Four Quarters: The Playoff Picture Takes Shape (WUL Weeks 8&9, PUL Weeks 5&6)

Recapping two weeks of action and taking stock of the playoff field in the PUL!

May 15, 2026 by Emilia Scheemaker and Rhea Patney in Preview, Recap

We’re halfway through the PUL season already, so we’re breaking down each team’s prospects of making it to — and winning — Championships Weekend! Plus, recaps of the biggest games from the past two weeks and updated power rankings, all in this week’s edition of Four Quarters!

First Quarter: PUL Championship Predictions

Week 5 marks halfway through the PUL regular season. All teams have had a chance to get on the field and start tuning up, giving us the opportunity to look at records and take some shots at who will be on top come Championship Weekend. In the PUL, each of the divisions will send their top two teams to the Championship. The top seeds are determined by overall record first, then head to head. Here’s where they are and where they’re going.

North Division

Philadelphia Surge

Current Record: 3 – 0
Predicted Record: 5 – 1

What is there to say that the record doesn’t already show? Surge so far seem largely untested. They’ve played Nightshade, Strike, and Indy Red. Out of those teams Minnesota Strike came close, losing by only two points. The contest this coming weekend against the Milwaukee Monarchs will help answer some questions about the strength of the North Division, but Surge won’t see their closest competitors (all out of the South) until Championship Weekend. That doesn’t mean their schedule isn’t without a few wrenches — they have two games left against NY Gridlock. That’s one game to play, and a second to make test out adjustments to their style. Gridlock could very well take the second spot in the North, so if Surge can find a winning strategy, they’ll go into the postseason that much stronger.

Milwaukee Monarchs

Current Record: 1 – 3
Predicted Record: 3 – 3

Improving from last year’s 0-5 record are the Milwaukee Monarchs. Their game against the Minnesota Strike looked like an entirely different team, confident, determined, ready to play. Hopefully they can finish out the season with that resolve after going 0-2 against the Surge and Gridlock in a power packed Week 6 roadtrip. That trip could very well define the outlook for the rest of the Milwaukee season. They needed a win if they wanted to stay in the game, and without it, the Monarchs have likely already placed themselves out of playoff contention.

New York Gridlock

Current Record: 2 – 1
Predicted Record: 4 – 2

So far this season, Gridlock are doing exactly what they’re expected to do. But expectations won’t be enough come Championship Weekend. This team does not have an easy schedule ahead, with two games against Surge and one against Indy.That’s all the time they have to get to the top. If they can’t put together a winning strategy against Surge, who seem dead set on steamrolling, then they’ll have a tough time at the postseason party.

Indy Red

Current Record: 1 – 2
Predicted Record: 1 – 4

Last year’s semifinalist is not off to a good start, and the road ahead isn’t looking any easier. The win last week against Strike gives us some hope, but next on the docket is a rematch with the Monarchs, and a season finale against Soul in Week 10. Strike also started the season down, so Indy fighting their way through proves there’s some of that semifinalist spirit still in there. With Milwaukee and Atlanta waiting in the wings, that rise might be short lived. Milwaukee is already sitting on the bubble and can’t afford a loss. Atlanta is on its way to cementing a top spot in the South. It doesn’t look good for Indy in the days ahead, but with some clever maneuvering they could add another tally to the wins column.

Minnesota Strike

Current Record: 1 – 3
Predicted Record: 3 – 3

After a tough opening roadtrip, this team has started to find its legs. They may be down in the standings now, but Minnesota Strike have never been comfortable at the bottom. This team knows how to find confidence and flow on the field and with the heaviest games on their calendar behind them, they’re likely to rise from here. The Strike have two matches left against Austin and Raleigh, who aren’t off to a good start, presenting the perfect matchups to light up Strike and help them remember what they can do when they’re firing on all cylinders.

South Division

Atlanta Soul

Current Record: 2 – 1
Predicted Record: 5 – 1

Atlanta Soul are a team on the verge of something. From a bubble team, the many improvements they’ve made over the past few years has the Soul challenging the leaders. The upcoming schedule leaves the door open. Soul have four games left: Nashville Nightshade, Austin Torch, and finally Indy Red. The games against Nashville and Austin are very winnable, and have to be wins if Atlanta wants to stay in the game. A win over Nashville, Austin, and Indy would edge out Raleigh in the end, and send Atlanta back to Championship Weekend.

DC Shadow

Current Record: 3 – 0
Predicted Record: 5 – 1

DC Shadow have been a dominant force, even though this year they lost no less than ten of their 2025 roster players. Their performance so far, however, seems unaffected by the turnover. If they can keep up that momentum then they’ll come out on top of the South Division. But coming up is a rematch against Raleigh. It’s never easy to beat the same team twice, especially not when that team has something to lose. But with the Week 6 match against Soul won and out of the way, DC will likely take home the top spot in the South Division, even if they stumble against Raleigh.

Raleigh Radiance

Current Record: 2 – 2
Predicted Record: 2 – 4

Raleigh’s record looks like a stumble out of the blocks. With losses to DC and Soul, this team is not in a good position halfway through the season. The loss to the Soul in particular seems to have closed the door on their Champ Weekend hopes. But, the Radiance have a chance to rally. With games against Nashville, then Minnesota, this team could gain momentum (and confidence) before they take on the title defenders again. When they see DC Shadow in Week 9, Radiance need to be running in a new gear if they want to climb out of this hole.

Austin Torch

Current Record: 1 – 2
Predicted Record: 1 – 5

The schedule did Torch dirty. With not a single easy game in sight to begin with, Austin is already entering the harder end of their season. Milwaukee, Minnesota, and Soul are left on their calendar. Soul are on a tear, Milwaukee has found new legs, and Minnesota has cultivated a sort of relentless determination that rolls from season to season. This team will need to burn a bit brighter if they want to improve on their record and find some clean air.

Nashville Nightshade

Current Record: 0 – 4
Predicted Record: 0 – 6

Determined, athletic, and not one to quit, Nashville Nightshade are hanging around at the bottom of the South Division. With a tough crop of games ahead, they’re not likely to do any postseason playing, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to play spoiler on their way through.

Second Quarter: WUL Week 8 & 9 Recaps

Week 8

San Diego 18-17 Los Angeles

In the shortest trip of the season, San Diego trucked up to LA for their game this past weekend. Super Bloom took home the win 18-17. The match was closer than expected, with the LA Astra making a real comeback run in the second half of the game, trimming a four-goal halftime deficit to two late in the fourth. LA held their own, actually earning more break opportunities than the Bloom, proving just how quickly any team can fall from the top or rise from the pack.

Oregon 19-16 Arizona

The Arizona Sidewinders and Oregon soar came together to duke it out in what became a 19-16 Oregon win. Both teams went winless in 2025, but Soar have been slowly but surely proving why that season was just a fluke and the Sidewinders are hot on their heels. Both teams are 3-3 on the season so far.

Week 9

San Diego 20-16 Seattle

This game had more shots than an LMFAO song, but when the chorus was over San Diego Super Bloom were on top, putting together a 20-16 point win over Seattle Tempest.

These two teams play a very similar, and very successful, style. Both teams top the league in hucks per game, and have some of the fewest turnovers. They have an implacable, relentless defense that shuts down cutters and makes small ball difficult. San Diego and Seattle traded points for most of the first quarter, showing off all those talents that have made their programs so successful.

But the end of the first quarter was where the separation started. San Diego’s top performers took control, including Megan Maxfield who scored three goals in the first, and one in the second. Excellent body positioning and a refusal to quit helped Maxfield pull down long balls even through contact and defensive pressure. Kristen Pojunis and Kelli Iwamoto commanded this San Diego offense, marshaling cutters into place through relentless pressure. Pojunis collected three assists and a block during the game. Kaitlyn Weaver also had a standout game, grinding the cuts that kept the disc moving and options open downfield to the tune of four assists and two blocks.

The Seattle Tempest stayed consistent, pulling together four goals in each period. Cheryl Hsu looked impeccable in the handler space, in what is becoming a standout season for them. Hsu took home Player of the Week honors in Week 6 and that confidence has rolled right into this week, putting together one goal, four assists, and one block. Jaime Kauffman was a reliable option all game, managing two goals and two assists, adding to her league-leading assist total for the season.

This game is just a slice of what we can expect come Championship Weekend, with Super Bloom and Tempest on top of their respective divisions. There are only two weeks left, and two games for each of these teams, in the regular season to put the final touches in place.

Bay Area 20-13 Los Angeles

The Astra showed a real drive to win last week against Super Bloom, and that tenacity persisted this week. Though Astra trailed the whole game, they seemed to find their feet by the end, tying Bay Area’s goal production in the third quarter and limiting the Falcons to the same number of clean holds. The Bay Area Falcons took the victory, 20-13.

Colorado 22-10 Utah

Utah Wild and the Colorado Alpenglow came together to a predictable end, as Alpenglow surged to a 22-10 win over the winless Wild. That didn’t stop Eva Bell (UT) from chasing the top of the record book in points played (5th overall, 136), touches (3rd, 354), throwing yards (5th, 2,265), or total yards (2nd, 3,314). Bell’s name joins a host of other notable performances from the league’s seasons past and present.

Third Quarter: PUL Week 5 & 6 Recaps

Week 5

Austin 14-13 Nashville

The Nashville Nightshade, a team still searching for its first win since 2024, came agonizingly close to breaking through, but Austin Torch held on for a narrow 14-13 road victory in Nashville. The matchup featured two young, high-energy teams unafraid to push the pace, take deep shots, make athletic plays, and showcase their speed across the field. At the same time, that youth showed in the numbers, with 59 total turnovers (31 from Torch, 28 from Nightshade) highlighting ongoing struggles with discipline, patience, and offensive flow. Still, it marked a step forward for Nashville, as their offensive line looked more settled and confident than in previous outings.

The Nashville Nightshade came out with energy against Austin Torch in a messy but exciting opening quarter defined by long points and frequent turnovers. The first point stretched on with countless changes of possession before Madison Oakman connected on a crossfield backhand to Leah Shorb for a gritty hold after a defensive-line sub. Nightshade struck again on the next point, capitalizing on a Torch endzone drop as Cate McAfee and Noel Holmes helped break through the zone, with Melanie Thomas skying a disc and assisting Bre Snipes for the break. Austin responded behind Christine Goh, but continued to struggle with patience near the goal line. Nashville’s Savannah and Holly Sillivant linked up for a highlight layout score, while Goh closed the quarter with a clean Torch hold to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Austin opened the second quarter with a hard-fought score from Mackenzie Bailey to Jaime Estes, but both teams continued trading turns. A key sequence saw a Nightshade handblock from Rebecca Fagan lead to a deep strike from McAfee to Kali Wicklund for a momentum-swinging goal. The teams then exchanged clean holds, with Estes again contributing for Torch and Aastha Thurman finding Fagan for Nashville. Nightshade created separation midway through the quarter when Sylvia Brown made a huge layout play to secure a break and push the lead to 6-4. Goh once again steadied Torch late in the period, finishing a clean offensive possession to bring Austin back within one at 6-5 heading into halftime.

The third quarter turned into an offensive shootout as both teams found more rhythm pushing deep. Nightshade’s Claire Gust tied the game early with a full-extension layout on a backhand huck, but Austin quickly answered with a deep connection from Shiru Liu to Advika Basden. After a timeout, Nashville’s defensive pressure forced a stall and set up an easy front-cone score from Sara Mog to Holly Sillivant to halt a Torch run. Austin regained momentum after capitalizing on a defensive misread, working the disc to Lauren Ma for a goal, and the teams continued trading scores through big plays and quick strikes. A late highlight came when Estes saved a possession with a layout, leading to a Torch goal finished by Emelia Marshall, giving Austin a narrow 10-9 lead entering the fourth.

With the game tightening, Nightshade needed multiple breaks but struggled to fully swing momentum. They briefly tied things after strong individual efforts, including layout plays from both sides and a composed finish from Noel Holmes. However, Torch responded with key defensive stops, including a layout block from Rowell that set up a short-field goal to go up 12-10. Nightshade fought back behind Fagan and Sylvia Brown to even the score at 12-12, but Austin delivered in the clutch — Carly Atwell punched in a quick goal, and after a Nightshade turnover, Sonja Royall’s layout score off an Estes assist pushed Torch ahead 14-12. Nashville made one final push, with Mary Otten scoring with seven seconds remaining, but a failed pull strategy allowed Austin to run out the clock and escape with a 14-13 road win.

Week 6

DC 22-16 Atlanta

Atlanta Soul have never beat DC Shadow, and today that trend remains, with DC winning 22-16 in Atlanta. Atlanta hung on for three quarters, but could only score once in the fourth as DC ran away with the game.

DC opened the game with a break as Ashleigh Jentilet reeled in the first score, but Atlanta responded quickly behind Tori Taylor’s run-through block and a beautiful inside-backhand connection from Marie Pervier to Martha Wilber. Quincy Booth immediately became the centerpiece of Atlanta’s offense, launching multiple deep backhands, including a strike to Taylor that led to a Morgan Lally goal. Booth is second on the team in throwing yards with just two games played. DC repeatedly punished the Soul zone through efficient movement, while Atlanta answered with explosive plays of its own, including another Booth huck to Ellie Thomson after a defensive offsides penalty. The Shadow closed the quarter with a narrow 7-6 lead.

The second quarter stayed tight as both teams traded scores and athletic plays. Kat Ritzmann scored on an upline for DC, while Paige Carver’s handblock helped save an Atlanta possession that ended in a Booth goal. Booth continued to stretch the field with deep throws, eventually helping set up a Charlotte Doran score, while Jentilet connected with Marika Korpinen on a flick huck after Korpinen skied a crowd. Atlanta answered with another big Doran-to-Wilber huck, but DC’s steady offense, capped by a Kat McGuire score, carried a 12-10 advantage into halftime.

Atlanta continued battling in the third quarter behind more aggressive downfield offense. Booth launched another deep shot to open the half, and Pervier found Mia Griner on a scoober for a highlight score. Taylor connected with Charlie Hawkins, and after a timeout-heavy point, Atlanta earned a key break through Dena Elimelech and Booth. DC continued responding through Kira Flores and Jess Oh, whose run-through block and score bookends preserved momentum. Atlanta nearly produced one of the game’s best plays when Pervier laid out for an Elizabeth Mosquera backhand, but the throw was called back on a travel. Doran later connected deep to Elimelech before Dana Bidot finished the possession, keeping Atlanta within one at 16-15 entering the fourth.

DC finally created separation in the final quarter with an early hold and break. Atlanta briefly answered after a card on Mia Griner gave DC a penalty before a turnover led to a Pervier score, but the game shifted on a chaotic contested timeout sequence where Atlanta unsuccessfully tried to stop play during a stalled offensive possession. The resulting turnover led to Amanda Murphy scoring for DC, and the Shadow defense continued to clamp down from there. Jess Oh earned a handblock on the Soul goal line that led to a Tyler Smith-to-Julia Harris huck score, and Jackie Wang’s late layout block helped seal the 22-16 victory for DC.

 

Indy 16-14 Minnesota

The surprise of the weekend came from Indy Red as they took on Minnesota Strike. Indy has been struggling to find momentum this year, but pulled out a win 16-14. The windy conditions were ripe for zones, short ball, and attacking the trash.

Nashville 14 – 27 Raleigh

Nashville faced off against Raleigh, coming up short in a 27-14 loss to the Radiance. For Raleigh, this momentum might be what they need to finish the season with confidence.

Milwaukee’s Road Trip

Milwaukee Monarchs had a chance to change their fate this past weekend, but came up short. Facing two strong contenders, it was a big ask that they come up with a win against Philadelphia Surge or NY Gridlock. An underdog story in the flesh. But there were no miracles on this trip, Milwaukee fell 26-14 to Philadelphia Surge and 21-10 to NY Gridlock.

Fourth Quarter: The Weekend Ahead

WUL Week 10

The WUL only has two weeks of regular season left to play out. That totals six games, with three rematches while three are unique showdowns. Catch one of these three games before the WUL goes on a bye week.

Arizona Hoping to Reduce Deficit Against Bay Area in Week 3 Rematch

This week the Bay Area Falcons will take on the Arizona Sidewinders in a rematch. The result of the game isn’t likely to change who is headed to the post season, but it’ll give the Sidewinders a crack at hanging with the next spot up the ladder.

Potential Semifinal Preview: Colorado vs. San Diego

Colorado Alpenglow and San Diego Super Bloom will meet for the first time this season. This matchup will be interesting because, as things stand now, Alpenglow and Super Bloom will be seeing each other in the semifinals in a few weeks. If Colorado can keep their completion percentage high, and find a cure for Megan Maxfield, they may be able to take down ‘Bloom.

Seattle Trying to Tighten Grip on Northwest with Rematch Against Oregon

Seattle Tempest and Oregon Soar will play again, rehashing a game that happened only three weeks ago and that took down 24-15. Soar have been putting together good runs against other high level teams. This is their chance to prove that they’re in the same league as Seattle.

PUL Week 7

Nashville Seeking Improvements in Rematch Against Atlanta

With the PUL trying to create some regional rivals, Nashville and Atlanta will face each other for the second time this season, this time in Knoxville, TN. In the last outing, Atlanta won dominantly, 22-5, but Nashville has shown flashes of offensive improvement and consistency. This game will be a measuring stick for the Nightshade to see their progress, and for Atlanta, a chance to prove that their dominance in the budding regional rivalry was no fluke.

Raleigh Trying to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Against Minnesota

The Minnesota Strike and Raleigh Radiance will face off in an interdivisional matchup played in Raleigh. Raleigh is coming off a dominant win over Nashville and will look to continue that momentum, while Minnesota will look to bounce back after their tight loss to Indy Red.

Philadelphia Travels to New York in Battle of Top North Teams

The top two teams of the North Division in Philadelphia and New York will face off this weekend. Surge will look to continue their undefeated season, while Gridlock will try to spoil that bid on their home field with the home crowd behind them. With Abby Hecko of Gridlock second among the PUL in goals with 11, and Lindsay McKenna of Surge leading the PUL in assists with 14, this game should be an exciting offensive matchup.

WUL Power Rankings

• If the Astra could’ve held on to knock off San Diego last week the rankings could’ve gotten mighty interesting, but no changes as the favorites won out.

PUL Power Rankings

• Indy is back on top of the Indy-Minnesota-Milwaukee trifecta after a 16-14 win over Minnesota last weekend. Indy seems to be on the upswing, and could prove the week 1 loss to Milwaukee was a fluke with a rematch in week 8.