'Cows Nab Fourth in Columbus

Horsecows Fight the Good Fight at Sectionals

Under sunny, distinctly un-Canadian skies this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio, the Oberlin Flying Horsecows placed fourth in the East Plains Section of the Great Lakes Region in the first event of the College Series, college ultimate's postseason (or regular season, depending how you see it). The 'Cows earned a trip to Regionals, to be held the weekend of Apr. 29-30 at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, to vie for a spot at Nationals.

In an encouraging sign, Oberlin played one of their most intense and high-quality games of the year in the semifinals against Dayton University, whom the 'Cows dispatched in last year's back-door finals to Nationals. The game began promisingly, with Oberlin taking a 3-1 lead after starting on defense and pulling down several lay-out defensive efforts, two from senior co-captain Todd Daloz. Daloz supplied fantastic defense through the weekend, as did junior Adam Zucker, competing in his first tournament since returning from a torn hamstring. Junior Josh Adler, junior co-captain Jamie Merchant and sophomore Isaac Deter-Wolf also contributed big on D. Said Daloz of Deter-Wolf's tenacious defense, "You don't see any wolves on the field, do you?"

Out of my Way: Senior co-captain Todd Daloz (obscured) D's up an opponent at sectionals. (photo by Brian Hodgkin)

Dayton was able to storm back after the initial deficit to go into halftime with the lead. Oberlin stayed close the whole way, but the Horsecows' tired legs were unable to stay with the high-flying Ghetto Force. The 'Cows fell by a final of 15-12.

The first day of competition had been a heartening one for Oberlin, as they dispatched the University of Toledo and Wooster quickly by scores of 15-4 and 15-3, respectively. That set the stage for the day's final game against long-time rival Ohio University. Many great sectionals match-ups have taken place between the two teams, and this was to be another - for Oberlin. The 'Cows stormed out to an 8-3 halftime margin, and never let up, winning 15-7. The teams met again on Sunday for the 3-4 game, after both lost their semifinal matchups (OU lost to Ohio State, the eventual champs). Ohio this time had the edge, and despite a tight game throughout and an Oberlin comeback in the second half, they defeated the visibly exhausted Horsecows 15-13.

The fourth-place finish is much lower than usual for the 'Cows, who have grown accustomed to winning Sectionals year in and year out. After a disappointing spring season which leaves much room for improvement, Oberlin will have a lot to prove at Regionals in their bid to secure Oberlin's first back-to-back Nationals qualifications.

Jacob Kramer-Duffield is a sophomore on the ultimate frisbee team.