Syzygy cap their undefeated season with their second title in program history, avenging last year's universe point loss in the championship
May 25, 2026 by Kiana Hu in News
#1 Carleton Syzygy clinched the 2026 D-I Women’s National Championship, maintaining a lead all the way after an 8-7 half and breaking to claim the title from defending #2 UBC Thunderbirds. After a nervous back-and-forth opening sequence, Carleton demonstrated an elite level of disc skill and offensive versatility to keep UBC chasing.
Chloe Hakimi had an outstanding 4G/6A statline that underscored her outsized role on the field as a rookie. Syzygy clearly looked to her as an outlet and all-around player, putting up trust throws to her and sending her deep on multiple occasions. Chagall Gelfand recovered from a shaky start for a critical 2G/5A/1D, changing the angle of attack for Carleton that ultimately bested UBC’s suffocating match-up defense.
It was looking like UBC Thunderbirds were in control of the game when early mistakes from Carleton and disciplined team defense gave them a 6-3 advantage. Mandy Li (5D) and Amelie Marshall (2G/1A) stepped up in a big way for the UBC offense in the absence of center handler Ella Bolan. Taking advantage of a few miscues from the Thunderbirds in the wind, Carleton was then able to rattle off three scores of their own to get the game back on serve 8-7.
Both teams traded holds out of half and it looked like they were headed to a second universe championship point, until a travel call at 14-13 on UBC’s downfield throw disrupted their momentum and the first throw after the call was completely off the mark. Carleton capitalized on the short field turnover, and left no doubts with a slicing forehand from Hakimi that found Gelfand right in her bread basket. It took a second before the realization of winning a title settled in for Carleton, and then there was ecstatic celebration.
For a program as vaunted as Carleton, this is only their second title since 2000. This is an incredible accomplishment for a team with so many young players stepping up under the pressure of avenging last year’s universe point loss. Battle-tested in this weekend’s bracket, Syzygy saved just enough in the tank to outlast UBC in the late stages of the game. Their championship aspirations will be bright for years to come.
Stay tuned for the full recap coming later this week!
