Rachel Pittenger Staff Writer

Look out world, here comes Vassar Ultimate Frisbee! The women’s A-Team was one of three to advance to the regional play-offs as a result of their exceptional performance in the April 14 and April 15 Metro New York Women’s Sectionals. The frisbee players, also known as the Boxing Nuns, pulled off big victories in the early rounds of the tournament, which was held at the Vassar Farm and Prentiss Field. Vassar’s team fell to the New York University (NYU) Violent Femmes in the championship match on the morning of Sunday, April 15, but the team was excited about their qualification for regionals, and pleased with having such a big tournament on their home field.

This tournament, which in previous years has been held at Princeton, consisted of opponents from Columbia, Princeton, Rutgers, Fordham, Drew, and NYU. Vassar’s A and B teams filled the final two spots in the eight-team tournament. Vassar’s frisbee teams often travel long distances for tournaments, so having a chance to compete on their home turf against these highly competitive teams aided their performance.

The Boxing Nuns finished with a respectable 4-2 record at the end of the weekend. On Saturday, April 14, Vassar defeated Drew, Ford and Princeton, with one loss coming from NYU. On Sunday, they pulled off an impressive come-from-behind victory over Columbia. The second half of the game lead the Boxing Nuns to an important victory, qualifying them for the regional tournament.
After their come-from-behind victory over Columbia, the team faced NYU again on Sunday April 15.

Though the sun was shining and the temperature fair, the Boxing Nuns went down swinging after a long, hard-fought battle. The NYU Femmes racked up early points thanks to quick movement and crisp passes, despite the growing wind. Although Vassar struggled to connect at the offensive end, they did showcase a solid defensive effort, including some impressive blocks and interceptions.

As the game continued, Vassar began to heat up a bit more, and put several points on the board.

Despite effort in the later parts of the game, they were never able to pull off a comeback equal to the one they accomplished in their game against Columbia. Still, the team was still in high spirits following the loss.

Co-captains Judy Jarvis ’07 and Ellie Leonard ’06, along with Noland Chambliss ’06 and Jason Chandler ’06, the captains of the men’s team, took the initiative in scheduling these games for their home field.

In a meeting with Athletic Director Sharon Beverly, the captains were not only able to reserve fields for the tournament, but also discussed the general status of ultimate frisbee at the College. According to Jarvis, Beverly was “great, and very receptive” when listening to their requests.

Jarvis remarked on the unique “spirit of [Ultimate Frisbee]….all of the girls are excellent players (many with varsity athletic experience), and it is this collective passion” that makes it so fun to play.”

Emily Mirra ’08 agreed that “one of the biggest achievments on the women's team has been becoming more competitive while still upholding the spirit of the game.”

The next step for the A-squad is a trip with the men’s team to a tournament in Albany, followed by the regional tournament in Rochester.

The Boxing Nuns hope to continue to build on the momentum from their home tournament, and aim to make nationals their next stop.