Photo by Alan Bloodgood
AUGUST 12, 2024
By Marley Pope
A special night, it was. For the first time, the DC Breeze advanced to the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA)’s Championship Weekend with a franchise-record 1,100 spectators looking on in their gritty 16-14 win over the Boston Glory.
DC was 0-5 in the quarterfinals before Saturday night, losing multiple division title games, including last year's loss to the New York Empire. The heartbreak repeating itself time after time motivated this team to reach new heights this season, which now heads to Salt Lake City to fight for a UFA championship.
“We knew Boston would be able to come back. We trusted the system, controlling the clock and continuing to play defense. It’s always about being together,” head coach Lauren Boyle said.
In a sloppy game, DC held the advantage with their five defensive breaks to Boston’s two, where the D-line knocked the Glory off their game just enough to hold a 5-3 lead after the first quarter.
“They have bought into discipline. They are willing to watch 30 passes happen and again and again, continue to lockdown. That tenacity is really special,” Boyle said.
Offensively, Jonny Malks shined again, tallying seven scores (3G, 3A) and recording the most total yards on the team along with a +5 plus-minus.
“Wasn’t a perfect game tonight, but I think that speaks to how we have come together over the season. That’s a testament to the close-knit nature of this group. It means everything to go to championship weekend with this team,” Malks said.
Handler defender Jasper Tom set the tone early with a ridiculous diving poach block to put DC in the red zone for the first break chance of the night. DC called timeout, and Gus Norbom converted the break 30 seconds later.
Boston answered with a perfect huck by Tyler Chan into Jeff Babbitt’s arms and over a defender to knot the game at two with 6:52 left in the opening quarter.
Things got heated early between Boston’s Ben Sadok and DC’s AJ Merriman where the referees stopped play to cool the situation.
Tom again changed the game's direction with a sneaky interception and ensuing assist on the break to Luke Rehfuss giving the Breeze a 5-3 lead in the quarter's final minute.
“Last time we played Boston people came away feeling hungry because we thought we played pretty good shut-down defense. Recognizing that good defense isn’t enough and we have to go get blocks. So seeing Jasper and [David] Bloodgood putting their bodies on the line and getting those blocks set us up for success the rest of the way,” Malks said.
Boston swung the momentum to open the second quarter with a steal by Peter Boerth and a quick pass to secure the break score.
DC made another vital mistake with Elliot Bonnet, who scored twice in the first quarter, misplacing a pass on the goal line to allow a tip by the Glory and prevent a DC score.
On the next possession, Boston had a goal taken away due to an infraction while the disc was flying towards the endzone, and the Glory still trailed by one with 7:30 left in the second quarter.
DC grew that lead to three after a quick O-line possession and another break conversion when Bloodgood tipped a pass away from Sadok; Rhys Bergeron converted the other way for DC.
Boston scored with 26 seconds left in the half to trail 8-6 at the break, as their nine turnovers and offensive struggles (50% hold & 38% O-line conversion) put them behind in a gritty East Division clash.
The Breeze again leaned on their defense to separate to begin the second half when Merriman blocked a pass, leading to another D-line score to give DC a three-goal cushion.
“The thing that [Breeze assistant coach Alex] Crew does better than anyone else is set people up to know their matchups and know how to put someone in smaller windows,” Boyle said.
The pressure of the game forced some uncharacteristic mistakes from both teams. Dropped passes and passes with little chance of completion prevented DC from putting Boston away but also prevented Boston from making a run.
Despite their rough patches on offense, Boston kept the deficit to two heading into the final quarter, once again scoring in the final minute of the third with Babbitt’s third goal.
In the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, DC outscored Boston 3-1 thanks to two O-line scores and one D-line conversion.
“This season has felt different, just the energy we have; the way people are buying in is different,” Malks said.
The Breeze proved once again their relentless play on both sides of the disc, wearing down another elite opponent with the roaring crowd of 1,100 cheering them on.
“Defense wins championships. We’re just doing what we can to run around and make the team feel like they have a long game. We set the pressure, we set the tone,” team captain AJ Merriman said.
DC scored again in 57 seconds to put them ahead 15-11 with under five minutes to go in the game. Boston faced a tough task to mount a comeback but responded with a quick score and a break to pull within two with 1:40 on the clock.
Boston tried to work a double-team off the pull, but Jaques Nissen fearlessly sent a huck down the sideline, which Jeff Wodatch secured and worked the disc into the end zone, effectively sealing the win.
However, Boston did not quit, coming through with a hold on a perfect assist from Sadok, immediately followed by an interception, which gave the Glory a chance to bring the game within one score with 32 seconds left.
DC held on in the final seconds to win their first division championship in franchise history, sending the sideline and stands into a frenzy.
“This whole season, I’ve known I was gifted a talented program; we just had to put it together,” Boyle said.
