DC SHADOW - APRIL 10TH, 2024
Game Recap: DC Shadow Roll Over Raleigh Radiance
Last Saturday, DC Shadow traveled to meet Raleigh Radiance, the 2023 PUL Champions, on the opening day of this season for the league. Shadow enjoyed a seamless ride down I-95 on a spring day featuring [CONDITIONS]. These conditions, while challenging, echo the difficult weather Shadow has endured at early practices, and the team stepped foot on the field with a collective confidence in their work for this first match up.
The first quarter featured a commanding performance from Shadow, with Allie Wallace, Kami Groom (x2), and Erin McCann notching goals to go on a 4-score run unanswered. At the start of the second quarter, Grace Conerly of Raleigh Radiance reeled it in to get the home team on the board; however, DC would follow with a hold scored by Clare Frantz and a perfectly-timed callahan from Groom. Radiance responded with a hold and a break of their own, leaving the first half at Shadow 6 and Radiance 3.
The second half kicked off with a long point eating 6:30 off the clock that ended with a throw from Allie Wallace to Claire Trop (7 to 3). The third quarter ended with scores from Shadow rookies Florence Brooks and Ellen Mueller (9 to 3). The final quarter of the game opened with a huge layout block from Brooks that would convert to a Mueller assist to Annelise Peters to bring the score to 10-3. Graham Cunningham, another Shadow first year player, was on the end of a quick point followed by another fast point with Radiance on the scoring end (11-4). While Brooks, Groom, McCann, Trop, and Wallace scored the final five goals for DC, Raleigh only was able to muster one more point before the end of the game (16-5).
This first win on the road demonstrated the Shadow’s dynamism and overall strengths in challenging conditions, which they will continue to sharpen throughout the season.
After the game, assistant coach Sara Handy shared her thoughts on the opening performance by Shadow: “For me, it was incredible to see the chemistry and cohesiveness between our rookie and established players (and coaches!). It was clear they were working hard for each other and the sideline energy was electric. There were so many big exciting plays and throws but two that are very present in my mind are Flo's layout D in the end zone and Kami's Callahan!”
For the stat lines, the PUL recognized Kami Groom as the Game of the Week stats highlight with 4 goals, 2 secondary assists, and 2 defensive blocks. [MORE STATS] Of particular note were the contributions from the seven Shadow rookies who took the field in Raleigh. While stats don’t always tell the whole story, it is noteworthy that each of the 7 recorded a goal, assist, and/or block in their debut.
Many thanks to Tight Five Pub for hosting the DC watch party and for all who came to share in the fun! Join us for the next watch party on May 18 at 6:00pm to see Shadow at Portland Rising.
DC Shadow’s Fans at the Tight Five Pub DC Shadow Watch Party against the Raleigh Radiance - April 6th 2024
Home Opener Preview: Nashville Nightshade at DC Shadow (April 13th, 2024 @7:00PM EST)
On Saturday April 13 at 7:00pm at Catholic University’s Carlini Field, DC Shadow will face off against Nashville Nightshade. The Nightshade team was one of the founding teams of the PUL, with a focus on building up the broader Nashville community (more background here).
Coached by Rachel Kramer, Chris Calhoun, Jesse Shofner, and Collin Dabbieri and led by captains Grace Castro, Katharine Gilbert, and Mia Letterie, Nightshade will look to bounce back from their close loss on the road against Indianapolis Red last weekend. In similarly windy conditions to Raleigh, Nightshade trailed Red at half (7-9) and finished at the same margin (13-15). A win or a strong performance in DC would push back against the low rung on the ladder they were placed on by Ultiworld’s preseason rankings (10 of 11 teams).
In terms of the roster, Shofner is a notable departure from the 2023 team which will affect the game on field although as a coach, a major gain to the staff. The roster from Nightshade 2023 to Nightshade 2024 looks considerably different, as the following players will be brand new to the team or returning after a break:
Sierra Rimmer
Micah Roberts
Grace Robinson
Emma Patterson
Jamie Ferrie
Meaghan Creamer
Bethany Bailey
Breanna Snipes
Sylvia Brown
Mattea Swegles
Grace Castro
Mary Turner
Early forecasts for the DC home opener call for a high of 65F, no rain, but may include winds at 15-25 mph with higher gusts possible. The wind will make for a challenging and exciting game. Need gear for the game?
VC Ultimate has some SICK Shadow Windbreakers in our online team store and you can also buy stadium blankets at our merch stand!
Sponsors’ Spotlight: WAFC and Denizens Brewing Co.
WAFC
WAFC is excited to be partnering with DC Shadow for the 2024 season! WAFC runs ultimate leagues for youth and adults year round for all ability levels. For the Spring season, registration is still open for WAFC’s Learn-to-Play league, Mens-Matchup league, Womens-Matchup league, and Middle School league. To ensure that cost is not a barrier to playing ultimate, WAFC implements a pay-what-you-can model to all league registrations so players can choose the amount that is right for them. Sign up today!
DENIZENS BREWING CO
Located in Riverdale Park, MD, Shadow is proud to be sponsored by Denizens Brewing Co.! Established in 2012, founders Emily, Julie, and Jeff drafted up the company that now employees approximately 40 employees with distribution across DC, MD, and VA. We're proud to serve Denizen's Animal Hazy IPA and Born Bohemian brews at all of our home games, so make sure to stop by the concession stand to crack one open while you cheer on Shadow!
Volunteer with the DC Shadow!
We need you to help us put on some great events! Our home games on April 13 (Nashville Nightshade), May 4 (Raleigh Radiance), and June 1 (Austin Torch) will require a lot of help and we’re looking for great people to help. Fill out this interest form and help out a great team, learn what it’s like behind the scenes, and get free admission to the games that you volunteer at.
DC Shadow Tickets on Sale Now!
We hope to see you at all three of the DC Shadow home games on April 13 (Nashville Nightshade), May 4 (Raleigh Radiance), and June 1 (Austin Torch). You can save 20% if you buy a season pass! Deadline for season tickets is 8pm on April 13! Single tickets and group rates are also available.
Shop our VC Ultimate DC Shadow Team Store!
Grab some of the best merchandise in the league and shop for DC Shadow Official Team Gear From VC Ultimate Today!
Donate to support the DC Shadow!
DC Shadow relies on community support to bring you the best in ultimate. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution here.
