Franciscan will compete at Nationals after their appeal was successful
May 12, 2026 by Keith Raynor, Josh Katz and Charlie Eisenhood in News
After review by USA Ultimate’s judicial committee Monday night following Franciscan’s appeal, the team’s disqualification from the 2026 D-III College Championships has been overturned. The men’s division #10 seed and Ohio Valley regional champion will be allowed to compete at Nationals in Waukegan, Illinois this weekend, May 16-18.
Franciscan FATAL was disqualified Monday from the D-III men’s division postseason after failing to complete a full game at Regionals, according to USA Ultimate. Franciscan admitted they had incorrectly reported a 13-0 score after Xavier forfeited mid-game during the last round of pool play at Ohio Valley Regionals but said they hadn’t intended to break the rules.
Sources familiar with the situation said that an Oberlin player alerted USAU this week to the possibility of a misreported score by Franciscan. Oberlin was next in line to receive the Nationals bid after finishing second in the Ohio Valley if Franciscan were to be disqualified. After USAU announced yesterday’s DQ, Oberlin, while in discussions about taking the Nationals spot, ultimately supported Franciscan in their appeal.
“While the Horsecows would have humbly accepted the bid to Nationals should USAU have proceeded with their decision, we wrote in to support their appeal to play at Nationals, believing the disqualification to be disproportionate to the infraction,” Oberlin said in a statement to Ultiworld. “Franciscan Fatal deserves to play at nationals representing the Ohio Valley this season.”
After Franciscan submitted an appeal to USA Ultimate and meeting with the judicial committee, the disqualification was overturned, although Franciscan is still being penalized: the team’s captains are barred from competing during pool play at Nationals. In addition, the captains will be required to complete 20 hours of community service, to be approved by the judicial committee.
The judicial committee “acknowledged that a violation occurred but reduced the sanction under the circumstances,” according to USAU Director of Communications Andy Lee. The judicial committee written decision has not been made public.
Franciscan’s disqualification came shortly after a similar — and somewhat controversial — D-III men’s disqualification at Great Lakes Regionals. Asbury, the #1 seed and widely considered the favorite in the region, forfeited their Sunday results along with their opponent, Valparaiso, in a similar situation. Hillsdale took home the regional crown and earned the #16 seed at Nationals. Asbury didn’t appeal.
Franciscan will open their D-III Nationals tournament in a game vs. Lewis & Clark at 8:30 AM CT on Saturday, May 16.
