United in Ultimate. Unwavering in Inclusion.

The Ultimate Frisbee Association, Western Ultimate League, and the Premier Ultimate League will come together again for an annual multi-league-wide weekend August 27-28, 2026, in Madison, WI. The UFA will host its championship games, and the WUL and PUL will face off in the second Annual WUL vs PUL All-Star Game. As our communities come together to celebrate our sport, we also recognize the importance of standing together for the people who make it stronger.

The executive order and new Supreme Court decision barring transgender women and girls from participating in sports has left our friends and teammates once again targeted by legislation created to drive discriminatory and hateful policies that weaponize harmful stereotypes in an attempt to erase transgender athletes from these spaces.

The PUL, WUL, UFA and MUFA (Madison Ultimate Frisbee Association) categorically reject these attempts to drive a wedge through our communities and the hurtful effort to remove opportunities from people that deserve them as much as anyone.

Our organizations remain proudly committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for athletes of all gender expressions. Sport is an essential part of people's lives. It provides a physical, mental, and emotional outlet and can offer camaraderie in a time when many find themselves increasingly isolated.

Our organizations believe in empowering all of our players to safely participate as their authentic selves.

The PUL and WUL remain firm in their gender inclusion policies, and this statement has represented our leagues in the past and will remain our commitment going forward. MUFA’s full gender inclusion policy can be found here.

MUFA is proud to have fostered a community where people across all spectrums can play and thrive as their best selves, and they commit to continuing to work to make their community a better place for those from marginalized backgrounds through their policies and actions. In the face of a wave of discrimination and hate, they work tirelessly to reinforce MUFA as a community for all.

The leadership of the three leagues and MUFA stand behind these statements, and we would like to share some resources to engage with to raise awareness and to deepen understanding of the issues facing transgender people. 

• ACLU Action: Transgender Rights | American Civil Liberties Union 

• Human Rights Campaign: Human Rights Campaign 

• Transgender student athlete bill tracker: Take Action | transathlete

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 All-WUL Teams

2026 Western Ultimate League All-WUL Teams

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.

All-WUL First Team

Abby Thorpe - Colorado Alpenglow

Alex Barnett - Bay Area Falcons

Cheryl Hsu - Seattle Tempest

Chip Yen - Los Angeles Astra

Jamie Kauffman - Seattle Tempest

Rachel Egan - Oregon Soar

Robyn Fennig - Bay Area Falcons

All-WUL Second Team

Abbi Shilts - San Diego Super Bloom

Caitlin Fitzgerald - Oregon Soar

Eva Bell - Utah Wild

Kennedy McCarthy - Colorado Alpenglow

Kristen Reed - Arizona Sidewinders

Meg Manning -Seattle Tempest

Sarah Itoh - Colorado Alpenglow

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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

2026 Semi-Finals Preview: Every Team Has a Case. Only One Gets the Trophy.

Meg Manning, Abby Thorpe, Abbi Shilts and Bridget Wipfler are all poised to make a big impact for their respective teams at Championship Weekend in Portland this weekend.

Championship Weekend brings together a field with very little separating it. Every team in attendance spent the regular season proving they belong, and now each has a legitimate path to the title. A combined record of 25-7 shows both their dominance and is proof that anyone can win. Each team at this event has only lost to other teams in attendance. Will San Diego have the firepower down the roster to take home a repeat title? Can Seattle prove they’re back to being the best with some new additions? Will Colorado buck the regular season narrative and punch above their weight? Or will this year finally be the year Bay Area breaks through to bring home their first WUL Championship? 

Catch the action on the WUL YouTube page or even travel to Portland, OR to cheer your team on in person!

Semifinal 1 - June 13 @ 2:00pm PT
Seattle Tempest vs Bay Area Falcons

These two teams haven’t played since the regular season in 2025, when Seattle eeked out a 12-10 win on the road. Now, both teams have added key components to their roster and had a full season to build chemistry. Three of the five OPOTY finalists (Cheryl Hsu for Seattle with Robyn Fennig and Alex Barnett for Bay Area) will be playing in this game, so fans can expect dynamic offensive lines that can work through different defensive looks.

This year, Tempest has scored more goals (177 to 149), earned more blocks (130 to 116), and earned almost 30% more breaks than the Falcons (85 to 64). However, most of that difference can be accounted for from a single blowout Seattle had against the Wild. One differentiator we can trust is Seattle’s tendency to huck. On offense, you never know if Hsu (17/20 on hucks this season) is about to unleash a full field throw with plenty of star receivers downfield including BPOTY finalist Gemma Munck (21G, 7A), returning star Kaitlynne Roling (threw a record nine assists in a single game), and athletic mainstay Drea Baroma (10G, 9A). Additionally, while MVP finalist Jamie Kauffman (24G, 29A - led the league in both categories) and DPOTY finalist Meg Manning (19G, 9A) have primarily played defensive points this season, they both have crossed over to the O-line plenty of times and had success. Seattle has plenty of firepower they can throw out on offense if the game gets tight.

Bay Area, on the other hand, plays more of a small-ball type of offense, often relying on their star handler duo of Barnett (13G, 12A) and Fennig (3G, 18A) to work the disc up the field. During the regular season, they averaged 7.8 completions per scoring possession - the highest number in the league - while Seattle averaged the lowest at 6.0. The contrast between Seattle’s high-paced offense and the Falcon’s more deliberate attack will be fascinating to watch. First year Falcons like Dawn Culton (4G, 6A, 11B) and Bridget Wipfler (12G, 9A, 14B) bring energy to an already veteran defensive line including Eliza Pugh (3G, 12A, 4B), Eliza Chang (4G, 1A, 4B), and Lily Steponaitis (1G, 5A, 6B) who have the chemistry with years of consistency for the Falcons.

Why Seattle will win:

Seattle has played this entire season with no fear and a deep, experienced roster. They boast a finalist in every end-of-season award category, and they have even more players who have shown up in big ways. Lauren Page and Anna Pettee are two of the best lock-down defenders in the league. Ciona Antolin (a former gymnast) has exploded onto the scene with high pressure defense capped with athletic bids and a big vertical. Brogan Jones is the maestro of Seattle’s D-line offense off the turn - she’s completed all 10 of her huck attempts this season.

Why Bay Area will win:

Bay Area also is the only team this season to have bested San Diego, showing they have the depth to match a team like Seattle (who suffered an at home loss to San Diego). If the Falcons can keep up their patience to chip away at yards with smart decisions, they boast the second best Red Zone Efficiency in the league and could demonstrate the discipline to convert possessions into points and points into a semi-finals win.

Semifinal 2 - June 13 @ 5:15pm PT

San Diego Super Bloom vs Colorado Alpenglow

Every MVP crowned in WUL history comes from either Super Bloom or Alpenglow and they’ve taken home the most recent WUL Titles - San Diego in 2025 and Colorado in 2024 (just their second year as a team). Each of these teams has strong foundations and top talent, as well as a knack for utilizing a horizontal stack to stretch the depth of the field (San Diego threw the most hucks of any team in the regular season).

San Diego started this season without missing a beat from their title win in 2025, this time stunning the Bay Area with an eight point victory. Throughout the season, San Diego has remained almost perfect, their only loss to Bay Area when they rematched later in the season. Helton has been relatively quiet, playing with an injury throughout only six games, but still has played the third most points on the team at 114, behind only Katilyn Weaver and Kristen Pojunis (133 and 126, respectively, with MVP finalist Abbi Shilts only playing 106 points over the season). These three represent some of the highest two-way talent on Super Bloom, which seems to be their preferred method of play, shirking traditional offensive and defensive lines when they have the personnel. Super Bloom have shown the ability to rely on over a dozen players, allowing whomever happens to be open on any given point to take over. Eight different players have scored three or more goals in a game, and seven different players have thrown three or more assists. Helton (7G, 16A, 8B), Pojunis (4G, 22A, 10B), Weaver (9G, 16A, 7B) and Shilts (16G, 7A, 9B) are only the loudest parts of San Diego’s success. Kelli Iwamoto (2G, 6A, 4B) and Rebeca Ellis (6G, 9A, 5B) rank for the top two most throws on the team, showing their ability to possess the disc through any difficulty. Super Bloom again and again relied on these veterans to find a way to keep possessions alive (including no look backhands and lefty scoobers from former OPOTY Iwamoto). 

On the other side of the field, Colorado seems primed to match San Diego’s penchant for the deep game. The rest of the league has caught onto Ari Nelson’s absolute cannon of an arm, and through deliberate handler and cutter defense, limited their ability to punish other teams this season. They still easily lead the team with 28 assists (plus 4G and 2B). Nelson’s partner in crime, Abby Thorpe, sits second in assists with 20 (plus 22G and 9B). Even if San Diego manages to limit these two, Colorado adds new threat and BPOTY finalist Kennedy McCarthy (20G, 13A, 10B) to their offense along with veterans Allysa Dixon (4G, 16A, 2B) and Sarah Levinn (7G, 3A, 2B). Colorado’s chemistry includes their ability to seemingly throw to no one and come up with a positive result. Their offensive firepower is only half the story, as their defense has leveled up this year with the addition of DPOTY finalist Sarah Itoh (15G, 3A, 19B) moved over  from the offensive line, plus newcomers Alexandra Guy (8G, 2A, 7B) and Maggie O’Connor (5G, 7A, 3B). Colorado can match the top end of San Diego, but can they meet their energy and depth for a full four quarters?

Why San Diego will win:

Recent history. These two teams have played each other already this season in an 18-16 Super Bloom win back on May 16 in San Diego. Colorado was able to compete for 44 of the 48 minutes played, but Super Bloom took advantage of a few miscues late in in the first quarter, and once they took the lead, they stayed there comfortably. San Diego’s depth of roster should scare every team heading into this weekend, but it is a particularly tough matchup for Colorado who relies more on their top talent. If San Diego comes into Championship Weekend with a healthy roster and a focus on possession, they’re easy favorites to move forward into the final.

 Why Colorado will win:

Colorado has not looked as consistently dominant as San Diego has, and will have to overcome the odds to pull off the win this weekend and return to the Championship Game. Colorado has lost to every other team at Championship Weekend - does that give them an advantage? In Alpenglow’s regular season loss to San Diego, they went just 2/17 on break opportunities, despite posting a respectable 35% conversion rate on the year. It seems deeply unlikely that Colorado will perform as poorly as the first time around against Super Bloom. And while they may be entering the game as underdogs, Colorado has the weapons to compete with any team out there. They are led by the most dynamic offensive duo in the league at the helm of Nelson and Thorpe. Nelson and Thorpe took their game to the next level this year, finishing first (Thorpe) and third (Nelson) in total yards, with Thorpe having over 40 combined goals and assists, while Nelson finished with nearly 30 assists. Additions of McCarthy and O’Connor, backed by veterans Itoh and Dixon, have had huge impacts on Alpenglow this season. It’s brutally difficult to beat a team twice in a short period of time, and an offense that is just a fraction more efficient on O and D points could very well mean Colorado is headed to the final instead.

2026 Western Ultimate League Award Finalists

2026 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 2026 Championship Weekend, June 13-14 in Portland, OR.

2026 Most Valuable Player Finalists

Abbi Shilts - San Diego Super Bloom

Abby Thorpe - Colorado Alpenglow

Chip Yen - Los Angeles Astra

Jamie Kauffman - Seattle Tempest

Rachel Egan - Oregon Soar

2026 Offensive Player of the year Finalists

Alex Barnett - Bay Area Falcons

Ari Nelson - Colorado Alpenglow

Cheryl Hsu - Seattle Tempest

Karli Steiner - Los Angeles Astra

Robyn Fennig - Bay Area Falcons

2026 Defensive Player of the year Finalists

Bridget Wipfler - Bay Area Falcons

Caitlin Fitzgerald - Oregon Soar

Kristen Reed - Arizona Sidewinders

Meg Manning - Seattle Tempest

Sarah Itoh - Colorado Alpenglow

2026 Breakout Player of the year Finalists

Cami Lamont - Oregon Soar

Emily Pozzy - Oregon Soar

Eva Bell - Utah Wild

Gemma Munck - Seattle Tempest

Kennedy McCarthy - Colorado Alpenglow

2026 Coaching Staff of of the year Finalists

Oregon Soar

San Diego Super Bloom

Seattle Tempest

Speagle Has Breakout Game in Week 12; CW Teams Rest Up To Prepare For Finals

Arizona's Madison Speagle earns Week 12 Player of the Week honors after a career-high 5-goal performance against San Diego Super Bloom, adding 3 blocks and 0 turns in a dominant two-way showing.

This weekend brings a league-wide bye, giving teams one final chance to recover, regroup, and prepare for Championship Weekend as the race for the 2026 WUL title reaches its conclusion.

WUL Week 12 Player of the Week:
Madison Speagle (Arizona Sidewinders)

Madison Speagle (AZ) is all smiles as she takes the field in Arizona. (Photographer: Nathan Brodie)

In Arizona’s battle with San Diego Super Bloom, Madison Speagle was everywhere, accounting for 5 of the Sidewinders’ 8 goals while adding 3 blocks and committing zero turns. Her 5 -goal performance marked a new career high, while the 3 blocks matched her personal best, making it one of the most complete two-way performances of the season.

When Arizona needed a playmaker, Speagle delivered. When they needed a defensive stop, Speagle delivered that too.

The breakout game was the latest milestone in a rapid rise for one of the Sidewinders’ most reliable contributors. Speagle finished the season as the team's second leading goal scorer and tied for the lead in blocks.

Vote for POTW every week on the WUL Instagram!

No Games June 6-7 | Championship Weekend Ahead

The regular season is in the books, and the WUL schedule takes a brief pause before the league's biggest weekend arrives.

With Championship Weekend set for June 13–14, the league's final four have one last opportunity to rest, recover, and fine-tune their game plans before chasing a WUL title. Months of work have led to this moment, and the road to a championship is down to just two days of high-stakes ultimate.

Whether you're making plans to be there in person or tuning in from afar, now's the time to secure your Championship Weekend tickets or make plans to stream every game live.

Outside Looking In: What Separates the Top Four From Everyone Else?

Los Angeles Astra, Oregon Soar, Arizona Sidewinders and Utah Wild did not qualify for 2026 Championship Weekend.

By Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer

The 2026 Western Ultimate League Championship Weekend field is set! All four teams that qualified for 2026 Championship Weekend (Bay Area, Colorado, San Diego, and Seattle) are repeats from 2025, and finished undefeated against the four who did not (Arizona, Los Angeles, Oregon, and Utah). So what’s kept the bottom four teams in the league a step or two behind? Which of these four teams has the easiest path to Championship Weekend in 2027? What should each group work on in this offseason to take them there?

Arizona Sidewinders (3-5)

Three wins in 2026 are a huge success for Arizona, eclipsing its combined total of wins in 2024 and 2025. Despite their success this year, this roster had the potential to achieve more.Two games stick out for the Sidewinders, which, if a handful of points had gone differently, could have ended up with Arizona still in contention for Champ Weekend rather than having nothing to play for in their 20-8 blowout loss to San Diego in Week 12. Those games were a 19-16 loss to Oregon in Week 8, and a 17-15 loss to Bay Area in Week 10.

In Week 10, Sidewinders traded blows with the Falcons the entire game. They had the disc with a 13-12 lead in the fourth quarter and missed on an open huck to take a late two-goal lead. Falcons equalized immediately after and then forced a short field turnover on the next Sidewinders possession that resulted in a break and put away the game for good. Short field turnovers were the big killer, with Arizona turning this disc over five times inside their own brick mark, while Bay Area did so just once. In their tight loss to Oregon a few weeks prior, they also had more turnovers in their own red zone than Oregon did. Had Arizona played the field position game just a little better over those two games, it’s possible they’d have been in the hunt for a playoff spot. They’ve proven this core is capable of more than they demonstrated in 2024 and 2025. But their prospects in 2027 depend on their ability to grow into playing a full four quarters of ultimate on both sides of the disc, and to avoid the mental lapses that give other teams short fields. 

Overall, Arizona showed their chemistry throughout the season after returning the most players of any 2026 roster. This was on full display in their home opener where they soundly beat Utah Wild by 9 points. Back this year after injury were stars Kez Gesell and Kody Lippincott, helping give Arizona some of the punch they needed. Next year, Sidewinders will need the middle portion of the roster to step up and deliver the consistency they’ll need to earn a win against the top half of the league.

Los Angeles Astra (1-7)

Despite a 1-7, last-place finish in the Southwest Conference, and being out of the playoff hunt for most of the season, there are some positive signs suggesting Astra could improve their record significantly next season. For starters, they haven’t been blown away by any teams to an extreme extent so far, unlike their last-in-conference counterparts in Utah. In fact, most of the league has been beaten equal to or more than Los Angeles with Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Arizona, and Bay Area all losing a game by at least eight points (Astra’s worst loss) on the year. Not to mention that Los Angeles pushed each of their conference rivals very hard in one of their two meetings this year, losing by one goal to each Arizona and San Diego, and by three to the Bay Area. Not bad results for a team just returning to WUL play. 

It’s clear that this team has the talent to compete for a spot at Championship Weekend if a couple more things go their way. Most notable on the list of things to improve is their D-line offensive efficiency. Perhaps no metric is as indicative of a team’s overall success as their ability to efficiently punch in break opportunities, and it was a real struggle for Los Angeles to do so in 2026. In their one-point loss to Championship Weekend qualifiers San Diego Super Bloom, Astra converted just three of 17 break opportunities in the game. Over the season, they converted only 21.4% of their break opportunities – second to last in the league. That being said, Astra came into the season with a roster largely made up of rookies. Now that they have a year under their belts, their experience should lead to better execution and more chemistry in 2027.

Oregon Soar (3-5)

Like Arizona, Oregon was just a couple close games away from being in the Championship Weekend conversation. Their two-game swing that would’ve changed the course of the season was their series against Colorado Alpenglow, where they lost both games by a combined six points. There weren’t any glaring weaknesses in the Soar’s game in either of those contests. Just small moments around the edges that allowed Colorado to pull away late in both games. In fact, looking at the Soar’s inaugural season to this season, there’s improvement in nearly every statistical area. They’re scoring 60% points more than they did in 2025, giving up about one fewer goal per game, holding nearly twice as often, gaining more yards, and turning it over less. 

One of the only numbers they haven’t improved on is break percentage. They’re sitting at that same ~28% mark they were at last year, and their inability to convert opportunities they generate is part of the equation that kept them out of Championship Weekend this year. The Soar remain one of the more inexperienced teams in the WUL with half the roster new to pro, and it has shown at times. They remain near the middle or towards the bottom of the league in most statistics (although, interestingly, they lead the league in huck completion percentage). Most concerningly, despite a big increase in their hold percentage, they are still second-worst in the league this season. Additionally, they also held the second-to-last O-line Defensive Efficiency in the WUL, indicating a struggle to regain possession of the disc once it’s lost. But as they build continuity and comfort playing together at the pro level, we can expect bigger and better things, like the strides Arizona has made over the last year or so.

Utah Wild (0-8)

Not much has gone right for Utah this year, as they were the WUL’s lone winless team in 2026. Wild had the deck stacked against them from the jump, replacing more than half of their roster from last year and starting fresh with a team full of pro ultimate rookies. Utah Wild were notably on the wrong side of WUL history earlier this year, when they were decimated by Seattle in that 37-10 game that saw the Tempest set several league records. The closest game they’ve been in all year was a 19-14 loss to Oregon early in the season. While they are generally the league-low number in most stats this year, the worst was break percentage, sitting at just over 12%, one of the lowest marks recorded in WUL history. With just 12 breaks total across eight games played, they’ve posted an all-time low number of breaks recorded per game across an entire season.

Despite the rough season, it hasn’t been all doom and gloom. Despite their inability to finish break chances, it’s not for lack of opportunity. Utah has forced opponents into the second-most errors while running multiple zone looks this year. WUL teams that can master a good zone have proven that it can be part of a winning formula in this league (see San Diego in 2025). If the Wild can figure out a way to lower the sheer numbers of offensive points played, and return their handler core, it’s possible that’s all Utah will need to find more success in 2027.

Week 12 Preview: Nothing Left To Clinch. Plenty Left To Prove.

Seattle Tempest, Colorado Alpenglow, San Diego Super Bloom, and Bay Area Falcons have all punched their tickets to Championship Weekend, turning the final Saturday of the 2026 regular season into something rare: a week where teams can breathe… while still having plenty left to fight over.

Seeding remains unsettled. Rivalries are still simmering. A few teams would love nothing more than to end someone else’s regular season on a loss. With four games spread across one final Saturday night, the regular season still has a few twists left in it before the postseason arrives.

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sea @ la

Seattle Tempest already locked up the Northwest’s top playoff spot, which makes this matchup one of the weekend’s more interesting wild cards.

With Championship Weekend ahead, Seattle suddenly has options. Rest players? Tighten rotations? Experiment with lines? After grinding through another elite regular season, Tempest can afford to absorb a loss here and still hold onto the conference’s top seed.

Astra have spent much of 2026 chasing consistency, flashing explosive offense one week and struggling to string together a complete performance the next – but overall they’ve played teams tighter than expected. LA’s tenacity and Seattle’s possible roster rotation on the road could open the door for Astra to make things uncomfortable.

co @ ut

Colorado Alpenglow head into the final weekend with their playoff spot secured and very little urgency in the standings.

Like Seattle, Colorado can likely survive a loss here without damaging their postseason position. But with nothing to lose, Utah Wild will come hungry in front of a home crowd.

Utah’s physical defensive pressure and willingness to grind possessions could make Colorado’s trip to Salt Lake into a much scrappier contest than the records suggest. If Alpenglow takes their foot off the gas even slightly, Wild have enough firepower to make this interesting quickly.

And for Utah, knocking off a playoff team in the final week would be a statement worth carrying into 2027.

or @ bay

Bay Area Falcons enter the weekend with a playoff berth secured and a real shot at climbing even higher in the postseason picture. Oregon Soar has developed a habit this season of making games closer than expected.

Several teams have entered matchups expecting comfortable wins against Oregon only to find themselves dragged into close matchups and momentum swings that refuse to disappear. Soar’s defensive energy and intelligence have kept them competitive in stretches all season long, even when results haven’t always followed.

Bay Area still controls the matchup on paper. Their offensive depth, transition pressure, and ability to generate quick runs make them favorites for a reason.

If the Falcons want a shot at overtaking San Diego Super Bloom for conference positioning, they’ll need to notch this win.

sd @ az (gAME OF THE WEEK)

San Diego Super Bloom enters the weekend as the Southwest’s top seed, but it’s not a guarantee. If Bay Area handles business earlier in the evening, pressure could shift squarely onto Super Bloom for the final game of the WUL regular season.

And Arizona Sidewinders suddenly look like one of the league’s most dangerous spoilers.

Arizona have played some of their best ultimate this season, turning close games into genuine battles and steadily building confidence week after week. A win here would mark the most successful season in franchise history and give Sidewinders a massive statement moment heading into the offseason.

If Bay Area secures a victory, that puts pressure on San Diego to also win in order to keep their top seed at Championship Weekend. Unfortunately for Super Bloom, they won’t know the result of the Falcons game before their first pull.

Unlike some of the weekend’s earlier matchups, this one feels unlikely to drift into cruise control. The energy should be playoff-level from the opening pull, with San Diego trying to protect positioning and Arizona chasing a defining win in front of a home crowd.

Catch all games live and FREE on the WUL YouTube!

Gesell's Return Hits Full Speed in Week 10; Eyes Turn to the Season's Final Weekend

Arizona captain Kez Gesell earns Week 10 Player of the Week honors after a career-best all-around performance that highlighted one of the league's best comeback performances.

Week 11 brings a league-wide bye, giving contenders one last opportunity to reset before the race for Championship Weekend enters its final stretch.

WUL Week 10 Player of the Week:
Kez Gesell (Arizona Sidewinders)

Kez Gesell (AZ) looks to advance the disc upfield in her career-defining performance against Bay in Week 10. (Photographer: Nathan Brodie)

The Arizona Sidewinders captain put together a career day in Week 10, stuffing the stat sheet with 2 goals, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 307 total yards. The six combined goals, assists, and blocks marked a career-high +/- for Gesell, while the 307 yards represented just the second 300-yard game of their career.

The performance also capped off an impressive comeback season. Gesell was named the WUL's Breakout Player of the Year in 2023 before injuries largely sidelined them throughout the 2024 and 2025. In 2026, they've reestablished themself as one of Arizona's most important players. Gesell currently leads the Sidewinders in total yards and stands alone as the only Arizona player this season with at least five goals, five assists, and five blocks.

Vote for POTW every week on the WUL Instagram!

League Wide Bye Week | Memorial Day Weekend

The WUL schedule hits pause this Memorial Day weekend before the final regular season push begins.

With all four Championship Weekend spots officially locked up, teams now get a rare chance to reset, recover, and sharpen things ahead of the season’s final stretch. Seattle Tempest, Colorado Alpenglow, San Diego Super Bloom, and Bay Area Falcons have all officially punched their postseason tickets — but plenty still remains on the line as all eight teams head into the last week of regular season play on Saturday May 30, including playoff seeding and a few lingering rivalry scores waiting to be settled.

All Four Championship Weekend Spots Claimed In Week 10 Sweep

Seattle Tempest, Colorado Alpenglow, San Diego Super Bloom and Bay Area Falcons all clinched their 2026 Championship Weekend spots in Week 10.

The Championship Weekend picture snapped into focus on Saturday.

Seattle Tempest clinched first spot out of the Northwest with a win over Oregon Soar and simultaneously sent Colorado Alpenglow through for the second spot. San Diego Super Bloom locked up the Southwest’s first spot with a win over Colorado later that day, and Bay Area Falcons closed the door that night on Arizona Sidewinders' playoff hopes in a thriller that stayed within reach until the final minutes. 

Final Scores:

SEA 16 - 11 OR
SD 18 - 16 CO
BAY 17 - 15 AZ

Every Championship Weekend berth is claimed. The four teams (Seattle, Colorado, San Diego and Bay Area) headed to 2026 Championship Weekend are the same four teams that qualified in 2025.

The only thing left? Seeding.

The final weekend of the regular season is about positioning and momentum heading into the biggest weekend of the year.

The WUL takes a break over Memorial Day weekend. Join us Saturday, May 30 for the final day of regular season play for all 8 teams play to determine records and establish seeding for Championship Weekend in Portland, OR on June 13-14, 2026.

McCarthy Does It Again In Week 9; Championship Race Hits Boiling Point in Week 10

Colorado’s Kennedy McCarthy earns Week 9 Player of the Week honors after delivering another all-around performance: 5 goals, 3 assists, 416 total yards in a dominant showing that further cemented their breakout season.

Now the playoff picture tightens heading into Week 10. Seattle Tempest, San Diego Super Bloom, Bay Area Falcons and Colorado Alpenglow all have a chance to clinch their spot in the championships this weekend, while Arizona Sidewinders and Oregon Soar fight to stay alive.

WUL Week 9 Player of the Week:
Kennedy McCarthy (Colorado Alpenglow)

Kennedy McCarthy (CO) is all smiles after another all-around performance in Week 9.

Colorado’s Kennedy McCarthy finished Week 9 with 5 goals, 3 assists, 1 block, and a staggering 416 total yards while only posting .5 errors all game. Every Colorado run seemed to start — or end — with McCarthy touching the disc.

After becoming the first player in WUL history to post a 3G/4A/4B game back in Week 2, earning her first Player of the Week win, McCarthy delivered another all-around masterpiece in Week 9 — this time overwhelming opponents with big catches under pressure and precise hucks into the wind.

McCarthy has tallied huge numbers in her first WUL season with 14 goals, 12 assists, 10 blocks, and 1650 total yards so far this year.

Vote for POTW every week on the WUL Instagram!

WUL Week 10 Preview

SEA @ OR (GAME OF THE WEEK)

 Seattle Tempest heads into Portland carrying the clearest playoff path of any team in the league: win, and they officially clinch a spot at 2026 Championship Weekend.

But Oregon Soar stands directly in the way — and for Oregon, the stakes are high. A loss would eliminate Soar from postseason contention entirely, turning Saturday into a full survival game in front of their home crowd.

Tempest enters the matchup still looking to respond after last week’s 20-16 loss to San Diego Super Bloom tightened the race at the top of the standings. Even in the loss, Seattle’s offense continued to produce behind Cheryl Hsu’s massive throwing workload and the cutting duo of Jamie Kauffman and Meg Manning. The Tempest offense remains one of the most explosive units in the league when it finds rhythm early.

Oregon Soar, meanwhile, has spent much of the season proving they can hang with contenders for long stretches. The challenge now becomes sustaining consistency against a Seattle team that knows exactly what’s on the line. If Oregon can generate early pressure and sustain their runs of efficiency, they have a chance to disrupt the playoff picture in a major way.

If Seattle Tempest handles business, they become the first team to officially lock in Championship Weekend — and Colorado Alpenglow automatically qualifies as well, regardless of the outcome of their game later in the day.

CO @ SD

Saturday evening’s showdown between Colorado Alpenglow and San Diego Super Bloom could easily feel like a Championship Weekend preview before either team officially gets there.

Colorado enters the weekend looking like one of the league’s most complete teams after rolling past Utah Wild in Week 9 behind dominant defensive pressure and efficient downfield offense. Rose Bransford, Kennedy McCarthy, Abby Thorpe, and Ari Nelson have powered an offense that can overwhelm teams quickly once Colorado starts generating break chances.

But San Diego Super Bloom arrives with plenty of momentum of their own after delivering one of the biggest statement wins of the season against Seattle Tempest in Week 9. Super Bloom showed poise under pressure throughout that game, extending possessions, limiting mistakes, and capitalizing on key break opportunities late.

A San Diego win clinches a Championship Weekend berth outright and keeps pressure on the race for the top overall seed heading into the final weeks. Colorado’s path is slightly more flexible — if Seattle Tempest wins earlier in the day, the Alpenglow clinch regardless of this result against SD.

Still, neither team will approach this matchup cautiously. With two explosive offenses and major postseason implications attached, this has all the ingredients to become one of the biggest games of the regular season.

BAY @ AZ

Everything is on the line when Bay Area Falcons travel to face Arizona Sidewinders in the final game of Saturday’s loaded Week 10 slate.

For Bay Area, the equation is simple: win and clinch a spot at 2026 Championship Weekend. After keeping their postseason hopes alive with a strong win over Los Angeles Astra in Week 9, the Falcons now control their own path heading into one of their biggest games of the season.

Bay Area’s defense has become increasingly dangerous over the last several weeks, led by playmakers like Lily Steponaitis, while the offense continues to lean on the throwing prowess of Robyn Fennig and scoring production of Malina Wiebe and Bridget Wipfler.

Arizona Sidewinders, however, still have a chance to reshape the playoff race. A loss would officially eliminate Arizona from contention, but a home upset would throw the standings into chaos heading into the final stretch of the season.

Depending on earlier results, Bay Area could also end up helping San Diego Super Bloom clinch alongside them if the Falcons win and Colorado defeats Super Bloom earlier in the evening.

By the time this game ends, the entire Championship Weekend field could already be decided — unless Arizona or Oregon have one more surprise left.

Catch all games live and FREE on the WUL YouTube!

Belkin Shines in Week 8; SEA & SD Eye Championship Clinch in Week 9

LA’s Sabrina Belkin earns Week 8 Player of the Week honors after helping power Los Angeles Astra’s furious comeback push against San Diego, finishing among the league leaders in both assists and throwing yards.

Now the focus shifts to a massive Week 9 slate. Seattle Tempest can become the first team to clinch a Championship Weekend berth with a win over San Diego Super Bloom, while Super Bloom can secure the same spot with a victory over Seattle and a Bay Area loss.

WUL Week 8 Player of the Week:
Sabrina Belkin (Los Angeles Astra)

Sabrina Belkin (LA) throws around Abbi Shilts (SD) in LA’s near upset of San Diego in Week 8. (Photographer: Robert Hanashiro)

In just their third professional game, Sabrina Belkin delivered one of the most impressive performances of Week 8 and nearly powered Astra all the way back against San Diego.

The current UCLA senior and 2026 Callahan nominee finished with three assists, one block, and a game-high 495 total yards while completing 93% of their throws. Belkin also connected on both of their huck attempts and led Los Angeles in both assists and throwing yards — by more than 200 yards.

Belkin finished top five in the league this week in both assists and throwing yards (432), serving as one of the engines behind Astra’s furious fourth-quarter comeback push in Sunday’s one-goal thriller.

With confidence, composure, and big-play vision throughout the game, Belkin looked every bit like a rising star ready for the moment.

Vote for POTW every week on the WUL Instagram!

WUL Week 9 Preview

UT @ CO

 Colorado has spent much of the season proving it belongs among the league’s contenders, while Utah continues searching for a win. Both teams thrive on defensive pressure and transition offense, meaning breaks could come in bunches.

If Colorado controls tempo, Alpenglow should have the edge. But if Utah can force chaos and win short fields, Wild has a chance to make things uncomfortable.

SD @ SEA (Game of the Week)

Seattle Tempest can become the first team to officially clinch a Championship Weekend berth with a win Saturday. Super Bloom, meanwhile, can clinch if they beat Seattle and Bay Area loses to LA.

Beyond the standings implications, this game feels like a possible preview of what fans could see again in June. Seattle Tempest and San Diego Super Bloom have looked like two of the league’s deepest, most disciplined contenders all season long, and both teams know this matchup could carry weight later down the line.

Seattle’s transition offense remains one of the most explosive attacks in the league when it gets rolling. San Diego counters with full-roster depth, patience, and the ability to grind opponents down over four quarters.

LA @ BAY

Los Angeles heads into Week 9 carrying real momentum after nearly completing a stunning comeback against San Diego. Astra looked dangerous, fast, and fearless down the stretch — and now gets a Bay Area team facing enormous pressure.

The stakes are simple for the Falcons: keep pace in the playoff race and avoid opening the door for San Diego to clinch early. Bay Area still controls plenty of its own postseason path, but a stumble would dramatically raise the pressure entering the final weeks.

For Astra, this game feels like an opportunity to prove last week’s fourth-quarter explosion wasn’t a one-off. If Los Angeles can sustain that energy across four quarters, they’re fully capable of disrupting the playoff picture.

Catch all games live and FREE on the WUL YouTube!

Yen Owns Week 7; AZ–OR Showdown Headlines Week 8

Chip Yen put together a statement Week 7 to earn Player of the Week honors, leading the league with 5 goals while adding 328 receiving yards (2nd in the league) and 4 assists in a do-it-all performance against Utah.

Week 8 brings a little bit of everything: a rematch that might not look anything like the first meeting—and a brand new matchup with real weight. Game of the Week features Arizona and Oregon, two teams that went winless last season and now find themselves firmly in the mix. Arizona’s disciplined, defense-first approach meets an Oregon squad that’s steadily closing the gap, setting up a matchup that could reshape the middle of the standings. Los Angeles Astra get another shot at San Diego Super Bloom after a tough Week 3 loss, but this version of Astra is different—more settled, more dangerous, and playing with momentum as they return home.

WUL Week 7 Player of the Week:
Chip Yen (Los Angeles Astra)

Chip Yen (LA) battles for a disc against Jaycee Jones (OR) in LA’s first win of 2026 on 4.25.2026 (Photographer: Marcus Johnson)

Chip Yen didn’t just have a big Week 7—she bent the entire stat sheet in her direction.

Against Utah, Yen led the league with 5 goals while piling up 328 receiving yards (2nd in the league) and adding 4 assists, tying for third across the week. She filled in the margins, too, contributing defensively to round out one of the most complete performances of the season. Simply put, Yen had a full-field impact for LA.

Yen now leads LA in goals, receiving yards, and blocks—ranking 4th, 5th, and tied for 5th in the league in those categories, respectively.

Yen has already surpassed her career highs across every major statistical category, while cutting her turnover rate nearly in half compared to her career average. More touches, more responsibility, fewer mistakes.

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WUL Week 8 Preview

SD @ LA

 San Diego Super Bloom handled business in Week 3 against Los Angeles Astra, taking an 18–10 win and controlling the game from early to late.

But that version of Astra isn’t the one showing up now.

Since then, Astra have found something—offensive rhythm, defensive pressure, and most importantly, belief. The breakout win over Utah showed what this roster looks like when it clicks, and even in a both losses to Arizona, they proved they can hang in tight, physical games.

Now they get San Diego again but this time at home.

The question isn’t whether Astra can compete—it’s whether they can sustain it. Can they match Super Bloom’s discipline over four quarters? Can they limit the runs that buried them in the first matchup?

AZ @ OR (Game of the Week)

For the first time in WUL history, Arizona Sidewinders and Oregon Soar square off—and it doesn’t feel like a novelty matchup. It feels like timing.

Both teams are coming off winless 2025 seasons. Both teams have flipped the script. And both teams  are still in the playoff conversation for their respective conferences.

Arizona (3–2) comes in with new identity. They’ve leaned into strong defense, controlled pace, and the ability to win in less than perfect conditions—something they proved again in their sweep of Los Angeles Astra. They don’t need perfect flow. They just need enough.

Oregon (2–3) brings a different kind of pressure. They’ve been building week over week, finding ways to stay competitive and push games deep. Their record doesn’t fully capture how dangerous they’ve become.

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Hsu Controls The Game; Week 7 Sets Up LA's Road Gauntlet

In Week 6, Cheryl Hsu delivered a takeover performance for Seattle Tempest to earn Player of the Week honors, piling up 486 throwing yards, 5 assists, and a block while stretching Oregon’s defense beyond its limits. In Week 7, the spotlight shifts to a high-stakes road doubleheader for Los Angeles Astra, who face both Utah and Arizona—where something has to give between two winless squads in the Utah matchup, while Astra look to flip the script after a one-point loss to Arizona just two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Game of the Week heads to altitude as Bay Area travels to Colorado in a clash that’s a possible preview of Championship Weekend semis.

WUL Week 6:
Cheryl Hsu (Seattle Tempest)

Cheryl Hsu (SEA) throws a flick upfield in Seattle Tempest’s big win over Oregon Soar on 4.18.2026 (Photographer: Melissa Levin)

No space is safe when Cheryl Hsu has the disc—and Oregon learned that the hard way.

Hsu put on a clinic in Week 6, racking up 486 throwing yards, 5 assists, and a block to power Seattle Tempest to the win. But the stat line only tells part of it. Every touch felt like a threat. Every reset had teeth. And every turn flipped instantly into offense.

That’s the Hsu effect.

She doesn’t just move the disc—she detonates possessions. Where others reset, Hsu attacks. Where defenses think they’ve recovered, she’s already launching the next break. Transition moments don’t slow down in her hands—they end in the end zone.

And this isn’t a one-off.

Through five games, Hsu is in the middle of a career-best 2026 campaign:

• 1,788 throwing yards (already past her 2025 total)

• 16 assists

• 91.7% completion rate

• 75% on hucks

She’s been a driver of Seattle Tempest offense since day one of the league, and this year feels like the clearest expression of that identity: fast, fearless, and relentlessly aggressive.

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WUL Week 7 Preview

BAY @ CO (Game of the Week)

Bay Area Falcons head to Colorado to face Alpenglow for Game of the Week in a cross-division clash that feels bigger than a regular season matchup. This has all the markings of a Championship Weekend preview—two contenders, both coming off wins that turned heads across the league.

Bay Area Falcons finally broke through against San Diego Super Bloom, proving they can close against top-tier competition. It wasn’t just the win—it was how they did it. Defensive pressure late, disciplined offense, and punishing mistakes.

Colorado Alpenglow made a statement of their own, taking down Seattle Tempest and reinforcing that they belong in the contender conversation. Physical, confident, and opportunistic, Alpenglow showed they can match up with anyone when they’re clicking.

Now they meet. The intrigue here is simple: which version of each team shows up? Was last week a breakthrough—or something lasting?

Cross-division games always carry extra weight, and with playoff positioning looming, this one could matter more than it seems. Style-wise, this has the potential to be a grind—two teams that generate pressure, force mistakes, and punish them quickly..

LA @ UT

Los Angeles Astra and Utah Wild enter Saturday still looking for their first win—and with each passing week, the pressure only builds. This isn’t just another regular season game. It’s a turning point waiting to happen.

Both teams have had flashes of great play. Both have been close. But neither has been able to put together the performance needed to close. That’s what makes this matchup so compelling.

For Los Angeles Astra, it’s about converting. They’ve already proven they can hang in tight games, including an overtime battle just two weeks ago. The question now is whether they can finish one.

Utah Wild, meanwhile, has the advantage of home turf and a chance to dictate terms early. In games like this, starts matter. Confidence matters. And whoever finds rhythm first could force the other into playing catch-up—never a comfortable place for a team still searching for answers.

LA @ AZ

Los Angeles Astra heads straight from Utah into a rematch with Arizona Sidewinders—one that already delivered one of the tightest finishes of the season. Their last meeting? A 16-15 overtime thriller that could’ve gone either way.

Arizona gets the advantage this time—home field and rest. Los Angeles Astra, on the other hand, arrives on tired legs after a full game the day before, with travel layered in.

Sidewinders already know they can go toe-to-toe with Astra. Now they get a version that may not have the same legs, the same sharpness, or the same margin for error. Expect them to push pace, test depth, and make this game as demanding as possible.

For Los Angeles Astra, it’s about resilience. Can they manage the travel turnaround, control tempo, and stay disciplined enough to avoid letting the game slip?

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Steiner Goes Off in the Wind; Week 6 Sends Super Bloom and Soar on the Road

In Week 5, Karli Steiner delivered a record-setting performance to earn Player of the Week honors, posting 7 assists and 516 throwing yards in a windy showcase while rewriting the Los Angeles Astra record book. In Week 6, San Diego Super Bloom travels to face Bay Area Falcons for a 2025 Championship Weekend rematch with Bay hunting for redemption; Oregon Soar heads north to take on Seattle Tempest in a game with heavy playoff implications.

WUL Week 5:
Karli Steiner (Los Angeles Astra)

Karlier Steiner (LA) gets ready to throw a hammer against Arizona’s zone defense in Astra’s overtime loss against the Sidewinders on 4.12.2026 (Photographer: Robert Hanishiro)

Karli Steiner owned the toughest throwing conditions of the weekend and turned a windy game into a statement performance. Steiner set career highs with 7 assists and 516 throwing yards, tying Los Angeles Astra’s single-game assists record while setting new franchise marks in throwing yards and total yards. She also led the entire league in assists, throwing yards, and total yards (608) in Week 5 — the kind of backfield control that dictates everything, maybe fuled with a little extra motivation against her former teammates.

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WUL Week 6 Preview

OR @ SEA

Seattle vs Oregon is always a rivalry—but this time, it’s about more than pride. For Seattle, it’s a chance to respond. After dropping their first game of the season against Colorado, Tempest will be looking to reassert control in the Northwest and remind the league who they are.

For Oregon, it’s urgency. Soar have shown major improvement this season, but their path to Championship Weekend is narrow. They need a statement win—and Seattle is the opportunity.

Oregon must slow down one of the league’s most efficient offenses. They’ll need to convert their chances when they get them and they’ll have to do it against a team looking to bounce back.

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SD @ BAY (Game of the Week)

This one has been circled since the schedule dropped. Bay Area Falcons vs San Diego Super Bloom is more than just a matchup—it’s a rematch of the 2025 Championship Game. And if that wasn’t enough, Super Bloom already handed Bay Area a loss in Week 1. Now, the stakes are even higher for this week’s Game of the Week.

San Diego enters undefeated, looking every bit like the defending champions. They’ve shown they can absorb pressure and adjust mid-game. 

Bay Area, meanwhile, is trending up. After a slower start, the Falcons are beginning to find rhythm—integrating new pieces, building chemistry, and sharpening their offensive identity. This is their opportunity to prove it’s real.

Three storylines, one game: Can Bay Area finally break through against San Diego?

Can they avenge both a championship loss and a Week 1 defeat?

And can anyone stop Super Bloom’s undefeated run?

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Egan Controls the Game for Oregon; Week 5 Heats Up For Seattle & Arizona

In Week 4, Rachel Egan delivered an outstanding two-way performance to earn Player of the Week honors, leading Oregon Soar with control on both sides of the disc. Across the league, early identities have emerged as teams begin to separate in the standings and point differentials. In Week 5, the schedule intensifies—Seattle Tempest and the Arizona Sidewinders hit the road for doubleheaders across three days of action, as four games from Friday through Sunday start to put real pressure on depth, endurance, and early playoff positioning.

WUL Week 4 Player of the Week:
Rachel Egan (Oregon Soar)

Rachel Egan (OR) catches a disc upline in Oregon’s Week 3 game against Colorado Alpenglow. (Photographer: Sloth Jackson)

Rachel Egan of Oregon Soar stuffed the stat sheet with 2 goals, 6 assists, 4 blocks, and 345 total yards this week, all without a single turnover. That’s not just a big game—that’s historic. Egan becomes just the second player in WUL history to hit the rare 8+ goal contributions and 4+ blocks mark in a single performance.

The Oregon Soar team captain wasn’t just productive in her game against Utah Wild in Week 4—she was everywhere. Egan finished 1st in blocks, 2nd in assists, and 2nd in receiving yards across the league this week, anchoring both sides of the disc. On defense, she took on top matchups and delivered, generating stops that flipped momentum. On offense, she operated as a surgical small-space cutter, constantly resetting flow and punishing tight windows.

It’s the kind of all-field dominance that defines a captain—and Egan has now done it across every era of Oregon professional teams, suiting up for all three iterations of the franchise. In 2026, she’s firmly in the league’s elite tier, ranking in the top 2% in goals, receiving yards, and blocks.

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WUL Week 5 Preview

SEA @ UT

Seattle Tempest arrives in Utah riding one of the most dominant performances the league has seen, but replicating that on the road is a different challenge.

Utah Wild continues to build, showing flashes of a fast-paced, aggressive offense that can create opportunities in bunches. The next step is consistency—turning those stretches into full-game pressure.

Seattle will look to control pace and limit mistakes. Utah will look to speed things up and create disruption.

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SEA @ CO (Game of the Week)

Seattle Tempest and Colorado Alpenglow headline the weekend in a Game of the Week matchup with control of the Northwest Conference on the line.

Seattle enters riding historic momentum, but this is a very different test: altitude, a quick turnaround, and a Colorado team that thrives on energy and pressure at home. Alpenglow has already shown it can hang with top competition, and this is exactly the kind of game where they can make a statement. Colorado is looking to combat the narrative from their earlier loss to Seattle and prove they are contenders at Championship Weekend.

For Seattle, the challenge is sustaining discipline across a doubleheader. Clean execution and depth will matter, especially on tired legs.

For Colorado, it’s about seizing the moment. If they can generate pressure and capitalize on short fields, they have a real chance to flip the scrip

AZ @ SD

Arizona Sidewinders head into San Diego looking to turn progress into results.San Diego Super Bloom has been one of the more consistent teams early, combining efficient offense with timely defensive pressure. They don’t need big runs, they build leads steadily, making them a favorite to qualify first for Championship Weekend.

On the other hand, Arizona has shown the ability to generate chances, but execution in key moments will be the difference here.San Diego will aim to stay composed. Arizona needs to stay within reach—and strike when it matters.

AZ @ LA

Sunday brings a reset—and another challenge. Los Angeles Astra continues to develop chemistry and identity, showing flashes of a team that can stretch the field and create quick scoring runs. At home, they’ll look to dictate tempo.

For Arizona, this is about endurance and adjustments. After San Diego on Saturday, can they regroup and execute? Do they have the conditioning and mindset to beat LA?

This one may come down to which team adapts faster—and finishes stronger.

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Early Season Action: Analyzing Weeks 1, 2 & 3

By Noam Gumerman
Lead Writer

Three weeks into the 2026 WUL Season, there have already been numerous surprises compared to our preseason expectations and predictions. But what’s been behind San Diego’s continued dominance, Oregon’s surprising toughness, or Bay Area and Colorado’s slower-than-expected starts? Here are the most critical underlying numbers for each team across the first several weeks of the regular season. 

Arizona Sidewinders (1-1)

Arizona keeping their core together despite two difficult years has paid early-season dividends in 2026. In 2025, their Achilles heel was a historical inability to punch in breaks. This year, they’ve flipped the script. Their D-line offensive efficiency* has jumped from 17% to a very respectable 41%. What’s interesting is that percentage is not just a result of beating Utah in Opening Weekend — against Bay Area, they still achieved 43% for their D-line Offensive Efficiency despite the loss. A huge reason for that is the improvement in their huck completions. Arizona still hucks 11.5x per game (similar to 2025), but they’ve completed 78% (18 of 23) so far, compared to a 50% rate last year.

Bay Area Falcons (2-1)

Bay Area had a rough draw to start the season against the defending champion San Diego Super Bloom, and they certainly looked like a team with a lot of new pieces that didn’t fit together just yet. In Week 1, a well-drilled Super Bloom defense flustered both the O-line and D-line offensive attacks for the Falcons, limiting them to 37% Offensive Efficiency (O-Line), and 11% Offensive Efficiency (D-Line). But over the following two games, Bay Area began to find their footing. Their O-line bumped their Offensive Efficiency to 45% against LA, and 63% against AZ, while their D-line improved to 23% and 41%, respectively. This is also visible in new center handler Alex Barnett’s turnover rate dropping from 9% against San Diego to 5% in the next two games. 

Colorado Alpenglow (2-1)

Colorado Alpenglow also entered 2026 with high expectations, a bit of roster turnover, and a tough first pair of games with a PNW doubleheader. While they now have a 2-1 start, this is not a team that is finding success in the same areas they have the past two years. In 2024 and 2025, Alpenglow were the premier hucking team in the league, completing a very impressive 66% of their hucks in 2025, far and away best in the league. Ari Nelson remains one of the best huckers in the league, completing 10/16 hucks already this year, but the rest of the team has fallen off in terms of completion percentage — dropping from 70% in 2025 to 35% during their three games into this season. This isn’t a result of a talent drain — teams know this is what Colorado likes and are forcing them to adapt. Moving forward, they will need to create different opportunities to huck or adapt their style to find sustainable success. 

Los Angeles Astra (0-2)

It’s been a rough return to the WUL for Los Angeles Astra so far, losing their first two games of 2026. The stats aren’t very kind to them either, with Astra occupying either the last or second-to-last spot in most categories. But there are a couple of things to indicate some optimism for this squad. Playing Bay Area and San Diego as the opening two games was a difficult draw, and they hung tight with the Falcons in their opener. Despite facing two of the best defenses in the league, their O-line Defensive Efficiency^ is sitting at an impressive 75%. They get the disc back often on offense and a little bump in their ability to convert possessions into scores will do wonders for their results on the field.

Oregon Soar (1-2)

Oregon Soar secured their first win in franchise history and were two points from earning a second one, and there are a lot more positives from their start to the 2026 season. In 2025, their decision-making and efficiency were big issues. This year, they are completing one more huck per game on three fewer attempts, and their Offensive Efficiency has bumped up from 23% to 35%. However, their defensive metrics are stagnant from 2025 to 2026, where they are in the bottom half of the league for most defensive metrics. Growth on one side of the disc is good, but growth on both sides would offer sustainable pathways to wins. 

San Diego Super Bloom (2-0)

The defending champions have cruised through their first two games. They boast a league-best point differential and are tied for having the most breaks in the league despite playing one fewer game than the team they are tied with (Bay Area). They are no longer reliant on their superstars doing everything and have diversified their receivers and stat leaders. Kaitlyn Weaver and Kaela Helton still run the show, but are seeing outstanding performances from other places on the roster (like Abbie Shilts). They seem primed for continued success. Why? They are averaging the fewest turnovers per game in the league at 25 per game. Taking care of the disc at any level of the sport breeds success. Time will tell if they keep it up, but if history is any indication, they will. 

Seattle Tempest (1-0)

How much is there to take away from just one game? We’ll learn a lot more about this Seattle Tempest squad in the coming weeks, but if their debut is any indicator — they have a winning season ahead. They dismantled a very solid Colorado Alpenglow team with a complete team defensive effort. Seattle recorded blocks from 11 different players, with a total of 18 blocks against a team that didn’t give up more than 10 per game last year. How deep is this D-line? That could be the answer that dictates how far this team goes. In 2024 Bay Area set the benchmark with 14.7 blocks per game. Can Tempest match or surpass that?

Utah Wild (0-2)

With over 20 rookies, we knew this year’s Utah Wild team would need to find new big-time WUL-level contributors. What’s concerning is that they are still looking for those rookie contributors to emerge and handle some of the production load, especially on offense. Across their first two games, three Wild returners, Abbie Davis, Eva Bell, and Lily Terpstra, have accounted for one third of the entire team’s offensive production. This is even more notable given that Davis and Terpstra have each missed one game. There’s not a real sense of pressure on this Wild team to compete for a WUL Championship this year given the turnover on the roster, but they need to see future contributors find their footing at the pro-level as the weeks go by this year. This is a critical year to determine the foundation for Wild. Who else will step up in the coming weeks?

*Offensive efficiency: the percentage of a team’s offensive possessions that result in a goal.

^Defensive efficiency: the percentage of the opponent’s offensive possessions that result in a turnover.

Fitzgerald Dominates for OR; UT Faces Crucial Doubleheader in Week 4

In Week 3, Caitlin Fitzgerald delivered a dominant two-way performance across Oregon’s doubleheader to earn Player of the Week honors, leading Soar to a historic first win and continuing to drive their early-season identity. Across the league, momentum began to build as teams found rhythm and separation. In Week 4, the stakes rise—a UT doubleheader and playoff positioning start to take shape as teams look to turn early flashes into consistency.

WUL Week 3 Player of the Week:
Caitlin Fitzgerald (Oregon Soar)

Caitlin Fitzgerald (OR) lays out for a score in Oregon Soar’s game against Colorado Alpenglow. (Photographer: Sloth Jackson)

Caitlin “Fitz” Fitzgerald delivered a standout doubleheader performance for Oregon Soar, making her mark on both sides of the disc.

Against Utah, she posted 4 goals, 3 blocks, and 273 total yards, setting the tone with relentless defensive pressure and efficient offense.

She followed it up against Colorado with 2 goals, 4 assists, and 394 yards, showcasing her versatility and ability to impact every possession.

Already leading Soar in goals and blocks while ranking top five across multiple stat categories, Fitzgerald has quickly become a centerpiece of Oregon’s early-season success.

And it’s no surprise—her pedigree speaks for itself. A former Callahan nominee at the University of Kansas and a veteran of Portland Rising (PUL), Fitzgerald brings elite experience, leadership, and intensity every time she steps on the field. Whether laying out for blocks or driving the offense, Fitz is setting the standard for Soar in 2026.

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WUL Week 4 Preview

UT @ SEA

Utah’s doubleheader weekend starts in Seattle, where the Tempest will be waiting—rested, prepared, and dangerous. Seattle’s ability to generate turns and convert quickly could pose a major challenge for a Utah team still finding rhythm.

Utah Wild is still searching for their first win of the 2026 season, despite flashes of high-level play. With both teams hungry, this Friday night matchup carries early-season weight and momentum implications.

UT @ OR (Game of the Week)

After securing their first win in franchise history last weekend against Utah Wild, Oregon Soar returns home aiming to turn that milestone into sustained momentum. For Utah, the key will be energy and adjustments after Friday’s battle against Seattle, as they look to carry momentum or reset quickly depending on the result.

For Utah, this is about resilience. Whether still chasing their first win or building off a breakthrough, Saturday presents another opportunity to define their season —while Oregon looks to defend home turf and make their own statement.

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