Ranked number five in a preseason power ranking, the women’s Frisbee team has had their eyes set on the Division-One regionals all year, hoping to prove their worth as potential national championship contenders. While Whitman’s hosting of regionals on a sunny weekend here in Walla Walla seemed to be luck of the draw, there was nothing lucky about their performance: a 6-2 record, good for a second-place finish and advancement to the national tournament, which takes place May 22-25 in Milwaukee, Wisc.

The women’s team’s stellar performance has tremendous implications for the seeding it will receive heading into nationals. A second-place finish in a strong Northwest region, which received five out of the 20 bids, should result in a high national seeding. And second place didn’t come easy, requiring the Lady Sweets to beat third-ranked University of Washington and second-ranked University of British Columbia, who the team had lost to in pool play the day before. Its only other loss came at the hands of University of Oregon, ranked first nationally, by a narrow three score margin in a hard-fought game.

“The Oregon game was so close, really tight. Going into nationals after beating the second-ranked team, we feel awesome. I think we are huge contenders,” said junior captain Ari Lozano.

For the men, a 2-6 record at the tournament marks the end of their season. As a late addition, it represented more of an added bonus to the season than anything else. With little expectations heading into regionals, they focused on giving it their all.

“Our goal from the beginning of the year was to play our best Frisbee at this tournament and we absolutely did that,” said senior Elliot Moskat.

They managed to get a little bit of redemption as well, beating two teams this time around to who they lost to in sectionals.

Simply playing on their home turf seemed to vitalize both teams, giving them an extra boost throughout the weekend.

“Playing here at Whitman was awesome. It was really rewarding to be able to play in front of our friends and fans, and I think it was the best Frisbee we’ve played all year,” said junior Marlena Sloss.

Moskat agrees.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen them play as well as they did; it was absolutely another level,” he said. “They definitely proved they can contend for a national championship.”

The national championship tournament takes place May 22-25 in Milwaukee, Wisc. and all signs point to the Lady Sweets making a huge splash.