Game 1: Marsh Mermaids vs Mud Dogs
Score: 11-8 Marsh Mermaids W
The Marsh Mermaids took on the Mud Dogs again in no-subs form, and this time on a far less marshy field. The Mermaids started on defense, and due to a few uncharacteristic miscues by the Mud Dogs, took an early lead. But Mud Dogs recovered and we’re able to put up a couple points before the end of half, which ended 6-2 in favor of the mermaids. The mermaids came out strong to start the second half, and we’re feeling pretty good about their position. Maybe too good, as the Mud Dogs rallied back strong, after making some nice defensive adjustments, and went on a run of their own to bring it to a one point game. The Mermaids were fortunate to eek out a victory here as the Mud Dogs had some serious momentum going in that second half. They have the talent to make a big run in the playoffs.
The play of the day was Nathan’s goal line dive to prevent a score by Alec on a well thrown disc by Ben. Nathan also made his presence felt in the endzone with a number of beautiful catches.
The mermaids were without the expert handling abilities of Cooper today, but Tom Brown did a fantastic job of taking on the lead handler role. His hucks to Nathan and others were on point all game. Additionally, Jono, Asa and Reagan also did a great job of working the disc up field with Anton and Billy filling in the gaps. The Co-MVPs of this game were definitely Nathan and Tom, who had amazing connections all game.
Game 2: Marsh Mermaids vs Jukebox 11-5 L
Score: 11-5 Jukebox
For Game 2, the Mermaids limped their way over to Field 1 for a second round of playing savage. Our opponents: Eight Jukebox heroes, raring to go after a quick and easy win in their first match (okay, the other team failed to show and forfeited, but hey, a win is a win). Needless to say, the Jukeboxers were ready for some action. Both teams started off strong, with the first several O points traded back and forth. The Jukebox handlers played the short game AND the long game extremely well, making quick work of their time with the disc and scoring point after point (shoutout to Joe, David, JP, and Oster, y’all played it so chill). The Mermaids answered with several points as well, with Reagan, Billy, Anton, and Tom making it look easy to get yards and Nathan managing to snag some long hucks in the end zone. Things came to a head just before half with a brutal, 5 bazillion possession point, with both teams striving mightily to put the disc in the endzone. The point culminated with Asa making a break downfield, Reagan putting it to her downfield AND ASA BID SO FAR FOR IT AND ALMOST CAUGHT IT AND IT WAS SUCH AMAZING EFFORT BUT IT WASN’T MEANT TO BE …*Phew* forgive me, got caught back up in the moment. Seriously though y’all, it was so sick, everyone wanted it to happen so bad. Alas…superb effort Asa! After that, what luck the Mermaids had seemed to dry up like the hot Florida sand. Jukebox took half, then continued to put away point after point, playing smart offense and getting the entire team involved. The Mermaids attempted to rally with several points and a surprise back-hand force, but Jukebox kept playing their song, eventually taking the win 11-5. As always, I came away impressed at the spirit and camaraderie of both teams, on and off the field. Well done Jukebox, until we meet again! (Preferably with more subs).