’t be measured in numbers alone. She remains a trusted leader—someone her team turns to in critical moments, whether for a key break throw or a possession saving layout on an overthrown dump – sometimes simply to reset the energy and execute under pressure. Her calm presence and elite decision-making helped guide Super Bloom through their most successful season yet—and her Second Team selection is a testament to the power of consistency, leadership, and knowing exactly what your team needs, exactly when it matters most.

Melissa Dunn (AZ)

Melissa Dunn broke through in a major way in 2025, becoming one of the most reliable and dangerous offensive threats in the league. She finished tied for 2nd in goals (14) and 2nd in receiving yards (1,265)—a massive leap from her previous career averages of just 3 goals and 420 receiving yards per season.

Her breakout moment came in Week 7, where she delivered a career performance: 4 goals, 4 assists, and a staggering 341 receiving yards—the most ever recorded in a single game by an Arizona Sidewinder. With that effort, she became just the sixth player in league history to register at least 4 goals and 4 assists in the same game, underscoring her emergence as a true all-around playmaker.

A versatile hybrid with the ability to fill any role asked of her, Dunn paired big-yardage performances with steady efficiency, posting an 89.7% completion rate and committing just 3.5 receiving errors all season—on a team that often had to battle through adversity. Dunn’s rise helped stabilize Arizona’s offense and showcased her evolution into one of the WUL’s most complete offensive players.

Paige Kercher (UT)

No player has defined consistent production in the WUL quite like Paige Kercher. This season, she cemented that legacy by becoming the first player in league history to surpass 10,000 career regular season yards—a milestone that speaks to both her longevity and her unwavering impact on the field.

Even as Utah experimented midseason by shifting Kercher to the D-line for three games, her yardage output never wavered. She continued to generate offense with her signature poise and precision, ultimately finishing the year with the fewest turnovers of her career. As a veteran leader on a young Wild squad, Kercher brought calm to chaos—running the offense with patience, connecting seamlessly with fellow Second Team honoree Kat Songer, and mentoring emerging talents like Lily Terpstra and Carly Atwell.

Whether she’s driving downfield with big unders or resetting the tempo as a handler, Kercher remains the rock of Utah’s backfield. And as long as she’s on the field, the Wild offense is in expert hands.

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Note: Selections were based on voting results for the 2025 WUL Awards, but the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the WUL.

Contributors include:

Ben Sadis (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician

Noah Gumerman (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician

Kaetlynn Daoust (she/her), WUL Media Manager

Aly Steinfeld (she/her), WUL Marketing Director

2025 Western Ultimate League All-WUL First Team

2025 Western Ultimate League All-WUL First Team

The All-WUL teams recognize the all-around top players in the league for the 2025 season. The teams were decided based on a combination of voting results for the Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The top seven vote getters are recognized on the All-WUL First Team, and the next seven are recognized on the All-WUL Second Team. The players on each team are listed in alphabetical order.

Abby Thorpe (CO)

Each year Abby Thorpe has played in this league, she has been nominated for Most Valuable Player (including winning both MVP and the title in 2024). Thorpe is zeroed in by her teammates even if she is not open at that time, and there is a reason for this – she will make it happen. Thorpe scored a single game record of eight goals in Colorado’s 2025 semifinal against Bay Area, demonstrating that even in their toughest matches, Thorpe is the fuel that keeps Colorado chugging forward. She ran for almost 1000 receiving yards during the 2025 regular season (playing in just 5 of 6 games), then notched an additional 600 receiving yards over Championship Weekend. She was the only player in the league with over 800 yards in both receiving and throwing yards, and one of just three players in the league to finish top five on her team in goals, assists, blocks, throwing yards, and receiving yards . Her teammates say “Abby Thorpe makes the impossible possible.”

Ari Nelson (CO)

Ari Nelson followed up on their 2024 Offensive Player of the Year campaign with a perhaps even more impressive season this year, becoming the first player to win back-to-back OPOTY awards. During the regular season, Nelson led the league in nearly every notable stat –  assists, throwing yards and total yards with 2,740 (300 more than the next highest). Those 2K total yards are also good for the third most in a single season, and the most by a player who played in less than eight games. Nelson averaged 417 throwing yards per game, but set a single game record in Week 1 with 622 throwing yards. With a league leading 20 assists and 2,506 throwing yards, Nelson has carried the  Alpenglow offense to the postseason over the past two years, and opponents have not yet figured out how to slow down their powerful arm. An opposing coach said about Ari – “I can’t get over how much of the offensive load Ari takes on for their team, they are just a force with the disc”. 

Dena Elimelech (SD)

One of the WUL’s preeminent receivers and block getters, Dena Elimelich completed yet another season in which she was a regular near the top of statistical leaderboards, finishing 2nd in the regular season in both goals and blocks. Perhaps most impressive this season was her throwing range, as she completed eight out of ten hucks, the highest completion percentage in the league among players who threw at least ten hucks. Now a 3x All-WUL First Team selection, Elimelech has been a regular on end-of-season Player of the Year awards lists as well, including a win for 2024 DPOTY. She is a force on either side of the disc with jaw dropping skies, full field hucks and unbelievable layout catches. Her teammates say “She is a game changing player on offense and defense” and her level of play throughout the 2025 season was one of the biggest factors in San Diego taking home their first championship.

Kaela Helton (SD)

The 2025 WUL MVP finally capped off a stellar pro season with a championship for San Diego Super Bloom. Helton, now a 3x MVP, has been the heart and soul of this Super Bloom team since its inception, and that was the case once again this year. Across five regular-season games, she had 772 throwing yards, 1104 receiving yards, 11 assists, 16 goals, nine blocks, and not a single receiver error – something no other player in her impact and usage stratosphere managed. Helton’s presence warped the defense towards her whenever she stepped on the field, and in doing so opened up more opportunities for her teammates than ever before. This was wonderfully exemplified in Super Bloom’s postseason run, where Helton turned in two dominant performances into San Dieg’s first-ever WUL title.

Robyn Fennig (BAY)

During our season preview, we anointed Robyn Fennig the Bay’s X-factor for the 2025 season, speculating how much control the Falcons coaching staff would hand to their prized signing. The answer was, of course, full control, which paid dividends right away as Fennig lit up the Arizona defense to the tune of 6 assists and 493 yards in her WUL debut. On the season, Fennig accumulated 2,471 yards - second in the league - and led the league with 18.7 completions above expected (the WUL’s throwing proficiency stat that measures the consistency and difficulty of a player’s completions to the average player). Her chemistry with cutters Malina Wiebe and fellow handler Han Chen grew throughout the season and played a big part in Bay Area’s semi-final victory over previously undefeated Colorado. In short, Fennig’s rookie season was incredible and her impact should only grow as she further integrates into the team in the coming years.

Rory Veldman (CO)

Every year she’s been in the league, Rory Veldman has taken big strides forward for Colorado Alpenglow. Last year, she was a critical piece in Alpenglow’s championship puzzle. This year, Veldman fully emerged as a superstar force on the best regular-season team in the league. Veldman set career highs in goals (12), receiving yards (785), throwing yards (1205), and tied her career high with 12 assists, not to mention adding six blocks for good measure. Veldman is a nightmare matchup on both sides of the disc, and forces opposing offenses and defenses to be operating at their peaks if they want to get anything done while she is around. A 2025 MVP nomination and first team All-WUL nod is the least she’s earned for breaking into the top players in the league in 2025.

Sadie Jezerski (SEA)

Months ago during the early weeks of the preseason, the WUL stats team discussed what Seattle’s floor and ceiling were this year for the 2025 season preview. And the consensus became clear very early that Tempest would go as far as Sadie Jezierski could carry them. While the season didn’t end with a title, Jezierski’s dominance on Seattle’s D-line was a huge reason they worked their way back into Championship Weekend. Jezierski led the league with a stunning 16 blocks in the regular season, to go along with 17 assists, five goals, and over 1,600 yards as the D-line anchor – and earning her the title of 2025 DPOTY. Time after time, Jezierski provided a spark on defense at a critical moment, only to turn around the throw a huge huck for a break that shifted momentum to Tempest during this 2025 season, and added another goal, four assists, and four blocks as Seattle secured third in the postseason as well.

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Note: Selections were based on voting results for the 2025 WUL Awards, but the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the WUL.

Contributors include:

Ben Sadis (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician

Noah Gumerman (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician

Kaetlynn Daoust (she/her), WUL Media Manager

Aly Steinfeld (she/her), WUL Marketing Director

2025 Western Ultimate League All-WUL Teams

2025 Western Ultimate League All-WUL Teams

The All-WUL teams recognize the all-around top players in the league for the 2025 season. The teams were decided based on a combination of voting results for the Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The top seven vote getters are recognized on the All-WUL First Team, and the next seven are recognized on the All-WUL Second Team. The players on each team are listed in alphabetical order.

All-WUL First Team

Abby Thorpe - Colorado Alpenglow

Ari Nelson - Colorado Alpenglow

Dena Elimelech - San Diego Super Bloom

Kaela Helton - San Diego Super Bloom

Robyn Fennig - Bay Area Falcons

Rory Veldman - Colorado Alpenglow

Sadi Jezierski - Seattle Tempest

All-WUL Second Team

Georgia Cardosa - Bay Area Falcons

Jackie Riley - Oregon Soar

Kat Songer - Utah Wild

Kaitlyn Weaver - San Diego Super Bloom

Kelli Iwamoto - San Diego Super Bloom

Melissa Dunn - Arizona Sidewinders

Paige Kercher - Utah Wild

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2025 Western Ultimate League Award Finalists

2025 Western Ultimate League Award Finalists

The annual WUL Awards honor outstanding players and coaching staff who have made significant contributions to the league and their teams. Each nominee exemplifies excellence in their respective roles. We invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements! Winners will be announced onsite throughout 2025 Championship Weekend, June 7-8 in Oakland, CA

2025 Most Valuable Player

Dena Elimelech - San Diego Super Bloom

Robyn Fennig - Bay Area Falcons

Kaela Helton - San Diego Super Bloom

Abby Thorpe - Colorado Alpenglow

Rory Veldman - Colorado Alpenglow

2025 Offensive Player of the Year

Paige Applegate - Arizona Sidewinders

Melissa Dunn - Arizona Sidewinders

Kelli Iwamoto - San Diego Super Bloom

Ari Nelson - Colorado Alpenglow

Kat Songer - Utah Wild

2025 Defensive Player of the Year

Georgia Cardosa - Bay Area Falcons

Justine Cherwink - Utah Wild

Sadie Jezierski - Seattle Tempest

Jackie Riley - Oregon Soar

Kaitlyn Weaver - San Diego Super Bloom

2025 Breakout Player of the Year

Georgia Cardosa - Bay Area Falcons

Julia Hasbrook - Seattle Tempest

Rena Kawabata - Colorado Alpenglow

Brittany Stettmeier - Arizona Sidewinders

Noelle Takahashi - Oregon Soar

2025 Coaching Staff of the Year

Colorado Alpenglow

San Diego Super Bloom

Seattle Tempest

2025 WUL Season: Week 9 Recap

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

Week 9 saw six teams in play: Seattle made a statement win on the road over Oregon, Bay Area showed they know how to seal the deal at home against Utah Wild, and Colorado claimed the top seed over San Diego by gaining a lead through three quarters before weather ended the game early. Here’s how it all went down:

Seattle Tempest 17 - 10 Oregon Soar 

The Seattle Tempest swept the renewed Cascadia rivalry in 2025 with a comfortable 17-10 win over Oregon Soar to finish their season 5-1, while their rivals fell to 0-6 on their debut season. Soar hung tight for the second and fourth quarters, but it wasn’t enough to match Seattle’s output.

Seattle used a mix of tight person and zone defense to force Oregon’s offense into repeated arrows. No matter where on the field, Tempest defenders were hot on Soar’s heels. The first four points were marked by Soar near misses followed by Tempest conversions, allowing them to build a solid lead before Oregon stabilized. The windy conditions and Seattle’s stifling defense prevented Oregon from making any ground up. Seattle once again jumped out on Oregon at the start of the second half, and built their commanding halftime lead into an insurmountable one, as the Soar struggled once again to find their identity on offense as they closed out their season.

Sadie Jezierski turned in an otherworldly performance (2G, 5A, 2B, +5.5, 362Y) to lead Seattle to victory, while Hana Kawai (4A, 376Y) was an unstoppable throwing partner across from Jezierski. For Oregon, Clea Poklemba (1G, 3A, 4B) was once again a bright spot in a rough team game, as well as Emma Bartlett (3G, 247Y).

Bay Area Falcons 24 - 14 Utah Wild

The Bay Area Falcons captured some significant momentum ahead of hosting Championship Weekend with a 24-14 dismantling of Utah Wild. The Falcons finished the regular season 4-2, while Utah fell to 1-5. The Falcons’ first half against the Wild was functionally flawless. Across the first two quarters of play they dismantled Utah before coasting through the second half. They put up nine points in the second quarter alone on their way to a 14-5 halftime advantage. During the game, Bay Area converted 12 breaks (of 26 opportunities), which is more than the total number of break opportunities (11) the Wild generated.

The Bay Area defense forced Utah throwers to throw into tight windows and had the Wild giving up unforced or short field turnovers. Falcons are a team that thrives on making their opponents pay for their mistakes. At the end of the first quarter, Utah had the chance to get a stop with just 20 seconds left, but Bay Area easily marched down the field and converted a hold as time expired. Falcons carried that momentum into the second quarter where they ran away with the game - starting by going into half up 15-4.

Malina Wiebe (6G, 1B, 228Y) was unguardable downfield for Bay Area, and Robyn Fennig (2G, 3A, 3B, 438Y) turned in yet another masterpiece. This week though, the Falcons got big-time contributions from up and down their roster, really showcasing the depth that will make them dangerous in just a few weeks at Championship Weekend. For Utah, Kat Songer (1G, 3A, 430Y) and Paige Kercher (1G, 3A, 1B, 499Y) led the way again, but couldn’t get enough support around them to make it a competitive game.

Colorado Alpenglow 10 - 7 San Diego Super Bloom 

Unfortunately, the headline matchup between undefeated titans was marred by lightning delays, and eventually called early at with 9:40 left in the fourth quarter, Colorado Alpenglow up 10-7. The action we got largely lived up to the hype. San Diego jumped out to a 3-1 lead after the first quarter, effectively utilizing their zone to slow down the potent Colorado offense. However, they left a point or two on the table, missing break opportunities on Colorado’s first score of the game, and on the final point of the quarter. Super Bloom showed a way to prevent Colorado from scoring, which is something other teams have yet to find a recipe for.

As the clouds began to roll in though, Alpenglow found their stride. Their defense began to match Super Bloom’s and they began to create more opportunties and win some of these long points. They erased a 3-1 deficit and the teams ended the half tied at 4-4. But as the second half was set to begin, the first lightning delay began.

After a 90-minute halftime, the game began again. With Colorado picking up right where they left off, Abby Thorpe reopened the scoring on a beautiful deep shot from Rory Veldman. This set the tone out of the delay, as Colorado broke twice more to take a three-goal lead they would maintain throughout the third quarter. Alpenglow looked readier to return from the delay than Super Bloom did, but Super Bloom stabilized, finishing the quarter holding their deficit at just three points. 

We were all set for a thrilling finish before the bad weather returned and forced another delay with Colorado in possession, looking to break to start off the fourth quarter. But this one lasted for over an hour before the game was ended due to continued lightning. It is hard not to feel cheated as a fan - was San Diego going to pull off the upset? Would Colorado assert dominance on their home turf? Who knows how an uninterrupted game would have played out.

The stars were out in full force on Sunday, especially Rory Veldman (2G, 2A, 425Y, 0T) and Abby Thorpe (2G, 1B, 276Y) for Colorado, and Kaela Helton (2G, 1B, 221Y) for San Diego. We may get this matchup again at Championship Weekend in a few short weeks, but until then we’ll be left with an unfinished feeling.

Championship Weekend!

Don’t miss the action over championship weekend! Grab your tickets early to claim your space in the stands, find a watch party near you or catch the action live on the WUL YouTube Channel! On Semifinals Saturday, first catch 5-1 San Diego Super Bloom taking on 5-1 Seattle Tempest; then, undefeated 6-0 Colorado Alpenglow face off against 4-2 hosts Bay Area Falcons. Then on Sunday, watch the winners play for the 2025 WUL Championship!

2025 WUL Season: Week 9 Preview

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

It’s the final week of the 2025 WUL regular season already. But as a little teaser before Championship Weekend, there are three games this weekend. All four teams going to Championship Weekend are playing, and the game between undefeated San Diego Super Bloom and undefeated Colorado Alpenglow for the number one seed caps it off. Here’s everything you need to know:

Game 1: Seattle Tempest @ Oregon Soar
Saturday, May 17 | 2:30pm PT
Portland, OR

Seattle and Oregon face off once again in the Cascadia rivalry to close their regular seasons. For each team, there is still a lot at stake. Seattle can leapfrog into second over Alpenglow though if their win is big enough and San Diego wins over Colorado. Beyond seeding implications, this is a chance to make a final statement ahead of the postseason. After a rough 2024, they have surpassed all expectations so far in 2025. They have proven themselves among the league's best, and can solidify a spot as title contenders by taking care of business and finishing the season 5-1. These teams played back in Week 2, and it was a blowout for Seattle. A similar result this weekend would reflect positively on the Tempest’s growth throughout the season.

For Oregon, they have a chance to end their season with a win against their local rivals and one more chance to avoid going winless in their debut as the Soar. A winless 0-6 wouldn’t do justice to their 2025 debut season. They’ve put together some flashes of electric ultimate on the field this season. However, they have not been able to find that extra gear consistently across four quarters of a game to earn a win yet. Their first game against Seattle back in Week 2 was the first game in franchise history, and the first ever WUL game for most of the players on the Soar’s roster. Now, with a full season of experience, the Soar have a tough task ahead of them. Seattle has been cruising all season long, and look more like the franchise that won back-to-back WUL titles in 2022-23. A win this week for Oregon will be the result of their team coming together at the right time and showing their best across four quarters of the game.

Staff Pick: Seattle 18- 14 Oregon


Game 2: Utah Wild @ Bay Area Falcons
Saturday, May 16 | 6pm PT
Oakland, CA

Bay Area gets to settle in for Championship Weekend even earlier than everyone else, hosting their season finale ahead of hosting Championship Weekend in a few short weeks. Meanwhile, Utah is on the road looking to string together two wins in a row to end their season on a high note, and to force the Falcons into some tough conversations ahead of the postseason. So far, the Falcons have taken care of business against the teams below them in the standings, and have lost two tight games to Seattle where they were still able to put on a strong performance. The backfield of Robyn Fennig and Han Chen has been exciting, but the Falcons haven’t been the best team top to bottom in the regular season like they were in 2024. A best-case scenario might be getting pushed more than they think and getting more reps in high-pressure situations ahead of Championship Weekend. An up-and-down regular season won’t matter at all if they can pull off some magic in a few weeks, and this is their last chance to prep for that.

Utah Wild aren’t battling for playoff positioning or prepping for Championship Weekend. Their season ends after this game, and regardless of whether or not they win, it’ll be disappointing not to return to Championship Weekend after finishing last year one game away from a title. But they found a winning formula against Arizona last week and have another opportunity to build positive momentum going into the off-season. Paige Kercher’s O-line return was a success and helped the whole team find its stride for the first time all year. Look for more of the same this week. It’ll be an uphill battle for sure, but this core showed an ability to win games like this last year. Do they still have it in them to end 2025 on a win?

Staff Pick: Bay Area 14 - 12 Utah

Game 3: San Diego Super Bloom @ Bay Area Falcons
Sunday, May 17 | 11am PT
Thornton, CO

This is the big one. The final game of the 2025 WUL regulal season features the two heaviest hitters of the year: 5-0 San Diego Super Bloom travelling to 5-0 Colorado Alpenglow. The defending champs hosting the most dominant regular season team in the league’s history vs the best team not to win it all. What more could you ask for to whet your appetite ahead of Championship Weekend? For San Diego, their defense has led the way. They’ve been stifling opponents with a variety of defensive looks and roster 3 of the league’s top 10 block getters (Elimelich, Helton and Weaver, with Pojunis lacing up this weekend as well). Offensively they still have the stars, but it’s more of a balanced effort than it’s been in the past, and there’s a deeper squad behind the biggest names. This may be the best iteration of the Super Bloom yet. But they still have to win when it counts. Finishing the season undefeated will cement their belief that this could finally be their year.

Colorado doesn’t need to win this week to know they can at Championship Weekend–they did it last year. But a win this week would be something truly special. An undefeated title defense will be on the the table going into the postseason. Not to mention it would come off the backs of their biggest challengers to their throne of the 2025 season so far. This group is experienced, but they’ve also been ruthless, blowing teams away that aren’t up for the challenge. And while they haven’t always found that top gear, they’ve still gutted out wins when they did not play their best. They’ve displayed the championship mentality that powered them to two wins at Championship Weekend last year. And you just know they are relishing this battle of the undefeated teams the same way Super Bloom are. 

This is possibly the most exciting matchup in the regular season ever in the WUL. Both teams undefeated. One defending last year’s title, the other hoping to use this as a launching pad to their first. Not to mention league awards like MVP could very well be decided based on this game. You do not want to miss it.

Staff Prediction: Colorado 18 - 16 San Diego

2025 WUL Season: Week 8 Recap

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

Week 8 was not a week for surprises in the WUL. The final two undefeated teams in the league took care of business and will face off next week to determine who will remain undefeated and take the top overall seed into Championship Weekend. San Diego Super Bloom blew out Oregon Soar 22-10, while the Arizona Sidewinders played Colorado much closer in their second meeting of the year but still lost 22-16. Here’s how it all went down:

Game 1: San Diego Super Bloom 22 - 10 Oregon Soar

For a team with the most regular season in WUL history, you would think raising the bar each year would be challenging. But this may be the best San Diego has ever looked in the WUL. They cruised to a victory against Oregon in which they hardly seemed to break a sweat. With 6:24 left in the second quarter, Super Bloom scored on a Dena Elimelech to Kaela Helton connection. That score was a break to put them up 11-5 over Oregon, and effectively erased a break Soar had earned just two points prior. At this point, even if San Diego had not scored the rest of the game, they wtill woul have won. That’s how stifling Super Bloom played against Oregon. 

While San Diego has been succeeding with contributions from up and down the roster this year, this game was a bit of a throwback where they simply had the best players on the field wreaking havoc on their opponent. Not only did Kaela Helton and Dena Elimelech put up huge numbers (2G 4A 2B 426Y and 1G 2A 5B 240Y, respectively) but they repeatedly bailed out San Diego whenever they looked remotely stressed by Oregon’s defense. Speaking of San Diego’s stars, there were plenty of opportunities for other Super Bloom players to shine (especially when Oregon threw some zone defense). Rebecca Ellis had a big day (4A 3B 268Y) and Kelli Iwamoto (3G 2B 277Y 0T) showed off her quiety efficiency, driving the team team forward out of the handler space.

Ultimately, this week was a step backwards for Soar. They’d put together three competitive performances in a row prior to this game, and while there were growing pains that were evident as they’ve navigated their inaugural season, there were a lot of bright spots too. This week’s trip south showed more of their growing pains. They had moments where they could’ve pushed the game closer, but never capitalized, unlike in previous weeks. One moment that stuck out was at 11-6 they used both first half timeouts on the same point trying to punch a break in, and couldn’t convert and still gave up the hold. It was always going to be an uphill battle against one of the best teams in the league, but the increased pressure from Super Bloom only made it more apparent that the Soar are still trying to settle in to WUL offense and find their primary options. Jackie Riley (2G 1A 2B 190Y 0.5T) was one of the lone bright spots. Oregon has another tough matchup against Seattle Tempest next week, but they face Tempest at home and last time Oregon had a big loss, they brought the fire the following week. Don’t count them out just yet.

Game 2: Colorado Alpenglow 22 - 16 Arizona Sidewinders

Colorado Alpenglow matched their opponents for next week (San Diego) at 5-0 with a convincing win against the Arizona Sidewinders in the late game Saturday evening. Meanwhile, the Sidewinders finished 2025 winless at 0-6. Colorado turned an early 5-4 advantage into a 9-5 lead, and then, before Arizona could react, quickly stretched that into a 16-5 lead. They have an ability to just chain together breaks in a way that no other team in the league has been able to match. The 2024 MVP Abby Thorpe (1G 4A 3B 569Y) had her best game of the season, working into the handler set a little more than we’ve seen previously. But all that did was free up more space downfield for Alpenglow’s other athletes to run wild over the Sidewinders: Jade McLaughlin (6G 261Y 0T), Rory Veldman (3G 1A 1B 346Y 0.5T,) and Rena Kawabata (3G 1A 2B 342Y) were all unstoppable. This Colorado team is so potent, and can deliver from any number of their players in any given game. As Championship Weekend approaches, their opponents will need to find a way to slow down the Colorado offense. 

For Arizona, they kept some bright spots including a break to open the game and also winning the fourth quarter. Both mark significant improvements over their first matchup against the Alpenglow, but not anywhere near enough to earn a win. Sidewinders had some key departures (Carly Garrett, Nora Landri, Maggie O’Connor) and injuries (Kez Gesell, Kody Lippincott, Lindsey Doyle) from last year, making their winless season disappointing, but not surprising. Nearly every game the Sidewinders played last year they were in, even if they only won one. But this year they were not able to hang with teams in the same way. This game was a just a microcosm of that. There were some big individual moments, Paige Applegate (4A 592Y) had her best game of the year, and really made you wonder about this team’s potential had she been uninjured for all six games rather than just four. Melissa Dunn (3G 2A 315Y) also put a bow on an impressive individual season. But the team as a whole just couldn’t gel as much as they needed. Too many times they were unable to move the disc down the field against Colorado’s pressure, and gave Alpenglow short field opportunities. It’ll be a long offseason for the Sidewinders as they try to find the right fit for the pieces they have (or maybe recruit some fresh talent!)

2025 WUL Season: Week 8 Preview

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

There are just two weeks left of the 2025 WUL Regular Season, and Week 8’s action starts tomorrow! This weekend, the two undefeated league leaders take on the two still-winless teams as Oregon travels to San Diego, and Colorado travels to Arizona. While these matchups may look lopsided on paper, both Oregon and Arizona are desperately running out of time to find their first wins of the season and that may fuel tight games. Here’s what you need to know ahead of Week 8.

Game 1: Oregon Soar @ San Diego Super Bloom
Saturday, May 10 | 4pm PT
San Diego, CA

In past years, despite consistently impressive regular season performances, San Diego had always fallen short of the crown. This year they are sitting 4-0 with three dominant victories – this may be the best a Super Bloom team has ever looked in the regular season. And that is really saying something. Yes, we will find out more about this team as they finish out the season and head to Championship Weekend, but they’ve risen to every challenge so far this year. The core of Kaela Helton and Dena Elimelech remains as dominant as ever, but the pieces they’ve added  around them in Kaitlyn Weaver, Avery Jones, Alex Diaz, and many more, have all taken some of the load off in a way that was sorely needed last year. Additionally, the real game changer has been their vastly increased usage of zone defense, the most they’ve run since 2022, that has stifled every opponent they’ve faced so far. Their offense hasn’t needed to be as explosive and their stars haven’t had to carry as heavy a load when their defense has set them up for so much success. Oregon will first and foremost need to crack the zone consistently and efficiently to find success in this matchup. 

For Oregon Soar, their challenge remains the same, it’s been this whole inaugural season: can they play four complete quarters of professional ultimate? Can they put themselves in a position to battle for a win on equal footing rather than frantically coming back from a large deficit? Slow starts and inconsistent play through the middle halves of games have doomed their last three contests. They’ve consistently shown flashes of brilliance against the top four teams, better than any team outside that group has, but they have yet to put it all together. Part of that is what comes naturally with being a new team and lacking the pro experience other teams have. They haven’t fully fleshed out their identity yet, they don’t have their go-to options in big moments yet either. But this is all valuable experience for the large portion of this team that will likely be back in 2026. They’re very capable of pulling off an upset this season. San Diego cannot afford to overlook them this week.

Staff Pick: San Diego 23- 16 Oregon


Game 2: Colorado Alpenglow @ Arizona Sidewinders
Saturday, May 10 | 7pm PT
Tempe, AZ

Colorado Alpenglow have won a league-best six games in a row dating back to the start of 2024 Championship Weekend, and look poised to extend that streak to seven this week. Their formula has largely remained the same across all games: electrifying, impossible-to-stop offense. Despite the majority of the league having already played five games to Colorado’s four, Alpenglow have still scored the most goals in the league across the 2025 regular season. At the hub of their success remains Ari Nelson. Colorado’s center handler has followed up their 2024 OPOTY win with one potentially worthy of MVP. Their 18 assisst and nearly 1,900 throwing yards in just four games leads the team and league, and Nelson has been spoiled for choice with the best array for downfield targets in the WUL. No team Alpenglow has faced has had an answer for Rory Veldman, Sarah Itoh, Bristol Lovoy, Abby Thorpe, Sarah Levinn, Allysha Dixon, or any other Colorado receiver. This group blew Arizona away 26-12 last time they played in a game that got out of hand really quickly. All signs point to the same outcome being most likely this weekend.

Arizona has a monumental mountain to climb to get a win this weekend. Their last game against the Alpenglow was a historic blowout where they did not register a single break. Last week they traveled to Utah looking to get their first win of the year against their easiest (on paper) opponent. They started strong but faded late, surrendering an 8-3 fourth quarter in favor of the Wild to put the game well out of reach. Additionally, they are the only team finishing out their schedule this week, so it’s now or never if they are going to avoid going winless in 2025. It’s not like they are coming in with no momentum though. Melissa Dunn won WUL Week 7 Player of the Week with her 4G/4A 455Y performance, and Brittany Stettmeier had five goals of her own last week. For receiving yards, Arizona had the top 4 leaders last week including Stettmeier and Dunn. It’s going to take more than great individual performances for the Sidewinders this week though. Colorado looks to be an unbreakable team, so if the Sidewinders want to end 2025 on a high note, they're going to need to turn in their first great team performance of the year, up and down their entire roster.

Staff Pick: Colorado 20 - 14 Arizona

2025 WUL Season: Week 7 Recap

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

In a packed Week 7, Utah Wild secured their first win of the season over Arizona Sidewinders, and Bay Area Falcons split their road trip at Seattle Tempest and Oregon Soar, resulting in Tempest and Falcons securing the third and fourth spots at Championship Weekend. Here’s how it all went down:

Game 1: Utah Wild 22 - 15 Arizona Sidewinders

Utah Wild won its first game of the season with a seven-point victory over the still-winless Arizona Sidewinders. Arizona jumped out to a lead to start the game, going up 3-1 to start and ending the first quarter up 4-3. The first half was hotly contested ending 8-8, but, at home and in front of a big crowd, Utah cruised in the second half. For Arizona, Paige Applegate (3A, 410ThY) and Melissa Dunn (4G, 4A, 458Y) got off to hot starts and stayed unstoppable all day long. But even adding five goals from Brittany Stettmeier wasn’t enough for the Sidewinders, and they fatigued as the game went on. Whether from playing at altitude, the pressure Utah put on their offense, or the pressure to win a tight game, it was too much. Even throwing and catching the centering pass became too much at times. The Utah Wild defense ran, well, wild, in the second half chaining breaks together multiple times across a dominant 14-7 second half.

For Utah, their first win of the season came from finding part of their identity from last year again. Paige Kercher’s (1G, 3A, 1B, 499Y) big day saw her back to playing exclusively O-line, and become the first WUL player to cross the 10,000 total career yards threshold. She got support via big days from Kat Songer (1G, 3A, 368ThY), and Liz Bunderson (3A, 2B, 301ThY). In fact, there were big performances from up and down the entire Wild roster. Everyone got in on the action giving Utah a true team win. Utah used relentless efficiency to put the game out of reach. And as the Sidewinders' short field turnovers piled up, so too did the Utah break conversions. Wild ended the day converting 9/17 break opportunities, and 80% of their red zone possessions. That killer instinct from the entire team powered them to a big win.

Game 2: Seattle Tempest 11 - 10 Bay Area Falcons

The winner of this game would clinch a spot at Championship Weekend, and the loser would be left with work to do and a mounting sense of pressure. Seattle’s comeback win left Bay Area picking itself up off the mat to take care of business on Sunday. It was a tight, windy, physical defensive battle that the Falcons got the better of for the first three quarters. Each team had numerous opportunities to score, but the elements and defensive pressure were both incredibly effective at stifling offense. Eliza Pugh (3A, 1B, 346Y), Robyn Fennig (1G, 522Y), and Han Chen (1G, 2A, 296Y) led the way as the Falcons built an 8-5 lead part-way through the third quarter.

Sometime in the third quarter, Tempest flipped a switch. Through the final stretch of the game, Tempest went on a 6-2 run to take an 11-9 lead before Bay Area finally punched in a goal with under a minute left to bring it back to a one-point game. The Seattle defense had slowly built pressure across four quarters of ultimate until it was impossible for Bay Area to navigate. Once Seattle had the disc, they operated with ruthless efficiency to put the game away and complete the comeback. 

Ikran Elmi (1A, 4B, 195ThY) was a huge part of Seattle’s late turnaround, turning in her best performance of the season highlighted by some lockdown defense in the critical moments. Sadie Jezierski (1G, 1A, 3B, 200Y) continues to be an absolute menace up and down and all over the field, but especially on the defensive side of the disc. Drea Baroma (2A, 2B, 212Y) played a key role downfield for Seattle, helping move the disc and earn blocks in a game where nothing was easy. Tempest’s win leaves them in a good position - when they travel to the Bay for Championship Weekend, they’re unlikely to be the fourth seed (and thus face the regular-season winner in semifinals). While there was little remaining doubt, this win for Seattle fully solidifies it: Tempest is back.

Game 3: Bay Area Falcons 11 - 9 Oregon Soar

After their second loss to Seattle this season on Saturday, Bay Area Falcons dug deep and delivered a solid performance to lock up their second win over Oregon Soar this year and their spot at Championship Weekend. And unfortunately for Oregon, they let their best chance of their final three games to find that first win get away from them. It was another slog for the Falcons; they got the better of the early half of the game. A sloppy, long, first quarter ended up just 1-1, with both teams missing numerous chances to grab an early lead during some marathon points. But the Falcons responded across the middle half of the game, going 9-3 for a 10-4 lead after three quarters. Oregon was able to bring it back within two, but once again they were unable to dial it in for a complete game. And once again, if they’d started stronger, their late-game push could’ve been enough to pick up a win, instead of just shortening the gap. 

McKinley McQuaide (3A, 203Y) stepped up big for the Falcons as they established and built their lead. So did Eliza Pugh (1G, 2A, 171Y) with a very solid game of her own. Soar just didn’t have any answers for the poise of Bay Area’s veterans, and didn’t get any kind of rally going until it was too late. A 5-1 fourth quarter made the final score more respectable, but once again Oregon had dug themselves in a hole too deep to climb out of. Eliana Norton (4B, 177Y), Raina Kamrat (3B), and Jackie Riley (1G, 1A, 4B) all tried their best to pull off what would have been a second stunner against Bay Area, but to no avail. It’s been incredibly evident over the last three games that for Soar, many of the pieces to be successful are in place. They’re just not all connecting yet. But once they are…watch out.

2025 WUL Season: Week 7 Preview

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

Week 6 of the WUL season is the first where Championship Weekend clinching scenarios are officially in play! By the end of this week, two teams might have locked up their spot in Championship Weekend 2025. If Colorado Alpenglow win at home against Utah Wild this weekend, they will clinch a spot at Championship Weekend where they will seek for back-to-back WUL titles. Additionally, the winner of Seattle Tempest and San Diego Super Bloom’s clash of undefeated 3-0 teams will clinch a spot in the top four heading to Championship Weekend. There is so much to look forward to this weekend with the top 3 teams in the league on the cusp of clinching. Here’s what you need to know:

Game 1: Arizona Sidewinders @ Utah Wild
Saturday, May 3 | 3 pm PT
Zions Bank Stadium | Herriman, UT

Arizona and Utah are each looking for their first win of the year. For both teams, 0-4 starts means they are just about out of contention for a Championship Weekend spot with only two games still to play. And while their postseason ultimate dreams are long shots, these may be the two hungriest teams in the league. Arizona has had a brutal schedule to start, playing San Diego twice, Colorado, and Bay Area, three teams with a combined 10-1 record. To come away with their first win of the year, Sidewinders will have to play four consistent quarters on both sides of the disc, and be efficient on offense to maintain holds and convert break opportunities. Utah’s schedule tells a similar story, having seen Colorado twice, San Diego, and Seattle. But Wild have shown more spark in their defeats, especially recently. They had a strong start against Super Bloom in Week 3, and against Colorado last week they jumped to a lead, then later had multiple late opportunities to tie. Wild probably have a little more firepower to work with on paper than Sidewinders, Lily Terpstra continues to be incredible on the offensive line with Kat Songer and Kyra Khoroujnikova, but Paige Kercher has not found her stride yet since switching to the defensive line. Arizona has heavy hitters who can show up when it counts too in Chip Chang and LP Aragon. It’s anyone’s game to kick off Week 7 action.

Staff Pick: Utah 17 - 14 Arizona


Game 2: Bay Area Falcons @ Seattle Tempest
Saturday, May 3 | 7:30pm PT
Seattle Memorial Stadium | Seattle, WA

Bay Area head North to Seattle for part one of their weekend double header. Both the Falcons and Tempest have had fantastic starts to their season, with just one loss each to one of the two undefeated teams still remaining. For Falcons, their deep, talented roster has been bolstered as expected by a big time addition in Robyn Fennig. And while they’ve looked good through their first three games, this is their chance to further gel as a team and assert themselves as the next biggest contenders for the WUL Championship behind Colorado and San Diego. It’s a similar story for a resurgent Tempest squad. Cheryl Hsu and Sadie Jezierski have been the beating hearts behind the Tempest’s rise back up the WUL standings. A win this Saturday would heal the wounds from a brutal one-goal overtime loss last week to San Diego. At home, in the likely windy conditions, Seattle should be in their comfort zone and feast. But Bay Area are one of the few teams that can match Seattle throwing and strategizing in such conditions. This game has big implications across the league. Whoever wins is still in contention for number one overall seed, plus with a win Seattle clinches a Championship Weekend spot, and if Bay Area can beat either Seattle or Oregon, they eliminate Arizona and Utah from Championship Weekend.

Staff Pick: Seattle 18 - Bay Area 17

Game 3: Bay Area Falcons @ Oregon Soar
Sunday, May 4 | 3:30pm PT
UO Portland Campus | Portland, OR

Bay Area travels south on their way home for a game against Oregon Soar. Their stakes for this game will largely depend on how they do against Seattle. Either Bay Area will be looking to put the pressure on Colorado and San Diego by moving to 4-1 with two wins on the weekend, or they’ll be looking to avoid Oregon making the final playoff spot with a 0-2 road trip if they lose to Oregon on Sunday. Like Arizona and Utah, Soar are desperate for their first win of the year. Unlike their counterparts though, Oregon has one fewer game played and are more in control of their destiny. They’ve been an exciting team to watch through three games played in their inaugural season. Besides their opening thwacking by Seattle, Soar have played the Alpenglow and this Falcons team tight. They’ve yet to put together a full game of elite play though. They’ve had spurts, bursts, and dramatic comeback attempts where they’ve shown spats of playoff level play. But it hasn’t all come together just yet. Can they hit their stride at home against a team on their second game of the weekend? It won’t be easy, but if Soar want to push for a playoff spot in their first season, this is the time to start winning.

Staff Pick: Oregon 15 - 13 Bay Area

2025 WUL Season: Week 6 Recap

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

Week 6 was blockbuster nonstop action across both games. Two tightly contested matches, ending in two clinched spots at Championship Weekend. First, Colorado got the best of Utah for the third time in their last 3 matchups, dating back to the Championship Game last year. Alpenglow have locked up a spot back in the final four and will be defending their title on the biggest stage in the WUL. Down south in San Diego, the Super Bloom beat Seattle Tempest in an instant classic between the two rivals and previously undefeated teams, in a back-and-forth game that ended in overtime with a buzzer-beater for the win. Here’s how it all went down.

Game 1: Colorado Alpenglow 18 - 15 Utah Wild

The Colorado Alpenglow have clinched a spot at 2025 Championship Weekend the same way they ended the 2024 Championship Weekend, with a win over the Utah Wild. It wasn’t as dominant or in control as their previous two wins though. Utah came out hungry to start the game, taking an early 5-2 lead with just under 30 seconds left in the first quarter behind a hot start from Lily Terpstra (5G, 2A, 2B, 412Y) who would go on to have an incredible day despite the loss. Unfortunately for Wild, Alpenglow were able to move the disc down the field and finish the first quarter with a beautiful Rena Kawabata huck to Jade McLaughlin to bring the score within two. From there, this 2025 version of the Alpenglow came to life. No single or small group of players dominated their matchup, instead, the full team showed their chemistry as they turned that 30 second possession into the beginning of an 8-3 run to take half up three.

To Utah’s credit, their second half showed a level of resilience they’d yet to display this season. They fought tooth and nail with one of the strongest teams in the league til the end of the game. In previous weeks, when they got in a hole, they were unable to recover. But this week they stayed in contact with the Alpenglow through the third quarter, and were able to bring it back within one point at 15-14 and 16-15 late in the fourth quarter. They had the disc with an opportunity to tie the game on both points as well. Devastatingly though after forcing a short field turnoverat 16-15, Utah called a timeout they didn’t have, and with their ensuing possession Colorado scored to put the game beyond Utah’s reach in just two throws. There are no moral victories this late into the season. This will just be a tough pill for Wild to swallow, but shows just how resilient this team is.

Game 2: San Diego Super Bloom 16 - 15 Seattle Tempest

Saturday night in San Diego was an all-time WUL classic. Not only was it a matchup between two 3-0 teams vying for a playoff spot (with the inside track towards the top seed), not only was it a battle between two of the biggest powerhouses in the league (with history between them), it was an absolute thriller - ending on a game-winning overtime buzzer-beater for San Deigo. This win was huge for San Diego. They started the game in control, cruising through the first half despite missing six big names at home, including Kaela Helton and Kirsten Pojunis, and built a 9-6 halftime lead. The high usage of zone defense by Super Bloom remains effective, as their opponents struggle to be both patient and assertive enough to swing the disc during the seven-second stall.

As the second half progressed, Tempest began to claw their way back into he game. Beyond some absolute heroics from Sadie Jezierski (4A, 5B, 400Y) and Lauren Page (4G, 3B, 0.5T) Seattle found their rhythm against San Diego. Under more confident Seattle pressure, Super Bloom felt their missing stars and started to slow down. At 13-10 SD with under five minutes left, Tempest put together a goal line stand coming off of a San Diego timeout, marched down the field and cut the lead back to two. Seattle then broke three times in a row to take a 14-13 lead with just 27 seconds left. But San Diego stabilized just in time, and Avery Jones (2G, 3A, 511Y) pulled down a contested deep shot with the clock showing 0:00 to send the game to overtime. 

In overtime, a tightly contested period started with a Super Bloom break and Tempest hold leaving us tied at 15-15 as the game approached its dramatic conclusion. Once again Super Bloom received a pull with under a minute left to play, but this time they had a chance to win. They worked the disc all the way down to just yards outside of the end zone, and seemed to turn over the buzzer-beater attempt, but got a timeout in with two seconds to go. Out of the timeout, Kelli Iwamoto broke free on a front-of-stack, breakside play for the win, leaving Tempest stunned. Dena Elimelech (3G, 1A, 1B, 491Y) and Kaitlyn Weaver (2G, 1A, 3B, 380Y) carried San Diego and showed they can get it done no matter who of their stars are on the field. Seattle showed their ability to fight back into a game, and got a chance to flex their overtime chops which could prove useful heading deeper into the season.

2025 WUL Season: Week 6 Preview

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

Week 6 of the WUL season is the first where Championship Weekend clinching scenarios are officially in play! By the end of this week, two teams might have locked up their spot in Championship Weekend 2025. If Colorado Alpenglow win at home against Utah Wild this weekend, they will clinch a spot at Championship Weekend where they will seek for back-to-back WUL titles. Additionally, the winner of Seattle Tempest and San Diego Super Bloom’s clash of undefeated 3-0 teams will clinch a spot in the top four heading to Championship Weekend. There is so much to look forward to this weekend with the top 3 teams in the league on the cusp of clinching. Here’s what you need to know:

Game 1: Utah Wild @ Colorado Alpenglow
Saturday, April 26 | 1 pm PT
Pinnacle Athletic Stadium | Thornton, CO

The two participants in last year’s Championship game are on opposite trajectories this year. The defending champions, Colorado Alpenglow, have not let up,, racing out to a 3-0 record. The 2024 runners-up, Utah Wild, have yet to find their stride from last season, starting out 0-3. However, Utah has had a brutal schedule to start the season, playing all three currently undefeated teams, including a Week 1 22-15 loss to Colorado. It’s do or die for a return to Championship Weekend for Utah. The O-line has struggled for chemistry at times this year and will need to step up if they want to match the efficiency of Colorado. Part of that struggle to find chemistry has been the result of Paige Kercher moving to Utah’s defensive line, which has also limited her usually staggering production. 

For Colorado, it’s been smooth sailing. They are entering Week 6 after a week off and a dominant win over Arizona in which they did not allow a single break. With almost their whole offensiveline returning from 2024, their offense has only been more dynamic and harder to stop in 2025. If they play like they have all season, they will clinch a chance to defend their title at Championship Weekend.

Staff Pick: Colorado 26 - 16 Utah


Game 2: Seattle Tempest @ San Diego Super Bloom
Saturday, April 26 | 6pm PT
Mission Bay High School | San Diego, CA

This is the biggest game of the 2025 WUL season so far! Two 3-0 teams going head to head to secure their spot at Championship Weekend. The history between these two teams make it even more dramatic. Tempest beat Super Bloom twice for WUL titles in 2022 and 2023, and when San Diego finally beat them for the first time ever (1-4 all time against Seattle) in 2024, they were still unable to take the trophy at champ weekend. San Diego is hungrier than they’ve ever been, but they’ll be missing key pieces in Kaela Helton, Abbi Shilts and Kristen Pojunis this weekend. This is their biggest test of 2025. They’ve looked incredible in wins over Utah and Arizona (twice) and this is their first chance to prove they can do it over another title contender as well. They’re deeper than they’ve ever been, and are a well-oiled machine. A win here would be an incredible boost to confidence and belief. 

After Seattle missed out on Championship Weekend last year, there’ll be no better way to make the “we’re back” statement than to clinch a spot over San Diego this weekend. This is a chance to reclaim their spot at the top of the pecking order (for now) and remind San Diego of 2022 and 2023. It would put the rest of the league on notice, and likely rocket the number one favorite status across the league. Seattle has their main stars traveling to San Diego, only missing Hana Kawai. The weather calls for possible rain in the forecast, and with the Helton/Pojunis combo missing, can Seattle impress their will on San Diego? Catch this one live at 6pmPT  on the league YouTube channel!

Staff Pick: San Diego 15 - Seattle 16

2025 WUL Season: Week 5 Recap

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

Week 5 was a big one to stratify the standings. San Diego and Bay Area both earned big wins, solidifying their place in the top half of the WUL standings, looking to clinch a playoff spot with just one more win each. On the other end of the games, Arizona and Oregon missed big opportunities to throw their names in for a spot at Championship Weekend. All teams have played at least half their games now, so we’re officially entering the business half of the regular season. Here’s how Week 5’s action shook out, and what it means for each team moving forward.

Game 1: Bay Area Falcons 14 - 12 Oregon Soar

Oregon continues to forge its identity as the plucky underdogs of the 2025 WUL season. They have proven they are capable of putting together excellent stretches of play against some of the best teams in the league. Still, a disappointing trend of being unable to do it for all four quarters continued last weekend against the Falcons. Soar had early promising flashes in the first quarter. After going down 0-2, Soar rallied to take a 4-3 lead with possession late in the first quarter, but they turned it over, giving a short field to Bay Area who tied the game. Later, Soar started off the fourth quarter with a furious 4-0 run to pull the game back to 14-12 after tumultuous second and third quarters. Oregon had the disc on the goal line to bring the game back to a one point deficit, but an open five-yard forehand for the score caught the wind and bounced over the intended target, eventually leading to a Bay Area score to put the game away.

To Bay Area’s credit, they were absolutely dominant across the end of the first quarter through the second and third, going on an 11-4 run during that stretch of play. They looked the more comfortable team in the gusty conditions they often play in at home. And is there a backfield in the league you’d trust more to move the disc in the wind than Han Chen and Robyn Fennig? Both handlers were able to just move the disc with far more ease than anyone else on the field.This was a big statement (admittedly with a slight scare at the end) for Bay Area to make after losing at home to Seattle. A loss here would’ve left them fifth, behind Soar on a head-to-head tiebreaker for the last playoff spot. But instead they are cleanly in fourth, and have a two game lead on everyone chasing them entering the second half of the season.

Han Chen (2G, 2B, 268Y) and Fennig (2G, 1A, 295Y) were the offensive engines for sure, but it was a spread-out, well-rounded, team effort for the win from Bay Area this week. Beth Daviess, was another standout, however, with four assists, nearly a third of all Bay Area goals. The Falcons effectively quieted the previously unstoppable duo of Kimber Coles and Noelle Takahashi this week, but new contributors stepped up big time for the Soar. In particular, Jackie Riley (3G, 1A, 1B, 327 RecY) had another big day.


Game 2: San Diego Super Bloom 20 - 12 Arizona Sidewinders

For the second time this year, San Diego handily beat Arizona to remain undefeated and put itself in position to clinch a spot at Championship Weekend. It’s easy to forget that just last year San Diego and Arizona played two games that went down to the wire. San Diego’s statement wins this year speak to the leaps Super Bloom have made as a team since last season. San Diego forced Arizona to play a ton of zone offense, stifling a team that really liked to run and make big plays last year, especially with Paige Applegate in the lineup for just the second time this year so far. They ran so much zone that despite gaining 200+ more yards than Arizona, they threw 140 fewer passes.

The turning point in the game came early in the second quarter. San Diego turned a slightly better first-quarter performance into a three-goal lead after 12 minutes of play. Despite Super Bloom starting the quarter on offense, a long point and inability to hold meant that after a timeout was called, Sidewinders had their offense on, looking to break. Several opportunities and five minutes of game clock later, the point ended in a San Diego hold to go up four, and the game would never be closer than three points again. In fact, for the second week in a row, Arizona failed to register a single defensive break in a game. They really struggled playing offense when their D line generated a turn. Despite registering eight clean holds of the 12 they scored, their red zone efficiency for the game ended barely above 50%, meaning they had a lot of opportunities they couldn’t complete.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Sidewinders, though. As mentioned, Paige Applegate (4A, 383ThY) provided both a spark and a steadying presence in the backfield. Chip Chang (3A, 1B, 316ThY) also had her best game of the season, and Lauren Pisani (3G, 1B, 286RecY) was incredibly effective downfield too. And yes, for the Super Bloom, there are greater tests coming, but this team looks better than it’s ever been. The stars are out, shining, and there are more of them than ever before. Dena Elimelech (4G, 1A, 1B, 310Y) led the way today but Kristen Pojunis (1G, 2A, 2B, +/- 4.5), Kaela Helton (1G, 3A, 1B, 364Y), and Kaitlyn Weaver (1G, 1A, 2B, +/- 3) were all over the stat sheet. That doesn’t even touch on the the big days from Abby Shilts (4A, 3B, 0T) and Rebecca Ellis (2G, 3A, 1B, 362Y).

2025 WUL Season: Week 5 Preview

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

During this weekend of WUL action, we will cross the halfway threshold for the 2025 regular season! Oregon Soar, Bay Area Falcons, and San Diego Super Bloom will all play their third game of the season while Arizona Sidewinders will be the first team to hit four games. Each team has something different they are playing for, and the playoff picture is beginning to solidify. Here’s everything to look out for in Week 5 of the 2025 WUL Season.

Game 1: Oregon Soar @ Bay Area Falcons
Saturday, April 19 | 4pm PT
Fremont High School | Oakland, CA

Oregon Soar traveling to the Bay Area to take on the Falcons may just be the most compelling matchup of the 2025 season so far. Oregon is still looking for their first win as a franchise, however, they nearly pulled off a furious comeback against Colorado Alpenglow in the second half of Week 3. Soar really looked like they turned a corner in their second game, in large part thanks to the incredible duo of Noelle Takahashi and Kimber Coles. With a win this weekend, Oregon would have the inside track to a playoff spot. The Falcons meanwhile, are coming off a tight loss to a resurgent Seattle Tempest squad, and have fallen behind after being the best regular season team in the league last year. If Bay Area can rebound and find their form, they will build a clear divide between the top four teams in the league, and everyone else. A loss here would raise some concerns and doubts about Bay Area’s ability to make Championship Weekend, and offer a lot of hope to the three currently winless teams. But Bay Area will still be the heavy favorites, despite the results from Week 3. Bay Area’s experience and deep roster, as well as playing at home, should leave them as favorites, but Oregon has all the momentum, and are hungry for their first win.

Staff Pick: Bay Area 13 - Oregon 9


Game 2: San Diego Super Bloom @ Arizona Sidewinders
Saturday, April 19 | 7pm PT
Tempe High School | Tempe, AZ

In our second Week 5 matchup, we have a very David vs. Goliath battle. On one side, we have a humming, in-sync machine of a team in San Diego Super Bloom, who are 2-0, have won both games by an average of nine points each, and are deeper and more star-studded as a roster than they’ve ever been. On the other, we have an Arizona Sidewinders team on the heels of a huge blowout loss to Colorado, still looking for their identity, their first win, and 0 - 6 all-time record against San Diego. It’s going to take a herculean effort for Arizona to pull off the upset. Last year, they were able to take San Diego down to the wire both times these teams played. Three weeks ago though, San Diego cruised to a 23-14 win over Arizona. In that matchup, Arizona could not create even half as many break opportunities as San Diego did, and converted less than a quarter of what their opponents did. They’ll have to play better on both sides of the disc, and rise to the occasion in the clutch moments in a way they couldn’t last year if they want to pull off the upset.

Staff Pick: San Diego 20 - Arizona 16

2025 WUL Season: Week 4 Recap

Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

Another week has come and gone, and with it the top half of the league continues to separate themselves from the bottom half in the standings. In last weekend’s games, two of the top teams of the 2025 WUL season made clear statements about their 2025 goals, with defending WUL Champion Colorado Alpenglow and the only two-time champion franchise Seattle Tempest each cruising to 3-0 records. Meanwhile, both the Arizona Sidewinders and Utah Wild fell to 0-3, digging themselves into big holes that push this year’s championships further out of reach. Here’s how it all went down:

Game 1: Colorado Alpenglow 26 - 12 Arizona Sidewinders

It was two complete halves of domination from Colorado on Saturday afternoon, contrary to their weak second half against Oregon in Week 3. Colorado had a pinnacle week as they accumulated the most yards in a single game in WUL history (2117), threw the most completed hucks in a game (15), tied the largest margin of victory ever (14) and became the fifth team ever to allow no breaks in a game. The returns of Abby Thorpe and Sarah Levinn to the Alpenglow O-line after their week off was immediately and predictably helpful with Levinn scoring the first Colorado O-line goal and Thorpe scoring and assisting early and often. Colorado is the most dangerous downfield team in the league when their whole offense is present. Ari Nelson is spoiled for choice on who to throw to, and this week Arizona had no answer for Thorpe, Levinn, Allysha Dixon, Sarah Itoh, and just about everyone else playing offense for Colorado. Because Alpenglow’s O-line is so fast and comfortable stretching the field, it’s a nightmare for teams to try to break against.

It was a rough day across the board for Arizona, as they struggled to get much going on offense throughout the game. They had some success on defense where they extended points and forced Alpenglow into timeouts, but they were never able to get the better of those points. Two big factors in Arizona’s struggles were a lack of composure on the goal line and an inability to move the disc with ease on offense. When Arizona did manage to work the disc into the red zone, they were often let down by that final throw or cut, lacking the composure to score the point. Arizona felt the pressure of quick offensive points from Colorado, hardly letting the Sidewinders offense recover before returning to the field.

Abby Thorpe and Rory Veldman were two of the multitude of players with fantastic days for Colorado. Thorpe finished with four goals, one assist, one block and 464 total yards, while Veldman had one goal, five assists, two blocks, and 406 yards. Rookie Rena Kawabata had a breakout day with three goals, one assist, one block and over 300 yards. Melissa Dunn was a bright spot for Arizona with three goals, two assists, 376 yards, and just two turnovers.


Game 2: Seattle Tempest 19 - 14 Utah Wild

Saturday’s game between Seattle and Utah was a tale of two teams on opposite trajectories. Seattle Tempest kept on rolling, putting their tumultuous 2024 season in the rearview mirror. Meanwhile, Utah Wild remain winless in 2025 as they struggle to recapture the late-season magic they found last year that propelled them to the 2024 WUL Championship Game. Once again, Utah started the game stronger than their opponent, starting 2-0 and then 3-2 up on Seattle. But once again, they were unable to hold onto their early advantage. Utah never recovered after Seattle scored three points in a row to end the first quarter. During this run, Seattle maintained nearly 45 seconds of possession in the red zone after the clock expired to punch in an incredibly calm and collected break to go up 5-3. Seattle effectively utilized the gusty home conditions and some excellent defense to force short field turnovers from Utah. They built a six-goal lead with 20 seconds left in the half before Wild scored their own end-of-clock goal to go into halftime down 12-7.

Similar to the Alpenglow-Sidewinders game, this one was again a tale of a team playing with their full identity, and one still finding it. Throughout the game, Tempest looked at ease with Sadie Jezierski back in action, who made plays up and down the field all game, finishing with three assists, one block and 376 total yards. Tempest looked comfortable running a variety of defensive sets and getting contributions from their entire roster. They used that comfort to extend their lead in the third quarter before Utah ultimately pulled back within a few points in the fourth. Meanwhile, Utah Wild, are still looking to their groove. With Kercher spending another week on the D line, the offense needs to find a way to be more consistent. On the D-line, they need to figure out how to utilize Kercher’s throwing ability to be significantly more efficient with break opportunities than they’ve been, as her 80 yards of output this weekend was a career-low. 

In addition to Jezierski, Seattle’s Lexi Garrity scored four goals, and Hana Kawai had a fantastic all around day with three goals, two assists, one block and 337 total yards. For Utah, Kyra Khoroujnikova scored four times and Kat Songer had five assists and over 400 total yards on the day.