Lady Pranksters Fall Just Short in Nationals Bid

Author: Jenny Levin and Morley McBride

The Middlebury Lady Pranksters put on a hell of a show this weekend. Dartmouth College hosted the two day New England College Regionals under sunny skies and a gift of warm weather. Fifteen women's teams competed in a double elimination tournament to determine which three teams would head to Nationals. The women's New England region is one of the largest and strongest in the nation. Regions are usually given one bid to nationals, with wildcard bids given to the area with the most teams and the most competitive play. The Pranksters' New England region received both the size and strength wildcard bids this year, creating three openings for the National tournament.

Due to their strong performance two weeks ago at Sectionals, the Lady Pranksters ( or MLP as they often are called) ranked sixth in the region, under teams Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown, Tufts, Yale and Williams, respectively. Saturday's play resulted in a 2-1 record, with one loss to the third seed Tufts. The Tufts game was tense as the Pranksters fought for points to bring the final score to 8-15. Senior Jen Bloomer played an incredible game, laying out huge while running zone for the defense. The day was long, as the women played for six solid hours, exhausted but proud of their performance.

Sunday proved to be the climax of their season. Wellesley, ranked only one spot below the Pranksters, challenged MLP with energetic offense and defense in their first game. Yet, Middlebury could not be deterred, exploiting the lack of wind by harnessing their long game. Sophomore Hannah Reid put up some brilliant hucks, as well as ripping many down on the field. The Pranksters remained victorious with a 15-6 win.

Advancing into the semifinals of their bracket, MLP met the fourth seed, Yale, with anxious anticipation. Yale came out strong in the first half, setting a tough zone defense in increasing winds. Despite MLP's hopes, Yale took the half 8-2. Perhaps the uphill battle was exactly what the Lady Pranksters needed, having set a pattern all season of picking up speed in the second half. Trading down-wind points, Middlebury played a smarter game than they had all season, executing plays that they had once only imagined. MLP brought the score to 6-11, only getting stronger with each snag in the end-zone. Break side continuations from Jenny Levin '02 to Morley McBride '02, Martha Crootof '04, Kelly Jewell '02, Han Reid and Bloomer proved unstoppable. Hugs were exchanged on the field as the score was brought to 12-14. The next point, game point for Yale, lasted for what seemed like an eternity, as the Lady Pranksters performed their best defense of the season. Even the sidelines were fully engaged, MLP receiving underdog support from teammates, alumni fans, parents and the Dartmouth men's team. Despite the 10 points that MLP earned in the second half, Yale brought the final score to 15-12 after an impressive comeback attempt by the Pranksters.

Although they did not come off the field with a win, the incredible effort brought the season to a very momentous close. McBride said, "I have never been so physically and mentally committed to a game as this one. I can't believe it is over. Did I mention that we played really well?" Co-captain Levin agreed, "I am so proud of this team. Not a single girl on that field could have given more. It was a bittersweet end to a wonderful four years. I love this team. Can you please pass the Kleenex?"