With 35 seconds left of regulation, Emma Peaslee stuck her hand out in a quick-thinking maneuver to try to slow down the New York Gridlock’s oncoming offense as they neared the red zone, hoping to break the tied game and hand the Strike their first loss of the season.
The hand block was not flashy; it required no leaps and bounds and will likely not be seen on any sort of highlight reel. But it was one of the most significant blocks of the season, as the Strike were able to take possession and eventually force the game into an intense overtime period.
Big Looks Are Paying Off
Minnesota led New York the majority of the game, taking advantage of some early turnovers and making quick work of their opponents. The Strike picked up momentum thanks to some fast break point opportunities. New York seemed to struggle to find their footing in Sea Foam, though the stadium is notoriously punishing to discs; the weather conditions certainly didn’t help, and the Strike padded their score early on.
Throughout the season thus far, the Strike have typically taken a small-ball approach to their offense, using strong handlers to work the disc upfield before finding a receiver in the end zone. On Saturday, however, the Strike were slinging the disc with confidence. The throws they were making were executed with a precision that was jaw-dropping, looking for cross-field advancements, taking huge hammers deep, and pinning the disc into cutters’ hands with ease.
“It seems that [Robyn] Fennig has inspired a new generation of Strike hammer throwers,” noted the Strike’s live stream commentators.
The team has certainly found their groove on offense, particularly among the handlers.
This approach clearly took the Gridlock by surprise, as the handlers seemed to have complete control of their home field. Minnesota had their pick of quarterbacks to work with, and they were able to execute some big plays throughout the game.
Down to the Minute
However, the Gridlock kept up with the Strike, silently taking their own points back right when the Strike tried to wedge a bigger lead. Until late in the third quarter, the Strike seemed to be walking away with their fourth consecutive win. But Gridlock players such as Nola Kim-Mayer and Elizabeth Mosquera were thorns in the Strike’s side, applying constant pressure late in the game and taking a few points back to start the Gridlock’s comeback.
Over the course of the remaining 12 minutes of the game, the Strike and Gridlock traded blows, fine-tuning their matchups and taming the weather around them.
The Strike’s offensive machine pushed forward, led by Carly Eckstrom, Robyn Fennig, Rachel Johnson, and Sarah Meckstroth. This core wove their way into every play, making even the biggest throws and hardest bids look routine. Jane Koch did Jane Koch things, using her speed to stop New York in their tracks. Koch’s crafty defensive pressure has been paramount for the Strike this season in forcing turns and putting opponents in uncomfortable spots. Paired with Steph Wood going deep, the Strike have cracked the code in punishing opponents when they let up even the slightest.
And so it only made sense when, after Peaslee’s momentum-shifting block to force overtime, Meckstroth found Koch with a huge huck to score what would eventually be the game-winning goal.
Minnesota’s handlers have consistently showed patience as their cutters get set up downfield. They’ve tired out opposing defenses and strike when the time is right. Each person on the Strike’s roster has a clear role they play, and everyone has played their role extremely well this season.
Up Next: Professional Ultimate Double Header on May 20th
With just two games left in the regular season, the Minnesota Strike hope to keep the momentum going. They have their last home game of the year on May 20th against the Columbus Pride. Sea Foam Stadium is expected to be packed, as the team is pairing up with the Minnesota Wind Chill for a professional ultimate double header.
Join us at the game and follow us on social media for continued coverage of the Minnesota Strike and Wind Chill all season long.
Comentários