It's a classic 1v2 matchup for all the marbles: Carleton against UBC, each returning to the final for the first time in over ten years!
May 26, 2025 by Kiana Hu and Bridget Mizener in Preview
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If we’re going to get a 1v2 final matchup, this is about all we could hope for. It’s unstoppable force v. unstoppable force, two absolute juggernauts on a collision course. Both teams boast star power at the top of their rosters and a deep, athletic bench below. And no matter who wins, we’ll crown a victor who hasn’t reached the mountaintop in the last decade. It’s UBC v. Carleton, and it should be a good one.
We’ll start with the Canadians. Heavy title favorites for two years in a row without any rings to show for it, #4 UBC Thunderbirds came into this year’s Nationals with high expectations. Through the spring they amassed a near-perfect regular season1, two tournament titles and the one-seed nod. In past seasons, the Thunderbirds’ early successes have not always translated to strong Nationals performances, but they have consistently demonstrated a sky-high ceiling.
Maybe this is the year that potential bears fruit. An opening universe point pool play game against defending champions UNC was their biggest test yet, and the Thunderbirds’ resilience and ability to come out ahead set the tone for the rest of their weekend. They’ve dominated through the bracket, demolishing Oregon and somehow besting that effort by running up a literally historic margin of victory on Vermont in the semifinal. To even the most unsophisticated ultimate observer, the Thunderbirds athletes are in a class of their own, torching their competition on both sides of the ball.
#2 Carleton Syzygy, though they have more blemishes on their early-season resume, have played themselves into the title conversation since March, handily winning Northwest Challenge and rolling through Sunday play. Their combination of young talent and veteran leadership has made them one of the most consistently balanced teams in the division.
On Sunday, Syzygy’s depth was on full display as they breezed by Stanford and comfortably handled a surging Washington. Their ruthless efficiency on defense has been consistently astounding, gobbling up breaks nearly every time their D-line gets to touch the disc. Unlike their opponents, it’s been a few years since Carleton has cracked the semifinal round — maybe that’s an experience deficit against UBC, but maybe it means they are haunted by fewer late-bracket ghosts and can enter the final with a clearer sense of purpose.
So, who’ll it be? Both teams have plenty of reason to believe. For UBC, a team that has struggled with mental toughness particularly in stadium games, their semifinal triumph affirmed their ability to take care of business under the metaphorical bright lights.2 Carleton, on the other hand, continued their near-flawless execution even when the pressure mounted and the margins narrowed in against Washington. Their semifinal was a test of mettle that Carleton passed with flying colors.
As a fan of the sport you can’t ask for more than this epic clash of college frisbee greats. Come out to the lovely grass field stadium at Burlington-Edison High if you’re in Washington at 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET, or tune in live on ESPNU for a match that has all the makings of a classic.
