D-I College Regionals 2025: Mega-Preview (Women’s Div.)

The rubber meets the road as teams across the country vie for coveted spots at the College Championships.

April 25, 2025 by Felicia Zheng, Aidan Thomas, Graham Gerhart, Edward Stephens and Bridget Mizener in Preview

Ultiworld’s coverage of the 2024 college ultimate season are presented by Spin Ultimate; all opinions are those of the author(s). Find out how Spin can get you, and your team, looking your best this season.

This is it, folks. This is where the college season officially separates the wheat from the chaff as, over the course of the next two weekends, teams from across the continent compete for their place at Nationals. Between longstanding regional grudges, hopeful potential first-timers, elite teams getting one last live tune-up before the Big Dance, legacy programs trying to hold on, bumrushes at the door to Burlington in select crowded regions, and the sheer unpredictability of the division, it’s always one of the most lively times of the year.

Stick with us as we take you through all the top storylines in each of the ten regions.

Atlantic Coast

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Axton, VA
• Number of Bids: 1
• Excitement Level: 
• Expected Qualifiers: UNC
• In the Hunt: Virginia
• Potential Spoilers: American, William & Mary, Georgetown

Pleiades Will Roll… Right?

There’s no doubt it’s been a subpar season for #10 UNC Pleiades by their elevated standards – their 13-5 record (1-5 against top-8 teams) is not what UNC are accustomed to achieving. But the four-time defending national champions should still roll at the Atlantic Coast regionals, one would assume. They haven’t lost to a team outside the (algorithmic) top eight all season, and their highest-ranked challenger here will be #22 Virginia Hydra. That’s a recipe for success. While it’s an open question as to whether they’ll continue to add on championship stars this season at the national level, 2025 figures to complete Pleiades’ namesake constellation of consecutive AC titles: the seven sisters have won the last six and are on track for a seventh.

Four-Horse Race for the Final

The two through five seeds are bunched together, with William & Mary Cypress, Virginia, Georgetown Huckin’ Foyas and American Dirty Ladies all viable contenders to reach the title game against Pleiades. Virginia and American both boast early-season wins against #18 Notre Dame Echo – not a bad feather to have in their caps. Meanwhile William & Mary have knocked off No. 24 Minnesota, and Georgetown have beaten No. 25 Georgia. The eye test says Hydra, with their 18-6 record, their illustrious program legacy – they won the region’s six titles before UNC took over – and star Sydney Mannion, are the most likely challengers, but it should be a fun battle between these four teams. And if the conditions are right, could the team at the top of this scrum take down the champs?

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Emily Przykucki (UNC) – In an ideal world, Pleiades don’t need to work too hard to win this region and continue to work on perfecting line combinations and developing depth for their Nationals run. In the event they find themselves in a close one, the ball-dominant Przykucki is likely the player they’ll look to to right the ship.

Gabby Everett (Virginia) – Virginia are sure to be in some close games, and rookie Gabby Everett is sure to have the disc in her hands in key moments. She can both run the offense and deliver some deep throws to break open a defense when needed.

Lily Johnson (American) – One of the most athletic players in the tournament, Johnson will be the X-Factor for the Dirty Ladies’ chances at a run to the final. Her ability to win 50/50s makes her a dangerous bailout option for American when faced with high stall counts.

Great Lakes

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Grand Haven, MI
• Number of Bids: 1
• Excitement Level: 
• Expected Qualifiers: Michigan
• In the Hunt: Notre Dame
• Potential Spoilers: N/A

Third Time’s the Charm for Echo?

It’s been so close yet so far for Notre Dame Echo in recent years, losing the regional final in consecutive seasons and coming within an whispering distance of a strength bid in both 2024 and 2025. Breaking the trend this year will require a significant upset, but they’ve got the talent to challenge #7 Michigan Flywheel. They won the conferences matchup, albeit with both teams cautious about overusing their top players. Can Echo break through and return to Nationals?

Sleeper X-Factor: Michigan’s Depth

As everyone knows, Flywheel absolutely have the star power, with Kat McGuire and Calliope Cutchins leading the way. However, in a weak Great Lakes region, it may be their depth and experience at a very high-level tournament (Northwest Challenge) that makes a difference. They will face a Notre Dame team who have brought just 15-16 players to tournaments this year, and playing all the way through a deeper side could be a significant advantage down the stretch. Their goal is to make a big run at Nationals, and it’s the work they’ve put into the #10 – #20 players on their depth chart that have the biggest impact on getting them to that stage.

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Kat McGuire (Michigan) – McGuire played sparingly in the sectionals matchup against Notre Dame, a game that meant little in the overall scheme of things. But, as she proved all year, McGuire is a difference maker, both the ceiling and floor of this Flywheel squad elevate significantly when she is on her game.

Lili Hobday (Notre Dame)  – Notre Dame’s do-it-all handler is on Year 3 of quarterbacking this Echo offense. Don’t be surprised if Hobday plays every point in the regional final.

Sophia Harvey (Michigan) – A primary threat in the end zone, Harvey will command a high target share in the Michigan offense and be a challenge to contain for whoever draws the matchups.

Mary Larsen (Notre Dame) – Echo’s D-Line X-factor, Larsen will likely match up frequently against McGuire or Harvey in the presumed regional final, and she’ll be a primary cutting threat after the turn.

Metro East

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Middletown, NY
• Number of Bids: 1
• Excitement Level: 
• Expected Qualifiers: Cornell
• In the Hunt: Anybody
• Potential Spoilers: Everybody

Big Bear Left a Big Void

For the first time since the pandemic, the Metro East is without Jolie Krebs — and it’s a brave new world. During her reign, SUNY-Binghamton felt inevitable; with her, Big Bear were easily the best team in the region’s modern history¹. They claimed the region’s lone bid each of the last four seasons, slamming the door on Yale Ramona in four straight finals.

As tired as some might be of talking about a graduated player, it’s relevant for one reason: who’s next? Way back in 2019 — the before times — Cornell Wild Roses were the last team to break through. Now, with Big Bear out of the picture, there’s a power vacuum, and someone will have to fill it.

The Return of the Roses?

What’s interesting is that the region might be even more lopsided this spring than in years past. Those same 2019 champs, Cornell, sit well above the rest of the regional pack this season. Wins over solid regionals-level teams like Duke Swerve, American, and Georgetown bolster their case, and they handled their closest challenger, Connecticut, 13-4 at ECI. The next tier, led by UConn, Yale, and Columbia Chimera, peaks at 70th in the rankings. Even by Metro East standards, the region’s in a bit of a down year. Insert obligatory hedge about chaos in the ME — and see the ‘In the Hunt’ and ‘Potential Spoilers’ headers above — but it’s hard to see this as anything but the Wild Roses’ bid to lose.

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Naomi Miller (Columbia) – It’s hard to follow Jolie Krebs, but Miller is the next must-see TV in the Metro East. Her big throws and highlight-reel layouts jump off the screen — and usually mark her as the best player on the field. Columbia’s ceiling depends on how far she can take them.

Jenna Li (Cornell) – A Seattle product in the Metro East? Yes, please. The sophomore handler brings a veteran presence, with crisp break throws and a deep bag of tricks. If she leads Cornell back to Nationals, she might get a shot at her former SAAS teammate Kyliah McRoy.

Jenna Gall (Connecticut) – Gall missed Conferences, and things got sticky for UConn without her. She’s the motor of their offense, powering the Huskies with sharp throws and quick movement. If they’re going to make noise at Regionals, it’ll be because Gall is back and balling.

New England

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Amherst, MA
• Number of Bids: 2
• Excitement Level: 
• Expected Qualifiers: Tufts, Vermont
• In the Hunt: Northeastern
• Potential Spoilers: MIT

Tufts on Top

The last decade in New England has been a parade of college ultimate royalty. In the mid-2010s, it was Dartmouth’s region. Then, with the rise of varsity ultimate, Vermont took over. Now, we might be witnessing the dawn of a new era. #1 Tufts EWO are back on top — top of the region, yes, but also top of the division — for the first time since the Claudia Tajima/Qxhna Titcomb days. And this spring, they’ve left no doubt. A spotless regular season and deep, veteran roster make a regional crown feel like just a pit stop on the road to Nationals. With a bonus bid in hand, even a stumble likely won’t keep them from heading to Washington as a top seed.

Show Me Something, Vermont

#5 Vermont Ruckus sit just three spots behind Tufts in the USAU rankings at 6 — but right now, they feel worlds apart. Ruckus haven’t looked sharp against elite teams this season, and while they haven’t faced Tufts in sanctioned play, a preseason scrimmage loss doesn’t help their case. They should feel safe above a Northeastern Valkyries squad that missed the bid cutoff and went winless Saturday at ECI. Still, nothing’s guaranteed in a region known for bad weather and late-season chaos. Assuming they meet Tufts in the regional final, a good game there could inspire confidence. Anything else could set them up for a Sunday scare.

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Emily Kemp (Tufts) – A hamstring injury kept Kemp out of Sunday play at Stanford Invite, though Tufts didn’t seem to miss a beat. They won’t need her to qualify — though Lia Schwartz would no doubt miss her favorite target — but if they want to peak in May, a fully operational Kemp is a must.

Elyse Hall (Northeastern) – Elise Freedman has become a star after a couple of Brute Squad seasons, but the real X-factor might be the Valks’ other Elyse. Hall is a savvy veteran with a nose for the end zone — exactly the kind of player who can swing a game in the bracket.

Willa Morales (Vermont) – You know what to expect from Ruckus’s veterans (Emily Pozzy, Caroline Stone, Mae Browning). But with so much experience graduated, Vermont’s postseason hopes hinge on the next wave. Morales, a rookie making her Series debut, will be central to that push, along with fellow O-line young guns Tatum Cubrilovic and Ella Monaghan.

North Central

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Des Moines, IA
• Number of Bids: 1
• Excitement Level: 
• Expected Qualifiers: Carleton
• In the Hunt: Minnesota
• Potential Spoilers: Wisconsin

Syzygy: Planets Away from Competition

In the North Central, #2 Carleton Syzygy reign supreme. Just a couple of weeks ago, Carleton were making an incredible run at Northwest Challenge. Their undefeated performance there, where they put away powerhouses like Oregon Fugue and Colorado Quandary, has cemented them as not only regional favorites, but top-tier national title contenders. This weekend is likely to be just a rest stop for them on their journey to the top.

Others in Orbit

For #24 Minnesota and Wisconsin Bella Donna, the mandate for this season was clear: play your way to a strength bid or miss Nationals. With the regular season finished and final bid allocations announced, the hay (not quite enough of it) is in the barn for both of these teams. Bella Donna, despite being headlined by NOISE star Sydney French, have struggled to hang with top-tier opponents. Their program is on the upswing but this is unlikely to be the breakthrough year. Minnesota face even steeper odds with a blowout loss to Carleton already in conferences. Technically, it’s not over until it’s over. And yet, there’s little hope for an upset against the Carleton juggernaut.

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Naomi Fina (Carleton) – Fina’s game gets impossibly sharper and sharper every year and that’s reflected in her meteoric rise in the division. Even amongst Syzygy’s star-studded roster, her speed and motor make her one to watch. Any team will have a hard time slowing her down this weekend.

Sydney French (Wisconsin) – French brings the elite experience and playmaking power that this Wisconsin team needs. With her drive, she’s more than capable of doing it all on offense and defense. When things get tough, Bella Donna will be leaning on French to put up numbers as she always does.

Isabel Demo (Minnesota) – Demo has been a steady anchor for this at times inconsistent Minnesota team. Coming from a couple years playing with Minnesota Pop, her club experience has translated well to the college level, allowing her to lead the Minnesota offense. They’ll be looking for a breakout performance from her as they hunt for the unlikely upset.

Northwest

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Burlington, WA
• Number of Bids: 5
• Excitement Level:
• Expected Qualifiers: UBC, Oregon, Washington, Victoria, Utah
• In the Hunt: Western Washington
• Potential Spoilers: Oregon State

Can Any Team Catch UBC?

#4 UBC Thunderbirds are the team to beat in the Northwest, and everyone knows it. The problem is that there isn’t really a good track record to prove they can be beaten. UBC are 10-0 against in-region opponents and haven’t let any of them get within three points of even tying them. Cascadia is widely considered to be the toughest conference in the entire women’s division and UBC barely broke a sweat as they tore through the likes of #9 Washington Element and #15 Western Washington Chaos.

The good news is that the quality of coaching in the Northwest matches the level of talent, and it’s all but a given that teams have a little extra in the tank for their games against the Thunderbirds. Both #6 Oregon Fugue and Washington have a point to prove at this tournament, so there’ll be no free games for the Canadians. Still, it’s hard to see a team with the likes of Miu Shiraiwa, Nina Tsai, and Mika Kurahashi falling short of expectations. There’s too much talent on their roster for a true implosion. Opponents will have to play as close to perfection as they can.

Oregon Need to Get Their Mojo Back

Before Cascadia Conferences, there was an argument to be made that the rankings in the Northwest were more of a 1a and 1b situation thanks to Oregon’s stellar season. Sure, they couldn’t beat UBC, but (almost) no one could. That all changed in Eugene. On their home turf, Fugue got run out by Washington and Western Washington in quick succession. There are plenty of excuses to give around those games, but it’s not the sort of momentum any team wants to take into regionals.

Oregon’s got the roster to turn things around this upcoming weekend. Trout Weybright and Syris Linkfield are still two of the best players in their age bracket and Miko Magnant and Acacia Hahn aren’t that far behind. On paper, they have what it takes. Reality rarely plays out on paper, though. Washington’s defense, headlined by Lauren Goddu, seems to be in fine form, and the egalitarian play style of Western Washington is exactly the sort of system that can take advantage of Fugue’s sloppier points. If Oregon want to get back to the heights we know they are capable of reaching, they’ll show it early in games by treasuring the disc a little more than we saw at conferences.

Who Gets Left Out?

Unlike the Southwest, the Northwest has a one-too-few bids problem. UBC and (barring a bizarre collapse) Oregon are locks to claim the first two spots at Nationals. Washington, after building up an even stronger campaign than last season, should be right there, as well. That leaves Western Washington, #14 Utah Spiral Jetty, and #16 Victoria Vikes scrapping over two seats. All of them have played at a Nationals level this season, and all of them played at Nationals a year ago. Somebody will blink in the game-to-go (or, potentially, in a trap game against somebody like Oregon State) and will be in for some serious heartbreak

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Lauren Goddu (Washington) – Goddu’s the type of player that can get a sideline going. She makes BIG plays that require the perfect blend of athleticism and effort that only Goddu can bring. Opponents have to respect her game in a way that warps the field for her teammates, allowing Element to have a very threatening game plan simply because of the gravity of one player.

Miko Magnant (Oregon)  – We’ve seen Oregon play without Magnant before this year and it’s pretty obvious they’re a more complete team when she’s on the field. Magnant helps tie a bow on the offense. She cannot be left alone or helped off of, especially in the deep space. Elite acceleration and a nose for the endzone make her one of the best finishers in the women’s game, something that Oregon have utilized fully since she’s joined the team.

Amaya Krutsinger (Western Washington) – Western Washington needs a lot to go their way if they’re going to steal a bid to Nationals, but their path becomes a whole lot clearer if Krutsinger is red hot. The throwing prowess and poise on the field that have become synonymous with Krutsinger’s game are all but a necessity against the gauntlet of elite teams they’ll face. When she’s dialed in, there isn’t a space on the field that she can’t hit.

Ohio Valley

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Fairborn, OH
• Number of Bids: 1
• Excitement Level:
• Expected Qualifiers: ?????
• In the Hunt: Ohio State, Penn, Ohio, Pittsburgh
• Potential Spoilers: Carnegie Mellon

Venus in Retrograde

Penn Venus were America’s team last season, making their return to Nationals after years away and earning a bracket spot as the cherry on top. Venus have not shown the same level of dominance this season though, dropping a game to regional rivals Ohio State and generally having a middling slate of regular season results. Penn are clearly feeling their graduations and as the water continues to rise in the region, it’s not clear that our early season favorites will continue their reign over the valley. They’ll need to bring their A-game this weekend and beyond if they hope to make it to Washington and build on their previous success.

Two Ohios and a Pitt

The chasing pack goes three deep in the Ohio Valley this year. The list of teams that could punch their ticket to Washington this weekend include Ohio State Fever, Pittsburgh Danger, and Ohio Stacked Cats.

Ohio State will be the top challenger in the region having already pulled one over Venus earlier in the season. Their narrow wins against Pennsylvania and Ohio as well as strong results against strong out of region opponents indicate Fever are ready for a deep run. Pittsburgh have been in contention for the Ohio Valley bid for the past couple of years but have yet to finish the job. Danger will be hungry to change the narrative this year and their close loss in the conference finals indicates they certainly have the firepower to get past this field. The Stacked Cats have a solid resume boosted by strong early season wins at Commonwealth Cup but they’ve been on cruise control since. Hopefully that loss in the conference final was the bulletin board material they needed to shine at OV Regionals.

It doesn’t look like Carnegie Mellon Money Melons’ year to win it all but they have it in them to get some surprise upsets in the bracket. They’re going to make life hard for anyone who has to face them in quarters.

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Grace Maroon (Pennsylvania) – Last year’s regional rookie of the year continues to live up to the hype with her momentum-shifting plays. Maroon certainly boosts the field presence and stat sheet impact needed to right the ship for Pennsylvania. As things heat up for Venus, Maroon will be the player they lean on to get them out of hot water.

HG Morrison (Ohio State)  – Morrison is back for another shot at Nationals with Ohio State, and they bring with them both a flair and finesse that is difficult to replicate. As Fever face the gauntlet on Sunday, expect Morrison to be at the heart of the action.

Taylor Conroy (Pittsburgh) – A talented athlete with elite-level club experience on AMP, Conroy is the difference maker Pittsburgh need to put them over the top. Conroy’s athleticism paired with veterans like Stephanie Le will be a dangerous combination. Expect them to have their hands all over a Pittsburgh bracket run.

South Central

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Tulsa, OK
• Number of Bids: 1
• Excitement Level:
• Expected Qualifiers: Colorado
• In the Hunt: Texas
• Potential Spoilers: UT Dallas, Colorado State

Quandary? More Like Foregone Conclusion

Now that they have their offensive and defensive game plans tuned up, their rookies seasoned, and their primary 2025 newcomer (grad transfer Fiona Cashin) now fully chemistried with the team’s other stars, it’s hard for anyone in the division to compete with Colorado Quandary. Don’t take my word for it, just go back and rewatch their dismantling of then-#1 UBC from Northwest Challenge. And the few squads who can give them a game do not ply their trade in the South Central. This could be a Syzygy-sized cakewalk for the region’s lone bid.

Could Quandary slip up and play a close half against one of their challengers? Sure, anyone could. Just don’t expect anything worse than a skid of a few points. Their path is ultimately destined for Sunday or Monday of Memorial Day Weekend.

Fighting for Yesteryear and Tomorrow

Picking up second place behind Colorado in the South Central often means heading off to Nationals a few weeks later. Unfortunately, that is not the case this year. All of Texas Melee, UT-Dallas Whiplash, and (last year’s qualifiers) Colorado State Hell’s Belles have what it takes to reach the regional final. Melee, in particular, have made huge strides to begin the process of getting back to their former heights in the division. A trip to Nationals for any of them this season is almost certainly off the table. What’s on the line, then? Pride and year-on-year momentum. It’ll be worth keeping an eye on.

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Rose Bransford (Colorado) – Quandary have a lot of great throwers. Their favorite target? Could be Bransford, who has built up a career’s worth of highlight grabs this year alone as one of the best contested-disc catchers in the biz.

Char Bokhof (Colorado State) – A massive graduating class from last year’s Hell’s Belles meant that Bokhof has had to take on a huge volume of the touches that used to be spread around. It’s a classic college role, and Bokhof has been playing it to perfection.

Allison Chang (UT-Dallas) – Back for one last ride in the whip(lash), Chang continues to be one of the most productive players in the South Central region, just like she was for the legendary 2023 UT-Dallas run that saw them reach Nationals.

Southeast

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Decatur, AL
• Number of Bids: 1
• Excitement Level: 
• Expected Qualifiers: Georgia
• In the Hunt: Georgia Tech
• Potential Spoilers: Florida, Central Florida, Tennessee, Emory

Collision Course

Georgia Athena have been an unstoppable object in the Southeast lately. For all of the Marie Périvier era, and then through the first two seasons of the Quincy Booth period, they have been in total control of the region. With a tremendous raft of solid players like Mia Bongcaron, Jemia Johnson, Annie Pickren, and Addy Hale working with Booth, Athena shouldn’t have any trouble keeping that streak going. Right? Well… that’s what you’d think if there weren’t an immoveable force lining up across from them. And we all know what happens when an unstoppable object meets and immoveable force: a wreck.

Specifically, a Georgia Tech Wreck. Wreck have not been to high-level tournaments this spring, but make not mistake: they are good. Third-year Eva Flom, second-year Makena Bongcaron (younger sibling of Athena’s Mia), and first-year Katie Sanders form the region’s most potent trio. The presumptive final is sure to bring fireworks between the rivals. Athena came away with the 15-12 win at conferences, but that was in the final after both teams had already qualified for regionals. With a ticket to Washington on the line, both sides will be emptying the tank.

Speed Bumps or Potential Surprises?

While the overwhelming odds say that we’ll get a Georgia vs. Georgia Tech game for the Southeast Championship, several other programs are punchy enough to catch one of the favorites napping. A Jia Johnson-led Florida will always be dangerous, as will an Emma Patterson-led Tennessee Big Orange Screw (as has been proven over the course of the last few seasons). A little farther off the mark are the tight-line-calling, zone-heavy stylings of Central Florida Sirens and an Emory Luna side featuring Soju Hokari who, even with Booth in the region, could have a case to be the Southeast’s best player. An upset by any of these teams would be an earth-shattering development.

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Quincy Booth (Georgia) – Let’s not overthink it. As many great pieces as Georgia have (and they have a lot) there’s one player who can and will take over a game, again and again. It’s third-year Booth, one of the toughest covers in the entire women’s division.

Katie Sanders (Georgia Tech) – Wreck’s star is, a little outside of the spotlight, putting together one of the best rookie campaigns in the country. She’s a visionary field general with an impressionist painter’s sense of touch on all of her throws. Look to her to lead the Georgia Tech charge from the backfield.

Soju Hokari (Emory) – Hokari has been one of the region’s best for years, and she isn’t showing any signs of letting up now. Powerful changes of direction, forehands like darts from a blowgun, and a gritty mentality are the hallmarks of her play.

Southwest

• Schedule & Results
• Location: Bakersfield, CA
• Number of Bids: 6
• Excitement Level: 
• Expected Qualifiers: Cal Poly SLO, Stanford, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis
• In the Hunt: UCLA
• Potential Spoilers: Cal

Whose Time is it Anyway?

This year’s Southwest Regionals could have been so much more compelling if there had been just one less bid. Six bids is too much for any region, even one as good as the Southwest. Instead of an ugly brawl between teams born out of desperation, we’ll have to hope on rivalries giving the competition its edge. The good news is that the six bids comes with a lot of parity. These teams have all beat each other a lot over the course of the spring. #12 UC San Diego Dragon Coalition are at the top of the heap in the USAU algorithm, but they just lost to (our power rankings favorite) #8 Cal Poly SLO SLOmotion in the bracket at conferences. Cal Poly, in turn, lost to #17 UC  Santa Barbara Burning Skirts the day before. The teams that have earned a bid all did so in the messiest way possible, making it almost impossible to parse out who’s going to come out on top. The betting favorites are #11 Stanford Superfly, UC San Diego, and #13 UC Santa Cruz Sol, but can you really count out UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly SLO, or even UC Davis Rogue?

The one big hope for drama is for #21 UCLA BLU, who have not played at a Nationals level for large stretches of the season despite playing against Nationals-level competition, to find the spark that led them to the Centex final (where they put up a solid game against Utah), or the one that helped them notch a key win over the Burning Skirts. Absent that, we are looking at a game of musical chairs with a full set of chairs.

Does Cinderella’s Slipper Fit the Pie Queens?

As enchanted a run as it might seem for the top six in the region, there is one team that threatens to break the spell before the midnight bell. To declutter the mixed metaphor before it goes too far, Cal might just have what it takes to play spoiler this upcoming weekend. Despite a fairly middling regular season, the Pie Queens pulled off an upset over UC Davis at conferences, something that would not have seemed even remotely possible back at the Stanford Invite where the team went 1-5 and couldn’t get anything going. Peaking at the right time is a hallowed concept in frisbee, uttered by just about every coach in the nation, but it seems that Cal are doing just that. With so many bids up for grabs, one good upset will likely be enough to steal your way to Nationals, so teams like UCLA and Cal have got a lot on the line come Sunday of Regionals.

Players Who Could Make a Difference

Tori Gray (UC San Diego) – Tori Gray is no stranger to the college division but has had to adjust to an entirely different system at UC San Diego. Despite being one of the nation’s best defenders, Gray is asked to take on a lot more responsibility as an offensive hub for D-Co. Regionals is set to be the stage where all the pieces come together for her.

Rachel Chang (UC Santa Cruz)  – So much of Sol’s potential at regionals will come down to Chang’s playmaking. They’ve already proven they’re more than up to the challenge, but with the level of competition the team will face over the course of the weekend, what’s going to be the real challenge is seeing whether Chang can outlast wave after wave of the best defenders in the college division doggedly marking them.

Margo Donahue (Cal Poly SLO) – The ascendance of Cal Poly SLO has been the best story in the Southwest this year, and Margo Donahue has been a major reason for it. Donahue has been able to plug into any role her team needs of her and leads the team with confidence and a calm that’s been able to guide SLOmotion through a turbulent region.

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1. since the realignment in 2010 ↩