Regionals 2016

"It never rains at regionals" Coming to my first regionals tournament, I didn't really believe it until I witnessed it. I haven't seen this much rain since I lived through the monsoons of Indonesia. Burn began their trek at 5:30 am leaving Blacksburg to Axton. Our first game of the day was against William and Mary, a formidable foe that relies on system and grind but always slacked in athleticism. After a rough start, Burn pulled through with a 17-15 win. The next game was against UVA. Burn came out hot in the first half, starting with the game with multiple breaks (ahh revenge is best served cold and wet). Second half was a bit buggy and due to the lag caused by rain, they managed to made the gap closer. Guided by our recently donated Elephants Over the Alps flag (Thanks Mrs.White!), we pulled the win ending it at 14-12. Our last game of the day was against the #1 seed, UNC-W. Unfortunately, Burn did not come out hot at all and our mental game broke early. The game ended 15-8 and we went 2-1 for the day, putting us in the championship bracket for Sunday.

After a night of nourishment from some Mexican restaurant I can't remember (graciously paid for by Mrs. Hitt and Mr. Giggliotti), Burn was ready to start their first game against USC. First half ended quickly, putting us ahead 8-4. Second half was a completely different story. Like an RKO out of nowhere, the rain went from light rain to Noah's Ark level. This had a tremendous impact on us and we found ourselves getting broken multiple times ending at 13-13 before they stopped the game for thunder/lightning. The game resumed after an hour of waiting. It was a game to 2 points. Both teams held on offense effectively the first point. During the final point, an overthrow huck from Burn led to a turnover. USC used this opportunity to play huck it into their deep threat. After a monstrous layout D from Burn, the disc flew back into USC and they won the game 15-14.

Although Burn's season ended shortly of their goal, we still had a great season. The team is young, it's time for the sophomore class to step it up the next two years and lead us to the promise land. For now, it's time to focus on finals and ball out with our club team this summer.