UPA 2003 COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
University of Texas
How they got here:
1st in the South Region
Scouting Report
Look for a solid performance at Nationals this year by the Texas women. Last year they competed at Nationals for the first time, but they did not win any of their games. This is bound to change this year. They are back with an even better team. Even though the entire Southern Region has gotten a lot stronger this year, Texas still dominated at Regionals. No other team even scored double digits on them. Almost all of the players who competed at Nationals last year will be back again. Expect to see veterans Amanda Gayle (#10), Naz Waliany (#15), and Maria Lane (#00) playing solid offense by making key throws and amazing grabs. Expect good defense from Katelyn Allers (#7), and Cara Crouch (#5). Crouch, last year's Callahan nominee, makes it hard for anyone to get open and can stop the flow of the opponent with her layout d's.
In addition to their strong returning players, Texas picked up some other solid players this year. For example, Nathalie Guimard (#12), this year's Callahan nominee, is sure to shut down anyone she covers and then have no trouble getting open on offense. Expect new player Marisa Krisananuwatara (#77) to wear out anyone who covers her with her incredible speed. Other rookies, Sheila Ogden, (#99) and Anne Schluter (#13) add a lot to the team with their intensity and height.
Texas has a lot of players with good breakmarks and several with good hucks, and they play a variety of different defenses in most games. They have a deep team, and any player who is on the field should be considered a threat. Their success has really been a team effort. Finally, they are bound to do well this year at Nationals not only because they are a really good team but also because they have the home-field advantage.
They changed their name this year, and you should also expect a change in their record at this tournament.
Self-reported stats
Big season wins:
Beat Yale at Yale Cup. Beat Arizona at President's Day. Beat William &
Mary at Mardi Gras. Beat Oberlin at Southerns.
Big season losses:
Lost to Iowa on ultimate point in the finals of Mardi Gras.
Players to watch on offense:
#00 Maria Lane 5'0"
#10 Amanda Gayle 5'4"
#15 Nazish Waliany 5'4"
Players to watch on defense:
#5 Cara Crouch 5'8"
#7 Katelyn Allers 5'8"
#12 Nathalie Guimard 5'6" (Callahan nominee)