With a 15-13 victory over Polar Bears, Hybrid become just the second mixed division team to win three consecutive USAU club titles
October 25, 2026 by Laura Osterlund in News
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SAN DIEGO – Ann Arbor Hybrid cement themselves in history as the second-ever mixed-division team to three-peat, and the third team ever to do so with a WUCC title under their belts (Drag’n Thrust circa 2013-15, with a 2014 WUCC title and Fury circa 2010 WUCC title, 2006-12 National titles). Coincidentally, the last time that Polar Bears made the final was in 2013, at the kick-off of that Drag’n feat.
Right away, it was clear this matchup was going to be closer than many expected and more competitive than anything Hybrid saw all weekend. Polar Bears came in confident they could hang with the juggernauts, and they did not back down when things weren’t going their way. The teams traded leads throughout the first half until a break allowed Polar Bears to take half against Hybrid to stay on serve, 8-7.
“We didn’t go in playing scared,” said Polar Bears’ Courtney Greenley. “We have a lot of people who have talked about playing scared on them and their matchups, and we just said ‘play our game,’ and it ended up coming down to those matchups.”
Action and big momentum-changing plays continued to go back and forth, even though another Hybrid break allowed them to get back in control of the game with a 9-8 lead. A Polar Bears error gave Hybrid another break at 12-10, but Hybrid let the lead slip when a missed blade allowed Polar Bears to tie things up at 13 apiece.
After a Hybrid hold, a multiple-turn point with many blocks made the game seem destined for universe. Both teams started looking frantic, but Hybrid leaned into their championship experience. Liliana Hobday went every-other and hit Stanley Peterson for the break to seal the game, 15-13.
Never antsy about the close-ness of the score, Hybrid remained steady, with confidence in their systems and trust in their teammates.
“I’m so grateful for our depth,” said Rachel Mast. “It doesn’t feel like we have to play perfectly individually. And I love that. Because then we have the depth, there’s not pressure on any one person, and being able to play through the depth of our team takes the pressure off and allows us to play more freely. It’s such a beautiful thing.”
Stay tuned for a full recap coming later this week!
