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!

Week 8 Recap: Oregon Grabs Critical Win Over Arizona, San Diego Barely Survives LA’s Late Ambush

Oregon grabbed a crucial 19-16 win over a short-handed Arizona squad, keeping Soar firmly in the playoff hunt and tightening an already crowded postseason race.

Meanwhile, San Diego barely escaped Los Angeles in one of the season’s wildest finishes, surviving Astra’s furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt to hold on for an 18-17 victory.

With only a few weeks remaining before Championship Weekend, every result is starting to feel heavier — and Week 8 proved no lead and no playoff spot is safe.

Game 1: AZ @ OR

Soar Capitalize, Hand Sidewinders Costly Loss

Facing an Arizona team missing several key pieces — including Cynthia Thomas, Lauren Pisani, Mel Dunn, and captain Kez Gesell — Oregon attacked early, stayed aggressive, and closed out a critical 19-16 win that could reshape the playoff race.

Both teams fought through early nerves with the first point lasting over half of the first quarter. Arizona struck first behind Kristen Reed, whose deep cutting stressed the Oregon defense all game, but Soar quickly settled in once Geli Boyden found rhythm in the backfield.

Boyden dictated the tempo all afternoon, piling up 6 assists and 460 throwing yards while repeatedly opening space for her cutters, particularly Rachel Egan, downfield. Egan turned those opportunities into a monster outing, finishing with 6 goals and 253 receiving yards, as Arizona struggled to contain Oregon’s timing and pace.

Noelle Takahashi added another layer to the attack with 4 four assists and 305 receiving yards.

Even without several stars available, Arizona still punched hard. Reed was everywhere, finishing with 5 goals, 3 blocks, and 283 receiving yards. Madison Speagle added 4 goals and 256 receiving yards of her own, while Chip Chang worked on both sides of the disc, racking up 3 blocks and 340 throwing yards.

Game 2: SD @ LA

Astra’s Furious Rally Falls One Goal Short Against Super Bloom

Super Bloom survived Astra’s massive fourth-quarter comeback attempt Sunday afternoon, escaping with an 18-17 win after watching a comfortable 5-point lead nearly disappear in the closing minutes.

San Diego’s formula looked familiar early: pressure defense, quick-strike offense, and relentless deep looks. While both teams traded points in Q1, San Diego broke away in the middle quarters behind Kristen Pojunis (6A) and Kaitlyn Weaver (4G).

Aggressive transition offense helped San Diego gradually build separation, and by the second half, the game felt dangerously close to slipping away from Los Angeles entirely.

But Astra refused to go quietly. Sabrina Belkin racked up 432 throwing yards and 3 assists, while Chip Yen was consistently open downfield, finishing with a weekend-best 426 receiving yards.

In the fourth, Los Angeles tightened up defensively, converted short-field opportunities, and started scoring in bunches. Every Astra goal ratcheted up the pressure on Super Bloom, and what had looked like a comfortable San Diego win suddenly became one of the wildest finishes of the season.

In the final moments, Astra forced the turnover they needed and worked it to the redzone before 3x WUL MVP Kaela Helton stopped the score attempt in the endzone. With only a few seconds left, San Diego  preserved the one-goal lead for the victory, though Astra’s late surge showed WUL fans that LA is not to be slept on.

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.

Vote for POTW every week on the WUL Instagram!

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.

Catch all games live and FREE on the WUL YouTube!

Week 7 Recap: Statements Made, Series Swept, Chaos Delivered

Alexi Zalk (BAY) slides for a score against Colorado Alpenglow. (Photographer: Sloth Jackson)

The seventh full weekend of WUL action brought contrast and clarity. Bay Area held firm in a cross-conference test against Colorado, Arizona defended home turf again, and Los Angeles showed both their potential and their growing pains across a demanding doubleheader.

Game 1: BAY @ CO

Bay Passes The Test

Week 7 Game of the Week delivered exactly what it promised: pace, pressure, and a fourth-quarter push that separated contenders from challengers.

Bay area came out swinging and but Colorado on their heels from the start. Bay’s Alex Barnett anchored a defensive effort that slowly tightened the screws, tallying 3 blocks and flipping field position at key moments. That pressure translated into cleaner offensive looks, with Bay grinding through possessions and capitalizing on shorter fields.

Abby Thorpe was Colorado’s engine (5 assists, 350 receiving yards) while Colorado stretched the field and forced Bay to defend deep space.

The turning point came midway through the second half: a break sequence that gave Bay a 5 goal cushion.

Colorado stayed within striking distance thanks to contributions from Kennedy McCarthy and Rose Bransford (3 goals each), but Bay’s composure in the closing minutes sealed it. With a statement win on the road without Robyn Fennig, Bay makes their best case yet to be title contenders.

Game 2: LA @ UT

Astra Breaks Through

Los Angeles Astra came into Utah looking for a breakthrough—and left with a full-on offensive explosion.

From the opening pull, Astra dictated tempo. Sophie Havranek (3B, 4A) and Karli Steiner (331 ThY) orchestrated the offense with control, slicing through Utah’s defense and piling up contributions across the stat sheet. Chip Yen was the primary finisher, putting up 5 goals and 328 receiving yards, and consistently winning isolation matchups.

Utah’s Casstique Williams (4G) and Eva Bell (399 TY, 4A) kept the Wild offense moving, but they couldn’t match Astra’s pace or defensive pressure.

LA’s Bella Pearson (3B) and  Arenaria Cramer (6A)  fueled a relentless LA break train that blew the game open before halftime.

By the second half, Astra were playing free and fast—confident, connected, and finally clicking.

Game 3: LA @ AZ

Desert Defense Holds

Arizona Sidewinders leaned into the conditions and their 2026 identity, grinding out a physical, wind-affected 13–10 win at home to complete the season sweep over Los Angeles Astra.

Cramer once again controlled the backfield for LA – leading all players with 443 throwing yards and 4 assists. At one point, AZ held a comfortable 5 point lead before LA went on a 3-point run at the end of Q4 – but couldn’t quite turn the tables before time expired.

AZ’s Kristen Reed (3G) had a nose for the endzone while Caroline O’Connell (2B, 2A, 1G, 335Y) had full field impact. Sidewinders played the long game, trusting their defense to generate chances.

Stars, Sleepers & Stat Stuffers: 2026 Award Race Heats Up

By Ben Sadis
Lead WUL Statistician

The halfway point of the 2026 WUL season has arrived—and the award races are anything but settled. From veteran frontrunners to rising rookies crashing the conversation, this year’s field is deep, dynamic, and wildly competitive. 

What stands out isn’t just the numbers—it’s the variety of impact. Some players are carrying offenses. Others are flipping games with momentum-changing blocks. And a few are doing everything, everywhere, all at once. 

With several weeks still to play, the margins are razor thin, the narratives are still evolving, and every possession from here on out could tilt the race.

Arizona

Arizona’s two key additions this year, Kez Gesell and Kristen Reed, have been as good as advertised. After missing the 2025 season with injury, Gesell has taken her game to new heights. She won BPOTY in 2023 primarily due to her receiving and defensive abilities, but it has been her evolution as a thrower that has been the most impactful for Arizona in 2026. So far this season she’s recorded four assists and completed 4 of 5 hucks to complement her eight goals and team-leading 1419 total yards. Her ability to stretch the field with her arm after gaining yards as a receiver has opened up the Sidewinders offense. 

Likewise, Reed’s blazing speed has given Gesell and other Arizona throwers a big outlet downfield. Her 12 goals (6th in the league) and 990 receiving yards (7th) have come as she’s been featured on both O-line and D-line, giving Arizona impact in any situation. In addition, she’s made an instant impact defensively with a team-leading seven blocks. Gesell and Reed have been the most significant contributors to Arizona’s huge turnaround this season, and deserve consideration for MVP.

Bay Area

Alex Barnett has been as good as advertised in her first WUL season. She leads the Falcons in goals (11, 7th in league), assists (12, 9th in league), and yards (1921, 5th in league), and is third on the team with six blocks. Most impressively perhaps is her low turnover rate - she is one of two players in the league with over 1300 yards and fewer than 9 turnovers. Her season looks even better through the lens of advanced metrics - her 140 PER is second in the league, and she leads the league with 12 completions above expected*. Her offensive profile makes her a leading candidate for OPOTY, and her overall impact on the Falcons suggests a strong MVP candidacy as well.

While Barnett has taken much of the spotlight, her backfield partner and 2025 MVP finalist Robyn Fennig has been as good as ever. She has ceded some goals and assists to Barnett, but she has still managed to accumulate almost as many yards while keeping a low turnover rate. She won’t hit the impressive 19 completions above expected she managed last season, her total so far of 7.1 (7th in the league) and her 119 Player Offensive Efficiency Rating* (PER-O) (T-17th in league) point toward another year in OPOTY contention.

Two new players have made a big impact for the Falcons defensively - Bridget Wipfler and Dawn Culton. They have accumulated 10 and 8 blocks respectively, and have immediately become stalwarts on the Bay Area D-line. If they keep racking up the blocks, they will certainly be in contention for DPOTY.

Colorado

Just as it has the past few years, this Alpenglow team revolves around its two foci: Ari Nelson and Abby Thorpe. Nelson once again can make a claim to being the league’s premier thrower - with 13 assists (T-7th in the league), 1632 throwing yards (3rd), 14 huck completions (1st), and 10.3 completions above expected (2nd) at the season’s halfway point. Adding in steady play as a backfield receiver (137 receptions against just one receiving error) gives them a PER-O of 122, tied for eleventh best mark in the league and best on Colorado, presenting a strong case for another OPOTY recognition. 

2024 WUL MVP Abby Thorpe, who has been an MVP finalist and All-WUL First Team selection each of her previous three WUL seasons, has once again been Colorado’s most important and complete player. She ranks 1st on the team in goals (14, tied for 1st  in the league), tied for the lead in assists (13), 3rd in blocks (6) and 1st in total yards (2508, 2nd in the league). In addition, her presence is crucial for Alpenglow’s offensive success, as her Relative Offensive Efficiency* (ROE) of +23.5 is the highest mark in the league among players with at least three games played. She is once again a leading candidate for MVP.

Thorpe and Nelson have received help on offense this year by a new face - Kennedy McCarthy. After having her expected 2025 debut delayed by injury, she’s finally on the field in the WUL and has made an immediate impact. She is tied for 2nd on the team in goals, tied for 3rd in assists and 2nd in blocks, having accumulated nine each of goals, assists and blocks. Her three goal, four assist, four block (including one Callahan) performance in Week 2 against Seattle earned her the league Player of the Week award. She should be a strong contender for BPOTY. 

Colorado’s final award contender is someone who had been a member of the offensive supporting cast the past few seasons, but a move over to D-line this year has resulted in a career year - Sarah Itoh. Itoh’s 11 blocks through five games rank 2nd in the league, and those blocks haven’t come cheap - her blazing speed and elite instinct have led to several run through blocks on some under cuts by some of the best cutters in the league. If she continues racking up the blocks she’ll have a strong case for DPOTY.

LOS ANGELES

In their first year back in the WUL, LA Astra needed one of their core players to elevate their game in order to contend with the league’s best, and Chip Yen has answered the call. Yen’s 13 goals rank tied for 2nd in the league, and her 1022 receiving yards and nine blocks rank tied for fifth. She leads Astra in all three of those categories. Her 127 PER ranks 10th in the league among players with at least three games played - the only LA player to show up in the top 50 on that leaderboard. If Astra can score a few more wins in the back half of the season and Yen continues leading the way, she could earn some MVP votes.

OREGON

WUL veteran Rachel Egan is having a career season. She’s already set career highs in goals (9), assists (7), and blocks (8) - one of five players in the league with at least seven of each stat. Additionally, her 909 receiving yards rank 11th in the league, and she’s managed those totals while committing just 3.5 turnovers. And her performance looks even better through the lens of advanced metrics, with her 136 PER ranking fourth in the league. All together it's a strong MVP resume.

With a second year team that experienced a lot of roster turnover after year one, a few fresh faces were bound to become major contributors. Of them, Emily Pozzy is having the most impressive debut season. Fresh out of college, Pozzy leads the team in yards (1327, 18th in the league), is 2nd in assists (8) and 3rd in blocks (6). She has also handled pulling and a lion’s share of the handling duties for the Soar D-line and done so with the composure of a multi-year veteran. It would not be a surprise to see her among the BPOTY finalists.

SAN DIEGO

Three-time MVP Kaela Helton has taken a step back on the field, allowing Super Bloom’s up-and-coming stars to take a bigger role. The problem is there are so many of them – no one stands out as a singular super-star. However, there are some leading contributors. Abbi Shilts leads the team in goals (10) and is tied for the team lead in blocks (6). Additionally, the eye test says she has evolved into one of the most dynamic two-way players in the league. However, with so many mouths to feed on the Super Bloom roster, she is averaging just over 150 yards per game, not nearly enough to compete with the other award contenders. It would require a major late-season usage uptick to get her into the MVP conversation.

If not Shilts, another potential award contender for Super Bloom is 2022 DPOTY Kristen Pojunis. While her 2026 block total (5) lags behind her tremendous 2022 numbers (17 in just 6 games), she is on pace to set career highs in assists, throwing yards, receptions above expected, and PER (currently 8, 602, 4.9 and 125 respectively). If she can up the block rate over the second half of the season her overall contribution could deserve MVP consideration.

After a DPOTY finalist nomination in 2025, Kaitlyn Weaver (also a 2023 MVP finalist with LA) is putting up offensive numbers in 2026 that showcase how complete her game is. Weaver leads San Diego with 9 assists and over 1000 total yards despite committing just 7 total turnovers. She has operated as a true hybrid player, and is one of seven players in the league to have gained over 500 throwing yards and 500 receiving yards. While San Diego’s even rotation style of line-calling may prevent her from reaching the heights of other team’s O line stars, Weaver’s is playing her way into the OPOTY conversation with her efficient offense.

SEATTLE

On a team with a +55 point differential, it is no surprise that Seattle has multiple players that stand out in the stats department. Above all, Jamie Kauffman has had as good of a debut season as you could ask for. Following the departure of 2025 DPOTY Sadie Jezierski, Tempest were in need of a player to take over Jezierski’s role of dominating the deep space on defense and facilitating the D-line offense on a turn, and they couldn’t have wished for a better replacement than Kauffman. The WUL rookie leads the league in assists and blocks per game (3.8 and 2.6 respectively) among players who have played at least three games, and is tied for 1st in goals per game (2.8). Additionally, she has the lowest turnovers per game among players with at least 350 yards per game. While her height (6’) warps the field on defense, it is perhaps her composure with the disc and efficiency in the red zone which has most helped Seattle race out to huge leads in many of their games. She is on pace to become the first player in league history to record at least 20 goals, 20 assists and 20 blocks in a season, and to set the record for highest PER in a season (currently 163). Seattle has never had a player with so strong an MVP candidacy.

If Kauffman doesn’t win a major award, the likely reason will be all the other Tempest players having similarly fantastic seasons and taking some votes away. Foremost among them is Meg Manning. The former Raleigh cutter has been the primary driver behind Seattle’s downfield attack off of turnovers, and is tied for the league lead in goals (14) and 2nd in receiving yards (1269) despite playing primarily D-line. Additionally, with three games still to play she has already set league records with 13 huck receptions and 13 receptions above expected. But it hasn’t just been her receiving ability that has made an impact. Her eight assists rank 5th on Tempest and her nine blocks are tied for 2nd, making her one of three players to have recorded at least eight goals, assists, and blocks so far. Her dynamic pairing with Kauffman could land Seattle two players on the MVP podium.

For OPOTY, Seattle’s main contender is center handler Cheryl Hsu. Holder of just about every Tempest throwing record, Hsu is having the best season of her illustrious career. She currently sits 2nd in the league in assists (16) and throwing yards (1788), and has added seven goals and three blocks to those numbers. She has been remarkably efficient - completing 9 of the 12 hucks she has attempted - yet has pulled deep into her bag of tricks to finish points with mindbinding break throws and unguardable give-n-gos. The 2024 OPOTY finalist should certainly return to the podium in 2026.

While Kauffman and Manning have led the D-line offense, Tempest has a few more players who have been putting in the grunt work that has led to the highest Defensive Efficiency in the league. Lauren Page and Anna Pettee have been two of the best lock down defenders in the WUL for a few years now, and both have managed to consistently get blocks this season (8 and 9 respectively) despite offenses largely avoiding throwing their way. If one or both maintain a high block rate the rest of the way, they will have a strong claim to DPOTY podium status.

The final Tempest player who deserves mention is rookie Gemma Munck, whose 13 goals rank tied for fourth in the league. Her speed and aerial ability have made her the target of choice for throwers Cheryl Hsu and Kaitlynne Roling in just her first season, and will put her on the short list for BPOTY.

UTAH

While Utah’s season has not gone as they might have hoped, the team is lead by a strong group of young players that should give them a great foundation for the future. Abbie Davis and Lily Terpstra have led the team admirably, putting up huge numbers despite each missing a few games with injury. However, the best news for Utah has been the emergence of a third young superstar to give the Wild an exciting trio to lead them in future seasons.

In her second season in the league, Eva Bell has played well enough to follow in Davis’ footsteps as a Utah BPOTY winner, and possibly even make a run at OPOTY. Bell’s 2838 yards easily lead the league, and even on a per-game basis her yardage total ranks 2nd. And in an offense that has been turning the disc over regularly, her team-leading 15 assists and 8.3 completions above expected display a level of skill and composure far beyond her years. 

In addition to Bell, another second-year Wild player has shone flashes of brilliance despite the team’s rough season. Liz Bunderson’s 10 blocks rank tied for third in the league, and her eight huck completions lead the Wild and have been a huge reason for any success they have had in converting turnovers into breaks on defense. In addition, she has become one of the league’s premier pullers, a huge boon for a Utah team that needs every advantage it can get. Despite the team’s struggles, Bunderson’s play deserves recognition, and maybe a spot on the DPOTY podium.

---

*STAT DEFINITIONS

Player Efficiency Rating (PER)

A measure of a player’s per-turnover production (goals, assists, blocks, yards) weighted by turnover type, game conditions, and other factors. A value of 100 is league-average, while a value of 110 is 10% better than league average, etc.

Player Offensive Efficiency Rating (PER-O)

A measure of a player’s per-turnover production (goals, assists, blocks, yards) weighted by turnover type, game conditions, and other factors. A value of 100 is league-average, while a value of 110 is 10% better than league average, etc.

Relative Offensive Efficiency (ROE)

Team offensive efficiency while the player is on the field minus team Offensive Efficiency while the player is not on the field, calculated separately for offensive and defensive points and combined as a weighted average.

Completions Above Expected

The difference in the number of throws the player completed compared to the number of those same throws a league-average player would be expected to complete. The equation is: (Completion % - Expected Completion %) * Throws. This is equivalent to summing the values of each throw where a throw’s value is equal to subtracting a given throw's expected completion rate from one (if the throw was complete) or zero (if it was incomplete).

Receptions Above Expected

The difference in the number of throws to a player (“Targets”) that were completed compared to the number of those same throws that would be expected to have been completed if the receiver was a league-average player. The equation is: (Receptions as a % of Targets - Expected Receptions as a % of Targets) * Targets. This is equivalent to summing the values of each target where a target’s value is equal to subtracting a given target’s expected completion rate from one (if the throw was complete) or zero (if it was incomplete).

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.

Vote for POTW every week on the WUL Instagram!

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?

Catch all games live and FREE on the WUL YouTube!

Week 6 Recap: Seattle Breaks It Open, Bay Closes It Out

Bay Area Falcons celebrate a score in their eventual upset of San Diego Super Bloom in Week 6. (Photographer: Ron Sellers)

Last weekend, Seattle Tempest broke things wide open with a dominant second-quarter run against Oregon Soar, while Bay Area Falcons closed strong to hand San Diego Super Bloom their first loss of the season. Two tight starts, two decisive finishes.

Game 1: OR @ SEA

A Run Too Big to Answer

A 4-4 deadlock at the end of the first quarter had all eyes on this game. Oregon matched pace, spacing, and energy, forcing Seattle Tempest to earn every inch early. Then the second quarter happened.

Seattle Tempest detonated a 9-1 run that flipped the entire script. Clean holds turned into quick breaks, and suddenly Oregon was chasing a game that had slipped two gears ahead. SEA’s Cheryl Hsu was the engine—five assists and a game-high 442 throwing yards—pulling strings and punishing any defensive hesitation.

Downfield, the trio of Ciona Antolin, Meg Manning, and Yeh-Sun Lee (four goals each) turned that pressure into production. Antolin (220 RY) and Gemma Munck (240 RY, 3A) stretched the field relentlessly, forcing Oregon into tough matchups they couldn’t consistently win.

To Oregon’s credit, they didn’t fold. A strong fourth quarter push—outscoring Seattle by 1—showed real grit, with contributions across the roster including Haley Bollier (195 RY) and Emily Pozzy (243 TY). But the second-quarter avalanche was too much to climb out of.

SEA’s Anna Pettee had three blocks that highlighted a defensive unit that found its rhythm once the game tilted. From there, Seattle Tempest controlled tempo and never let Oregon get within striking distance again

Game 2: SD @ BAY

Undefeated No More

The first quarter played even—tight, physical, no easy breaks. In the second, Bay Area Falcons started to pry things open, finding small cracks and turning them into a lead that felt fragile but real.

But San Diego Super Bloom punched back.

A third-quarter surge erased the deficit and reset the game, putting pressure right back on Bay. The undefeated streak was still very much alive—and suddenly the Falcons had to prove something.

They did. In the fourth quarter, the Bay Area Falcons slammed the door.

Timely defense—led by Bridget Wipfler and Dawn Culton (three blocks each)—shifted momentum, and the offense capitalized. Eliza Pugh (3A, 356 TY) orchestrated efficiently, with support from Olivia Goss (3A) and a balanced downfield attack led by Alex Barnett (3G).

San Diego had answers all game—Merideth Byl (3G), Kristen Pojunis (3A), and Yu Ishii (3A) kept the offense humming—but couldn’t generate the final push when it mattered most.

Bay Area Falcons earned their first win over San Diego since 2024—and handed San Diego Super Bloom their first loss since late 2025 when a lightning delay cut a game short.

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.

Vote for POTW every week on the WUL Instagram!

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.

.

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?

Catch all games live and FREE on the WUL YouTube!

Week 5 Recap: Statement Wins and Last Minute Drama

Two one-point games. An overtime finish. The first crack in an undefeated season. The margins across the league are getting thinner—and the stakes are getting higher.

Colorado Alpenglow proved they can go toe-to-toe with Seattle Tempest. Arizona Sidewinders showed resilience in a comeback overtime win. San Diego Super Bloom continued to look like a team that knows exactly how to weather pressure.

We’re nearly halfway through the season and the race is starting to take shape.

Game 1: SEA @ UT

Tempest Maintains Control Over Wild

Seattle Tempest opened their doubleheader road weekend with a controlled win over Utah Wild.

Both teams had to adjust to less-than-perfect wind conditions, but Seattle stayed disciplined—leaning on clean resets and efficient movement to dictate the pace early.

Utah showed flashes, particularly through their handler core, with Liz Bunderson racking up 4A/4B/397 TY and Abbie Davis running down the disc for 272 RY. But consistency remained the challenge, as turnovers prevented sustained momentum.

Seattle capitalized on those openings. Meg Manning (354 RY), Gemma Munck (4G), Sabrina Hartnett (4B) and Jamie Kauffman (4G, 4A) showed out, while Cheryl Hsu paced the offense with 397 throwing yards, helping Tempest maintain control throughout for a 23-12 win.

Game 2: SEA @ CO

Alpenglow Deals Tempest First Loss

The rematch delivered.

Seattle Tempest entered undefeated, but Colorado Alpenglow flipped the script in a tight battle that came down to the final possession.

Colorado found early separation before Seattle closed the gap. The game then settled into a back-and-forth grind, with both teams trading holds and forcing each other into longer, more difficult possessions.

Playmakers showed up. Seattle's Jamie Kauffman led all players in the matchup with four goals, 4 assists and four blocks, impacting both sides of the disc, while Colorado’s core (Abbie Thorpe with 346 RY, Ari Nelson with 361 TY) continued to generate pressure in key moments.

Late-game execution made the difference. Colorado converted in the final possession after time expired, avoiding overtime and winning 16-15.

Game 3: AZ @ SD

San Diego Absorbs Pressure From Arizona, Stay Undefeated

Arizona came out aggressive—and for stretches, it worked. They pushed the pace, challenged downfield, and forced San Diego into uncomfortable spots early.

Arizona generated chances and even found breaks, but sustaining that pressure proved difficult. After hanging with San Diego for the first 8 points of the game, San Diego blew it wide open and never looked back.

Clean handler movement helped them take control, while their defense tightened at key moments. Kristen Pojunis was among several contributors facilitating the offense, finishing with four assists and leading Super Bloom to a commanding 23-10 win.

Game 4: AZ @ LA

Sidewinders Rally To Win Overtime Thriller

Sidewinders and Astra went back-and-forth all game, with neither team able to create significant separation. Astra looked poised for their first win, led by a massive performance from former Sidewinder Karli Steiner, who finished with seven assists and a league-best 516 throwing yards, and Chip Yen with six goals and 300+ receiving yards.

But Arizona kept coming. A late push erased the 2-point deficit and forced overtime, where the Sidewinders took control. Kez Gesell (3G, 1A, 2B, 481Y) and Kay Powell (1G, 1A, 1B, 318 TY) lead Arizona’s offense and found just enough consistency to finish the comeback in overtime for a 16-15 win over Astra.

2026 Midseason Check-In: Who's On Track For Championship Weekend?

By Noam Gumerman
Lead WUL Writer

We are nearly halfway through the 2026 WUL Regular Season and the tension and pressure will only build as the season rolls on. Week 5 was the most exciting week yet with two 1-point thrillers, promising even more exciting ultimate to come. Here’s how things stand in the league as of now:

The two biggest stories of the season so far are the two teams at the top of their conferences, Seattle Tempest and San Diego Super Bloom. Tempest roared out to a 3-0 start before having their momentum slowed by Colorado last week, losing 16-15 on a final possession score for Alpenglow. 

Despite the loss, Seattle Tempest boast a league-best +36 point differential across their first four games, in large part due to an all-time team performance in a 37-10 win over Utah. Seattle’s win shattered league records for largest margin of victory and most individual assists in a single game (Kaitlynne Roling with 9). In true Seattle fashion, their resurgence has been led by committee. 

Three of the four players with 10+ goals in the league so far are on Tempest (Jamie Kauffman, Gemma Munck, and Meg Manning), and three of the seven players with 10+ assists (Kauffman, Roling, and Cheryl Hsu) are also Tempest players. Kauffman specifically is having an all-time hot start; her +/- of +36 across just four games puts her on track to have the best season +/- in WUL history. Even with a close loss on the road, this is a team that harkens back to the first two years of dominance this franchise had in the WUL. The rest of the league should be on high alert.

San Diego Super Bloom has rolled right into 2026 with the same momentum they created to win the championship in 2025.

The league’s remaining undefeated team has only played three games so far, but they’ve been dominant in all. Our preseason player to watch was Abbi Shilts, and she has been a big contributor, leading the team in goals (9), blocks (6), and +/- (13) across just three games. Kaitlyn Weaver is also leading the charge with eight assists and a staggering 54 points played across three games – 12 more than the next highest on Super Bloom.

As a group, their defensive identity remains intact with leadership from Kaela Helton, Kristen Pojunis, Laura Blume and more driving up pressure on their opponents. Super Bloom is earning breaks on nearly half of their defensive points across the first three games, putting opponents in large deficits quickly. 

Colorado Alpenglow trails Seattle Tempest only on point differential after clawing back from a second-half deficit against Seattle to split their series 1-1. These two teams are competing for the top spot in the conference.

Colorado has a slightly harder road by playing both San Diego and Bay Area, but there’s a lot to like about Alpenglow’s 3-1 start to the season. For starters, sweeping Oregon means they have an inside track to Championship Weekend, as their nearest competitors will need to be two games better than them across the second half of the season.

Secondly, Ari Nelson (4G, 12A, 1B), Abby Thorpe (12G, 8A, 5B) and Sarah Itoh (8G, 10B) once again look like the championship-level core they’ve been the past two seasons with dominant performances on both sides of the disc. And finally, a healthy Kennedy McCarthy has added a lethal triple threat presence as a thrower, receiver, and defender. Alongside Thorpe, McCarthy is the only Alpenglow player to have contributed at least 350 yards throwing and receiving, and has tacked on a 6G/7A/7B statline to start the season - not to mention earning the Player of the Week selection for Week 2.

After a flatter start than expected for this highly anticipated roster, Bay Area Falcons have begun to find their stride. Their biggest test is this weekend, when they host San Diego with a chance for revenge from 2026 Week 1 and last year’s 2025 Championship Game.

They’ve taken big strides across the board since that Week 1 matchup, and a big reason has been the integration of preseason player to watch Alex Barnett into the Falcons’ offense. After a slow first game, Barnett has now integrated into the system and currently leads the team in assists (9) and is tied with Alexi Zalk for the team lead in goals (7). She trails only Zalk in receiving yards and only Robyn Fennig in throwing yards on the team.

Speaking of, Zalk is having a breakout season, having already surpassed her career high in receiving yards from last season as the team’s top target so far. But despite the growth, this team is still looking to find its identity and solidify that chemistry they’re working to build. This weekend’s game against San Diego will be the best chance they have to springboard themselves into the second half of their season and prove they are true championship contenders.

Oregon Soar and Arizona Sidewinders are the two teams with a chance to pull off a surprise visit to Championship Weekend. Both squads sit at 2-2 this season after winless 2025 campaigns. Both teams’ greater success in 2026 can be attributed to improving their biggest weaknesses from a year ago. 

Oregon converted holds at a rate of 38.1% in 2025; they’ve nearly doubled that number to 67.2% across four games in 2026. Oregon’s preseason X-factor Rachel Egan has been a huge reason why, leading the team in goals (8), blocks (6), and receiving yards (744) while adding 6 assists. Rookie Cami Lamont is putting in an early bid for Breakout Player of the Year as well, leading the team with 8 assists and adding 712 throwing yards.

Soar has their work cut out for them to make the post season though, as they’ve already lost both games against Colorado, meaning they’ll likely need to win twice against Seattle to qualify.

Arizona Sidewinders have been able to improve their break percent from 12.6% last year to over 28% in 2026. Some of this can be credited to longtime Arizona handlers Chip Chang (3G/11A/3B 789ThY) and LP Aragon (5A 736ThY) more equitably splitting their points played between offense and defense this year.

Sidewinders have long been a handler-dominant team missing one or two elite downfield outlets, but they’ve finally got their big-time receiver in former Alpenglow captain, Kristen Reed. Preseason player to watch Reed exceeded expectations through the first half of the Sidewinders’ season.

Reed is top-five in the entire WUL in goals and blocks, and has tracked down the fourth most huck receptions across the league as well. And if AZ can pull off an upset or two down the stretch, we may be talking about the first Sidewinders appearance at Championship Weekend since 2022.

Utah Wild and Los Angeles Astra are both teams in transition periods, still looking for their first win of 2026. One of them will earn that win in just two weeks when these two teams face off during Week 7. Utah will, in all likelihood, be the early underdogs in this matchup.

The performance of preseason X-factor Eva Bell has been a bright spot for Utah. Bell leads the entire league in throwing yards, and is still top-5 on a per-game rate. She has stepped into an exponentially bigger role for Wild this year than she had last year, and is thriving despire Utah’s win-loss record. Preseason player to watch Abbie Davis has only been available for two games this year, but add Lily Terpstra (8G/4A), Beejee Kratzer (7G/4A/1B), and Casstique Williams (6G/8A/3B) and you have a solid core for Utah to build around.

If they want to win their first game of the season though, they’ll need to improve on just about every efficiency stat we track.

Los Angeles came heartbreakingly close to their first win back in the WUL against Arizona last weekend. They fell 16-15 in 2026’s first overtime game after dropping a two-goal lead with under three minutes left in the game.

Next weekend, they have a two-game road trip to Utah and then Arizona, with their best two opportunities remaining for that elusive win. A 2-0 weekend would signal their growth. To get those wins, Los Angeles will need to be led by players like Karli Steiner, who is just one assist away from her career high of 11 set back in 2022. They’ll also need to rely on players like preseason X-factor Chip Yen, who is on pace to lead Astra in goals scored for the second year in a row, with 8G/2A/5B in just three games.

Astra as a whole is a squad still looking to gel together and to get used to the competition they’re seeing in the WUL. A heartbreaking loss like the one last week could be just what they need to internalize what it’s going to take for them to get their first win of 2026.

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.

Vote for POTW every Tuesday on the WUL Instagram!

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.

.

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.

Catch all games live and FREE on the WUL YouTube!

Week 4 Recap: Seattle Rewrites the Record Book, Oregon Makes History At Home

Jamie Kauffman (SEA) brings down a disc over their UT defender during Seattle’s record-setting home game on April 3, 2026 Photographer: Jonathan Red

Week 4 set a new benchmark. Seattle’s performance established a standard of execution that will challenge every opponent moving forward while Oregon demonstrated the ability to translate adjustments into results, securing a milestone win at home. Utah had a demanding doubleheader weekend on the road, but did not let their loss to Seattle define their entire weekend.

Game 1: UT @ SEA

Seattle Rewrites the Record Book in Statement Win Over Utah

Seattle delivered one of the most complete performances in league history on Friday night, setting multiple WUL records in a game defined by efficiency, depth, and sustained pressure.

From the opening possessions, Tempest established control through disciplined offense and a defense that consistently generated short-field opportunities. That combination allowed Seattle to build separation steadily while maintaining a high level of execution throughout all four quarters.

The result: 37 goals, the highest single-game total in WUL history, alongside the largest margin of victory the league has seen (27 points).

At the center of that performance was Meg Manning, who produced one of the most remarkable statistical games ever recorded: 5 goals, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and 545 total yards, without a single turnover – making her the first player in WUL history to ever record 500+ yards with no turnovers. Her impact was consistent, both as a finisher and initiator, and her ability to stretch the field shaped the flow of the game.

Jamie Kauffman complemented that effort with another standout two-way performance (4G, 4A, 4B, 446 yards, 0 turnovers, the WUL’s first 4/4/4 game), while Kaitlynne Roling also set a new single-game assists record with 9 assists and 0 turnovers—underscoring Seattle’s precision across the roster.

Additional contributions from Anna Pettee (5G, 4A), Lauren Page (4B), and Brogan Jones (5A, 300 TY) highlighted the team-wide nature of the performance.

Utah continued to show its defining strengths: athleticism, pace, and a willingness to attack downfield. Wild generated opportunities and moments of offensive rhythm, particularly when able to move the disc laterally and create space. While the result did not fall their way, the building blocks remain evident for a developing roster navigating a demanding early-season schedule. Eva Bell turned in a 283TY, 2A, 2B performance, but Utah lacked the depth to rein in Seattle’s efforts.

Seattle’s 37-10 winning performance ultimately set the standard—one that will shape the league conversation for years ahead.

Game 2: UT @ OR

Defensive Discipline Lifts Soar to First Ever Home Win

Oregon Soar secured a composed win built on defensive discipline and steady offensive execution, particularly as the game progressed.

Utah opened with energy, moving the disc quickly, looking to create space downfield and early separation. That early pace translated into competitive possessions and opportunities to challenge Oregon’s defense.

As the game settled, Oregon made key adjustments—tightening defensive pressure and limiting clean continuation looks, especially in the red zone. Those moments proved decisive, as Soar converted stops into breaks and extended their lead, and Utah started to lose steam in their second game of the weekend.

Rachel Egan delivered a standout performance with 6 assists and 4 blocks, while Caity Winterbottom (4G, 1B, 1A, 246 RY) and Zoe Luke (4G) provided consistent finishing downfield.

Utah continued to compete throughout, with Eva Bell (2A, 2B, 358 TY) leading the offensive effort. Their ability to generate opportunities remained clear, even as Oregon’s defensive efforts became more effective. While Utah outscored Oregon in Q2, the 4 point gap created in both Q1 and Q3 proved too much to overcome.

Oregon’s consistency ultimately carried the result, but competitiveness on both sides remained a defining feature of the matchup with the final score landing at 19-12.

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.

Vote for POTW every Tuesday on the WUL Instagram!

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.

Catch all games live and FREE on the WUL YouTube!

Week 3 Recap: Breakthrough Wins & Tough Tests Start to Shape Standings

Kez Gesell (AZ) and Georgia Cardosa (BAY) battle it out for a disc during Saturday’s Bay Area home game on March 28, 2026. Photographer: Ron Sellers

Week 3 of the 2026 WUL season delivered breakout performances and a milestone win! San Diego Super Bloom continued their strong start with a composed win over Los Angeles Astra, while Bay Area Falcons defended home turf against Arizona in a high-energy matchup.

Oregon Soar secured their first franchise win since joining the WUL in 2025, and turned around less than 24 hours later to challenge Colorado Alpenglow in a tight rematch from Week 1. Across the weekend, standout individual performances and disciplined team systems have begun to separate contenders from the pack.

Game 1: LA @ SD

Super Bloom Control the Tempo in SoCal Clash

San Diego Super Bloom leaned on defensive discipline and offensive patience to secure a win over Los Angeles Astra in a windy SoCal matchup. Early miscues from both teams highlighted challenging conditions, but San Diego quickly settled into their system—mixing zone pressure with efficient handler movement to take control.

Los Angeles generated opportunities, particularly with quick handler resets and attempts to stretch the field deep, but struggled to consistently break through San Diego’s defensive sets. LA had an impressive 90% completion rate but went 2 of 11 on huck completions and 1 of 9 on break opportunities. Super Bloom capitalized where Astra could not, converting key break chances (7 of 26) and maintaining composure in long, grinding points.

Standout performances included Margot Nissen (4 assists) and Megan Maxfield (3G) facilitating the offense with Abbi Shilts (3B) anchoring the defensive effort. San Diego’s ability to adapt to conditions and execute in high-pressure moments ultimately created separation in a game that demanded precision due to the windy conditions.

Game 2: AZ @ BAY

Falcons Defend Home Turf in Physical Battle with Arizona

Bay Area Falcons showcased why they entered the season as title contenders, defeating the Arizona Sidewinders behind a competitive, high-efficiency performance. Arizona kept pace early, responding to pressure with quick ball movement and opportunistic scoring. Both teams found great success in their hucks – boasting an 80% completion rate. Arizona was able to complete 8 of 9 hucks, but their downfall was their 39% completion rate in the endzone.

Bay Area’s defensive intensity and structured offense proved too much for Arizona – they had 15 blocks and 29 break opportunities as a team. Their handler trio dictated tempo, limiting Arizona’s ability to generate clean looks while capitalizing on turnovers with clinical execution.

Despite the loss, Arizona delivered one of the weekend’s biggest highlights as Helen Eifert recorded a layout Callahan, adding to a historic trend across the league this season.

Top performers included Alex Barnett (4A), Bridget Wipfler (5B), and Robyn Fennig (301TY) for Bay Area, while LP Aragon led Arizona with 350 throwing yards and 4 assists, continuing her role as the engine of the Sidewinders offense.

Game 3: OR @ UT

Soar Secures First Win in Franchise History

Oregon Soar secured their first win in franchise history with a composed and energetic performance against Utah Wild. After both teams traded early holds, Oregon began to find rhythm through their handler core, using quick resets and balanced field movement to generate scoring opportunities.

Utah showed flashes of strong offensive structure, particularly through Lily Terpstra, who led all players with 379 receiving yards, but struggled to maintain consistency against Oregon’s defensive pressure. Turnovers in key moments allowed Soar to capitalize on breaks and create separation in the third quarter.

Oregon’s offense was powered by Caitlin Fitzgerald, who delivered a standout performance with 4 goals and 3 blocks, impacting both sides of the disc. Wendy Torres added 273 throwing yards, helping anchor a steady handler unit that limited mistakes and kept the offense flowing.

With the win, Oregon not only evens their early-season record, but establishes momentum heading into their doubleheader finale—marking a significant milestone in the program’s growth.

Game 4: OR @ CO

Alpenglow Edge Out Soar in Rematch Thriller

In a quick turnaround rematch, Colorado Alpenglow narrowly held off Oregon Soar in a competitive, back-and-forth contest. Oregon entered with momentum and confidence, challenging Colorado across all four quarters with improved chemistry and aggressive downfield looks.

Colorado responded with composure and star power, relying on their core playmakers to regain control in critical moments. The game remained tight throughout, with both teams trading scores and testing defensive depth. Oregon’s defensive structures slowed down Colorado’s normally quick offense and prevented the quick scores they relied on in 2025, but had enough blocks to maintain the lead throughout the game.

Abby Thorpe led the way for Colorado with 4 goals, including a Callahan, marking the third of the 2026 season—an unprecedented milestone for the league. Oregon continued to shine offensively, with Cami Lamont recording 301 throwing yards and Caitlin Fitzgerald adding 4 assists and 220 receiving yards in a standout weekend.

Colorado’s ability to execute late and protect possession ultimately secured the win, but Oregon’s performance reinforced their rapid growth as a competitive force in the league.

McCarthy & Thorpe Break Records; Big Opportunity Ahead for OR & AZ

In Week 2, Kennedy McCarthy delivered a historic performance to earn Player of the Week honors, despite a tough road matchup in Seattle. Colorado split their Pacific Northwest doubleheader with a win over Oregon and a loss to the Tempest, while standout performances and record-setting moments defined the weekend. In Week 3, teams look to build momentum as early-season identities continue to take shape.

WUL Week 2 Player of the Week:
Kennedy McCarthy (Colorado Alpenglow)

Kennedy McCarthy lays out for a Callahan score against Seattle. Kennedy topped the leader board in Week 2, becoming the first player ever to record a 3G/4A/4B stat line in a single game,. (Photographer: Henry Jensen)

In a statement performance against the Seattle Tempest, Kennedy McCarthy delivered one of the most complete games in WUL history.

McCarthy finished with 3 goals, 4 assists, and 4 blocks—becoming the first player ever to record a 3G/4A/4B stat line in a single game, and just the fourth to reach the 3G/3A/3B milestone. Her impact was felt across every phase of the game, generating turnovers on defense and immediately converting them into scores on offense.

The highlight of the day? A layout Callahan that brought the sideline to life and punctuated an already dominant individual performance.Vote for POTW every Tuesday on the WUL Instagram!

WUL Week 3 Preview

AZ @ BAY (Game of the Week)

All eyes are on the Game of the Week as Arizona heads to the Bay.

Arizona enters with momentum after a strong Week 1 showing—but the challenge ramps up on the road. Meanwhile, Bay Area looks to prove why they were preseason favorites, defending home turf and continuing to establish themselves as a championship contender. With early positioning in the standings on the line, this matchup could set the tone for both teams moving forward.

LA @ SD

The SoCal rivalry is back.

With Los Angeles Astra returning to the league, this matchup reignites a familiar battle in the South. San Diego, however, enters in strong form and will look to continue their dominant start while protecting home field. For Astra, it’s a chance to make an early statement. For Super Bloom, it’s about maintaining control.

OR @ UT

Oregon gets its first of two chances this weekend to make history. Facing Utah Wild, this game projects to be one of the most evenly matched contests of the weekend. Both teams are looking to find their footing early in the season, making this a prime opportunity for Oregon to secure their first win as a franchise. Expect a competitive battle where execution in key moments could make the difference.

OR @ CO

Sunday brings a quick-turn rematch as Oregon faces Colorado for the second straight week.

After a narrow loss in Week 2, Oregon will look to make adjustments and flip the result with another shot at the Alpenglow. Colorado, coming off a split weekend and a tough loss to Seattle, will be aiming to reassert their edge and prove their consistency. With familiarity high and motivation on both sides, this rematch could deliver one of the most compelling storylines of the weekend.

Catch all games live and FREE on the WUL YouTube!

Week 2 Recap: Colorado Splits PNW Doubleheader, Highlighted by Record Performances

SEA’s Kaitlynne Roling completes a push pass to Yeh-Sun Lee during their home opener on March 21, 2026. Photographer: Henry Jensen

Week 2 put Colorado Alpenglow to the test with a PNW doubleheader. They opened their season with a win in Oregon before falling to a surging Seattle squad in a 2025 third-place game rematch.

Game 1: CO @ OR

Alpenglow Rally Past Soar in Tight Season Opener

Colorado opened their 2026 campaign on the road in Portland, facing an Oregon Soar team eager to secure the first win in franchise history. With both teams navigating early-season roster changes, the matchup delivered stretches of strong, competitive play on both sides

Oregon came out energized in front of their home crowd, generating early pressure and finding success through a mix of patient offense and timely defensive stops. Murl Hammond led the way offensively with 4 goals and 333 receiving yards, anchoring a Soar offense that showed clear growth. OR rookie Emily Pozzy (1G/3A/1B/353Y) dominated on defense with a 71% defensive efficiency and an impressive stat line for while playing only on defense.

While the lead was traded back and forth much of Q1, Oregon came out gunning in Q2, outscoring CO 5-3, taking halftime up 9-7.

Colorado, however, leaned on their experience to settle into the game in the second half and found rhythm behind their core playmakers. Abby Thorpe delivered a historic performance, recording 4 assists and a league-record 452 receiving yards - the highest single-game total in WUL history.

Sarah Itoh added 5 goals to lead all scorers, as Colorado capitalized on key possessions and short-field opportunities to create separation.

While Oregon kept the game competitive throughout, Colorado’s execution in key moments proved decisive. The Alpenglow secured their first win of the season, while Oregon demonstrated continued progress as they build toward the rest of their schedule and hosting Championship Weekend later this year.

Game 2: CO @ SEA

Seattle Stands Tall Against Colorado’s Doubleheader Push

Sunday’s game in Seattle served as a rematch of the 2025 third-place game, with both teams looking to make an early statement.

Colorado came out strong in Q1, narrowly leading 6-5. However, Seattle pressed down on the gas for the remaining quarters and never looked back. Seattle’s ability to generate turns and convert quickly created separation, leading to a decisive 23–14 win.

Seattle’s offensive unit was led by Kaitlynne Roling (6 assists) and Cheryl Hsu (5 assists, 369 throwing yards), who helped orchestrate a steady and efficient attack. Lauren Page added 3 blocks (2 of them on hucks) and 221 receiving yards, contributing to Seattle’s ability to maintain pressure throughout the game.

Despite the result, Colorado saw a historic individual performance from Kennedy McCarthy. McCarthy recorded 3 goals, 4 assists, and 4 blocks—becoming the first player in WUL history to achieve a 3G/4A/4B stat line. Her all-around impact, including a layout Callahan, earned her Week 2 Player of the Week honors.

Colorado’s offense continued to run through 2024 and 2025 OPOTY Ari Nelson, who tallied 6 assists and 410 throwing yards, while 2024 MVP Abby Thorpe added 4 goals and 311 receiving yards to cap an impressive weekend.

Seattle’s complete performance secured a solid point differential, while Colorado left the weekend with a split result and key takeaways heading into the next stretch of the season.

Shilts Dominates Stats for San Diego; CO Doubleheader Coming in Week 2

In Week 1, Abbi Shilts lead San Diego Super Bloom to their first win of 2026 earning her the title of Player of the Week. In Week 2, Colorado Alpenglow faces Oregon Soar (Game of the Week) and Seattle Tempest in a pivotal PNW doubleheader.

WUL Week 1 Player of the Week:
Abbi Shilts (San Diego Super Bloom)

Abbi Shilts skies her opponent for one of her 6 goals in the first game of WUL Opening Weekend. Shilts broke her own scoring record and was top of the league for goals scored in Week 1. (Photographer: Abe Shklar)

As San Diego dominated the opening game, Abbi Shilts demonstrated that she’s ready to join the Super Bloom stars. 

Shilts scored 6 goals on Saturday, beating her regular season totals from 2024 and 2025 (4 and 5, respectively), and consistently gained ground for San Diego, leading the team with 271 receiving yards. She capped her performance with one assist and one block on only a single turnover, giving her a team-best plus/minus of +7. Shilts also becomes only the 7th player in league history to notch 6 goals in a single game.

At only 23 years old, Shilts is a member of two gold-winning Team USA U24 delegations in 2023 and 2025 and is poised to help drive San Diego toward their goal of a second WUL Championship in 2026.

Vote for POTW every Tuesday on the WUL Instagram!

WUL Week 2 Preview

CO @ OR (Game of the Week)

Week 2 Game of the Week is the opening game for both Colorado Alpenglow and Oregon Soar as CO travels to the Pacific Northwest for a double header weekend. Colorado will be looking to redeem their 2025 post season 4th place finish, and Oregon is still seeking their first franchise win. Colorado brings back stars Abby Thorpe, Ari Nelson, and Jade McLaughlin along with new addition Maggie O’Connor, but will have to play without 2025 defensive contributors Rory Veldman and Megan Maxfield as they look for a win on the road. Oregon has had more roster turnover, but boasts the return of Noelle Takahashi and Rachel Egan, as well as adding some big WUL names including Murl Hammond and Caity “Yeti” Winterbottom, plus New England transplants Caitlyn Fitzgerald and Emily Pozzy. Oregon showed flashes of great play last year, including out-scoring Colorado in the second half of their home match in 2025. This game will also be an opportunity for Oregon fans to show up for their team as the organization gets ready to host Championship Weekend this year. Catch the game live in Portland at 4pm PT 3/21 or stream on the WUL YouTube channel!

CO @ SEA

Colorado Alpenglow will complete their road trip with a game in Seattle against the Tempest on Sunday afternoon. This rematch of the 2025 3rd place game is a chance for both teams to show they’ve improved after some roster change-ups. Seattle brings back Kaitlynne Roling after losing 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Sadie Jezierski to the PUL, but returns major contributors in Cheryl Hsu and Drea Baroma. This game could be a harbinger of things to come for each former champion as they fight to get back to the top of the league. Catch the game live in Seattle at 1pm PT 3/22 or on the WUL YouTube channel!

Week 1 Recap: Defense, Depth & Roster Changes Define WUL Opening Weekend

Opening weekend of the 2026 WUL season showcased a mix of returning dominance and evolving team identities. San Diego Super Bloom continued their championship form with a statement win over Bay Area, while Arizona Sidewinders controlled their home opener behind defensive pressure. Across all matchups, roster changes—especially in the handler space—played a major role as teams worked to establish chemistry early in the season.

Game 1: BAY @ SD

San Diego Pulls Away from Bay in Championship Rematch

San Diego Super Bloom opened their 2026 season with a dominating 22–14 win over Bay Area Falcons in the highly-anticipated rematch of the 2025 Championship Game. In a matchup between two title contenders navigating roster changes, Bay Area showed potential behind a retooled handler core, but San Diego’s defensive pressure and offensive chemistry left no room for error from Bay Area. Returning stars Kaela Helton, Kaitlyn Weaver (4 assists) and Abbi Shilts (6 goals) were only a small piece of the story for Super Bloom as they seemed to pick up where they left off at the end of last season. Across the field, Bay Area experienced the opposite as they struggled to integrate their new collection of talent. 

San Diego wasted no time setting the tone, earning a first point break with tight defensive pressure and quick transition offense. A highlight grab from Lexa Stambaugh sparked the opening score, with Cam Helm finishing the sequence to give Super Bloom an immediate edge.

Bay Area responded with composure by scoring a clean hold after the initial break. Led by Robin Fennig (4 assists) and Alex Barnett (3 goals, 2 assists), the Falcons worked patiently through San Diego’s sagging defensive looks, relying on handler resets and short throws to stabilize early possessions. Despite San Diego generating early breaks, Bay Area’s steady offense helped keep the game level, closing the first quarter tied 4–4.

In the second quarter, San Diego’s defensive identity began to take control. Mixing sag looks, poaches, and strong end-zone positioning, Super Bloom forced difficult decisions and created multiple short-field opportunities. On offense, San Diego spread the disc efficiently across the roster. Helton, Weaver, and Kelli Iwamoto facilitated clean movement, while Sanam Rozycki-Shah (2 goals, 2 assists) delivered standout plays, including multiple contested grabs in her WUL debut. Their chemistry gave San Diego the edge at half, leading Bay 10-8.

While Bay Area generated defensive stops and transition chances, they struggled to convert into goals, notching only three breaks during the game (and one of those coming in the final point when the game was out of reach). Super Bloom, however, capitalized on their chances, turning turnovers into quick scores and logging eleven breaks during the game. Big plays from Stambaugh (3 goals) in the deep space and continued chemistry among Super Bloom fueled the run, with the handler unit confidently driving their fast tempo.

Bay Area showed flashes, including a layout score from Utah Wild transfer Kendra Miller and continued defensive pressure from Vicki Chen and Margo Donahue, but missed connections, particularly on deep looks, limited their comeback chances. By the end of the third quarter, San Diego had built a multi-break cushion.

Bay Area kept fighting into the fourth quarter, with Barnett demonstrating her prowess to drive forward motion from the handler space, and Lexi Zalk (3 goals) providing key scoring contributions. However, the deficit proved too large to overcome as San Diego maintained control through the final minutes and Bay Area gave up four breaks in the final minutes of the game.

As the Falcons find ways to integrate their new stars, they will have the opportunity to meet preseason expectations as title contenders, but during this game it was San Diego who showed they have the chops to become the second WUL team to win back-to-back championships.

Game 2: UT @ AZ

Sidewinders Surge Past Wild 

The Arizona Sidewinders opened their 2026 season with a commanding 23–14 win over the Utah Wild in the second game of WUL opening weekend.

In a matchup between two teams coming off difficult 2025 campaigns, Arizona leaned on defensive pressure and returning chemistry, while Utah showcased flashes of promise behind a young, athletic roster.

Arizona established control from the opening points, using tight defensive coverage and quick transitions to build an early lead. Former Colorado Alpenglow captain Kristen Reed (3 goals, 2 blocks) and an injury-free Kody Lippincott (3 blocks) made immediate impacts on defense for AZ, generating blocks and short-field opportunities. Once the Sidewinders got possession, they moved efficiently, capitalizing on Utah miscues.

On offense, Arizona looked composed, with mainstay handlers Paige Applegate (5 assists) and Chip Chang (3 assists) orchestrating clean possessions and finding open space across the field. Fourteen different players scored a goal for the Sidewinders, as they used their depth and chemistry to make easy work of the Wild defense.

After a difficult start, Utah began to settle into the game. Despite fielding a roster with many new players, the Wild showed confidence pushing the pace and attacking deep space. Returners Eva Bell, 2024 BPOTY Abbie Davis, and Cassie Williams helped lead a more fluid offensive approach, using quick-release throws and aggressive cuts to challenge Arizona’s defense. Bell and Davis had huge games and truly carried the load for the Wild offense, Bell finishing with 4 assists and 692 total yards (4th most all-time in a single game), and Davis totaling 5 goals and 356 receiving yards (tied for 3rd most all-time in a single game).

By halftime, however, Arizona maintained a comfortable 12–5 lead. Utah showed more composure in the second half, finding success with deeper looks and faster offensive movement. Their willingness to throw into space created several scoring opportunities and highlighted the team’s athletic upside.

However, every push from Utah was met with a response from Arizona. They continued to generate pressure defensively, lead by Kez Gesell, while maintaining efficiency on offense. Big plays from 19-year-old rookie Maya Melner (whose triplet Taylor Melner also made her debut on Utah Wild that night), including multiple deep scores in her debut, helped keep momentum firmly on Arizona’s side.

While the final score of 23-14  gave Arizona their first win in 10 games, Utah demonstrated clear potential. Utah’s aggressive style and willingness to attack downfield created opportunities throughout the game. Their first game after the losses of veteran handlers 2023 OPOTY Paige Kercher and Kat Songer showed obvious gaps, but also signs of hope as the team’s many rookies saw their first minutes of playing time in a pro league.

Game 3: Bay @ LA

Falcons Hold Off Astra 

The 2026 Western Ultimate League season continued with its third game of Opening Weekend as the Bay Area Falcons defeated Los Angeles Astra 15–12 in a dynamic, hard-fought contest in Burbank. For Astra, this marked their return to the WUL after a two-year hiatus—following a season competing in the PUL—while the Falcons were looking to rebound after a loss to San Diego the day prior.

Bay Area came out composed and efficient, capitalizing on early opportunities to build a 3–0 lead. Their offense flowed smoothly, with Robin Fennig and Alex Barnett (3 assists) driving possession and creating high-percentage looks. Defensively, Dawn Culton (3 blocks) made an immediate impact. Her ability to read the disc, generate blocks, and spark transition offense helped the Falcons establish early control.

After a shaky start, Los Angeles began to settle in. Led by players Madee Shade, Chip Yen, and Nadine Meister, Astra improved their offensive patience and spacing. The team showed strong chemistry despite the long absence from the league, working through resets and creating opportunities across the field. By halftime, they had trimmed the deficit, but Bay Area still held a 10–7 lead.

The second half saw a shift in momentum as wind conditions intensified and both teams tightened defensively. Clean offensive sequences became harder to come by, with longer possessions, layout attempts, and forced turnovers defining the pace. Astra’s defensive pressure—highlighted by standout plays from Malia Smith (2 blocks)—helped keep the game within reach but floaty throws and bumbled passes set Astra on their heels. 

Bay Area consistently capitalized on those key moments. Their ability to convert turnovers quickly and maintain composure under pressure allowed them to preserve their lead.

Despite the loss, Astra showed clear signs of potential for 2026. Notably, LA returner Karli Steiner (3 assists) commanded respect in the second half with pinpoint throws and a monster 40 yard cross field hammer score to Parissa Teli. Their ability to adjust mid-game, apply defensive pressure, and stay competitive against a top-tier opponent highlights a strong foundation moving forward.

Astra closed the game with a final score to bring it to 15–12, underscoring their resilience, while Bay bounced back from their San Diego loss to finish the weekend 1-1. 

2026 Season Preview

By Noam Gummerman
WUL Lead Writer

The 2026 Western Ultimate League season is just days away, kicking off with a 2025 WUL Championship Game rematch between last year’s winners San Diego Super Bloom, and runners-up, Bay Area Falcons. Both teams and the league as a whole have undergone significant changes over the past nine months. Between the return of Los Angeles Astra (and with them, an eight-team league), seismic cross-country roster moves, and everything in between, here is your primer on a very exciting fifth season of the WUL!

New This Season:

The biggest news of the offseason is the return of Los Angeles Astra to the Western Ultimate League. After a year away in the Premier Ultimate League (PUL), they’re back, bringing the number of teams in the WUL back to eight and re-introducing four-team conferences. The Northwest Conference will consist of Colorado Alpenglow, Oregon Soar, Seattle Tempest, and Utah Wild. The Southwest Conference will contain Arizona Sidewinders, Bay Area Falcons, Los Angeles Astra, and San Diego Super Bloom. Each team will play an eight-game schedule: two games against non-conference opponents on top of six games against their own conference (two against each team). The top two teams in each conference will qualify for Championship Weekend, June 13-14.

Arizona Sidewinders

State of the team: Sidewinders are coming into 2026 on the back of a 1-11 record across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. 2025 was especially rough, going winless with a league-worst -50 goal differential and generating just 12 breaks across six games. They return 21 players to the roster, though, so they will be banking on their chemistry and a few key additions to their roster to take a step forward in 2026.

Player to watch: Kristen Reed joins Arizona from Colorado Alpenglow, looking to make a big impact. In her one full year of action with CO, she scored 21 goals (top 3 in the league), recorded eight blocks, and racked up over 1700 yards. Reed is one of just three players in WUL history to score seven goals in a single game (Abby Thorpe (CO), Alex Diaz (SD)). A downfield threat like Reed could alleviate some of the pressure Sidewinders’ handlers have faced from opposing defenses and allow the Arizona offense to operate more cleanly.

X Factor: Kody Lippincott recorded 14 blocks in 2023, but has only been able to play two regular-season games since due to injury. Arizona sorely missed Lippincott last season, generating just 46 blocks, the fewest in the league by over 20. Like Reed, Lippincott’s downfield ability on both sides of the disc has the potential to make a big impact and help Arizona finally take a big step forward in 2026.

Bay Area Falcons

State of the team: The Falcons were just two points away from a first-ever WUL championship last year, on their home turf to boot. They could’ve taken the offseason easy, run it back with virtually the same roster, and trusted their ability to grow and improve as a team. Instead, the Falcons brought in a haul of new talent, including some big names from the East Coast and PUL. With those new additions to a strong returning foundation, they are the favorites to finally claim that WUL title in 2026.

Player to watch: While Dawn Culton may be the most decorated player making her debut for Bay Area Falcons (and WUL) in 2026, Alex Barnett is the player who may unlock the most for this Falcons squad. Barnett led the PUL’s Raleigh Radiance to an appearance in their Championship Game last season and finished in the top ten of the PUL for completions, assists, and throwing yards – all with a 98% completion rate. Barnett’s throwing prowess may only be outdone by her new teammate, returning Falcon and 2025 MVP nominee, Robyn Fennig. Pairing them will give teams playing Bay Area a rough day, no matter the conditions. 

X Factor: Malina Wiebe currently has the highest career goals-per-game average in the league, averaging 3.3 goals across 30 career games. She also racked up seven goals and 350 receiving yards at Championship Weekend. However, Wiebe has never played more than three regular-season games in a season. If she’s available for the full season, Wiebe will surely benefit from the extra attention getting paid to Bay Area’s new stars, and is a darkhorse candidate to lead the league in goals this year.

Colorado Alpenglow 

State of the team: After a 6-0 regular season in 2026, Colorado Alpenglow looked poised to become the second team to win back-to-back WUL Championships. Two disappointing games later, and they finished fourth instead of lifting the trophy once again. In the offseason, there has been some roster shuffling, but with the dust settling, Alpenglow looks set for another strong season this year.

Player to watch: Colorado has plenty of players who have put up big numbers in the past and will continue to in 2026. But one player who deserves some more attention is Bristol Lovoy, who put up one of the most dominant defensive cutting performances in 2025. Lovoy is one of an army of athletic Alpenglow players who routinely cause downfield matchup nightmares for their opponents. Last year, Lovoy tied for second in the league with 14 goals scored as a D-line player. She added five assists and over 1100 total yards with 15% usage as a cutter.

X Factor: Maggie O’Connor joins the Alpenglow for the first time in 2026, which marks her third team in the WUL. In 2022 and 2023, O’Connor was an OPOTY finalist with Astra. She is one of three players to rank in the top-10 single-season in both goals (18 in 2022) and assists (19 in 2023), but since those years has not recorded 10 goals or assists in a season. At her best, she is a field-warping offensive threat. Should O’Connor recapture her 2022 and 2023 magic, a pairing with Alpenglow’s strong handler core could rival the Falcons.

Los Angeles Astra

State of the team: Los Angeles Astra enters the season with a clean WUL slate. After halting operations in 2024 and a year in the PUL in 2025, Astra is largely an unknown quantity. They went 1-5 in the PUL last year, struggling against the cross-country competition. But they enter a Southwest Conference that has a San Diego team with some notable roster turnover, and an Arizona team looking to find its footing. Just about anything is on the table for this squad this year.

Player to watch: Avalon Igawa was a 2023 DPOTY Finalist and All-WUL Second Team selection in Astra’s last year in the WUL. In each WUL season she’s played, Igawa has averaged 2 blocks per game while primarily guarding handlers. In a conference that seems to be gearing up for a handler arms race, Igawa’s ability as a stopper in that space will prove critical for Astra in their return to the WUL.

X Factor: Chip Yen was Astra’s leading goal scorer last season in the PUL with 12 across six games. Yen also cashed in 11 goals in 2023, her last season in the WUL, good for a top-25 spot league-wide. Astra needs to find building-block players to center their play around to find sustained success this year, and if Yen can continue to be a consistent end-zone threat, it will open up more opportunities for her and Astra as a whole to succeed this season.

Oregon Soar

State of the team: Oregon Soar enters their second season in the WUL, still searching for their first win as a franchise after finishing 0-6 in 2025. Despite that, there was a lot to like from Soar’s first season. Nearly a full roster made their pro debut, and they hung tough and nearly pulled off several stunning comebacks against some of the league’s best teams. This year they bring back a solid core of returners, and some extra experience who played on Oregon Onyx in the first couple of years of the league. It’s a wide-open Northwest Conference. Oregon, Utah, and Seattle will all believe they can compete for a spot at Championship Weekend even if Colorado remains dominant in the regular season. Soar will have plenty of opportunities for that first win and more this year.

Player to watch: Noelle Takahashi was, without a doubt, one of the brightest spots on the season for Soar last year. Takahashi was a 2025 Breakout Player of the Year finalist in her rookie campaign, finishing second on the team in assists (nine) and blocks (eight). Takahashi’s aggressiveness as a thrower and defender led to highlight reel action on both sides of the disc. Takahashi’s long experience playing in the club division at a high level will also provide critical leadership for a team still lacking the same level of pro experience as many of the other rosters in the league.

X Factor: Captain Rachel Egan has played every pro season in Oregon’s history and brings meaningful contributions on both sides of the disc. Over the past two Oregon pro seasons, she has transitioned to playing a meaningful number of offensive and defensive points, rather than her earlier role exclusively on defense. Egan is an elite block getter, even when taking on the toughest matchups the other team has to offer. Given her ability to contribute goals, assists, and blocks (15/5/13 all-time), just a couple extra of each across the board in big-time moments would push the Soar to new heights.

San Diego Super Bloom

State of the team: San Diego Super Bloom finally got over the hump in 2025, winning the WUL Champions after three straight seasons falling just short. With the gold, has the pressure lifted for this group? Or will they be just as hungry to repeat as they were for their first title? Franchise cornerstone Dena Elimelech moved cross-country to the PUL’s Atlanta Soul, but Super Bloom brought in plenty of reinforcements to reload for another title charge. Their competition will be steeper than ever before, but this Super Bloom core has climbed the mountain more recently than any other group in the league, and will be able to lean on that experience when things get tough.

Player to watch: Abbi Shilts had one of the quieter statistically dominant seasons last year in just her second pro season in the WUL. Shilts put up five goals, eight assists, and five blocks with just two turnovers across four games of action last year. Shilts will have even more space to work on cutting with the departure of Elimelech. If she can achieve that level of efficiency across a full season’s worth of volume, Shilts could find herself in OPOTY conversations by the time the season comes to a close. 

X Factor: Kristen Pojunis was the league’s first Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, leading the league in blocks, and playing every single game on her way to that honor. In the years since, Pojunis has missed at least one game each year, and only managed three blocks in three games played in 2025. Matching the missing production from last year’s roster is the name of the game for Super Bloom in 2026, and return to 2022 form for Pojunis would go a long way to putting San Diego in championship conversations once again.

Seattle Tempest 

State of the team: Seattle Tempest have been in a transitionary period for a couple seasons now, and once again are experiencing some notable roster overhaul. Unlike last year, this year they get to build off a Championship Weekend appearance in the previous season and will set their sights even higher in 2026. In a crowded Northwest Conference, the program that always seems to find a way to be successful will surely be one of the favorites to make Championship Weekend for a fourth time in five years.

Player to watch: Cheryl Hsu will take on an even bigger role as a Tempest anchor with the departure of Sadie Jezierski to the PUL’s New York Gridlock. Hsu will likely add to her team records as the Tempest’s all-time leader in assists and yards with another season pulling all the strings on offense. She’s thrown for at least ten assists in three of her four seasons in the WUL, and had a career high 30% usage rate in 2025, a mark that could rise this year even higher. Hsu is the kind of player that can handle high volumes of work very efficiently, but just how efficient she can be at the center of the opponent’s game plans will dictate a lot about this team.

X Factor: Drea Baroma is the Tempest’s all-time leading receiver, increasing her output each and every year from 2022 through 2025. Last year she accumulated over 1000 yards for the first time across her regular and postseason output. Despite all that production, she still hasn’t had a monster breakout year to put her in contention for any end-of-season awards or All-WUL selections. If she continues her upward trajectory, especially in light of Seattle looking a bit thin with returning scorers, Baroma is poised for a big year.

Utah Wild

State of the team: Utah Wild had a rough 1-5 season last year, only finding a win against winless Arizona, and immense roster turnover heading into 2026. Just eight returners means Wild will be low on institutional knowledge of their identity and league play as a whole, but at the same time have the opportunity to start building something new that can take them back to Championship Weekend in years to come. While this will likely be a rebuilding year for the program, Utah has pulled off some Cinderella runs before and shouldn’t be slept on.

Player to watch: Abbie Davis had a huge rookie season in 2024, winning BPOTY, being named a DPOTY finalist and Second Team All-WUL, and finishing second in the league in blocks with 13. In 2025, she joined a Wild O-line that never really found their footing, and as a result, her statistical output didn’t match that of the previous year. But with a gutted Wild cutting core over the offseason, Davis will likely be option number one downfield for 2026, and will have a big impact once again this year.

X Factor: Eva Bell is coming off of a great rookie season in 2025. She recorded eight goals and five assists against just five turnovers, an impressive level of efficiency for a player so young. Coming into her second year, she could be primed for a star turn as an impactful cutter, following in the footsteps of Davis two years ago.