MUchachas invade Ultimate Frisbee

The team is the counterpart of the male Frisbee team, MUtants.

By Sarah Scully

Published Aug. 25, 2006

Even though it was only twilight, the lights at Stankowski Field on Wednesday evening were bright over the vibrant Astroturf.

But for a group of about 20 girls, the lights meant nothing. The night was still young, and the game was just beginning.

MUchachas Captain Kristen Reynolds started the semester's season with an evening pick-up game at Stankowski Field.

Ultimate Frisbee, Reynolds said, is not the simple game most people would think of when reminded of the round plastic disc.

"It's actually a game with rules, points and players," Reynolds said. "Even tournaments."

Reynolds said the MUchachas, MU's premiere all-women team, had been around for a while but then fell apart.

The team was picked back up about three years ago and has been together ever since.

"It's different from other sports," freshman Olivia Oo said. "It's a real friendly sport. It's based on the honor code. There're no referees, so we call fouls on ourselves. It promotes good sportsmanship."

Freshman Lilian Lwin said the team got her more involved at MU and keeps her active.

"It's easier than other sports to pick up if you work on it," Lwin said.

The team frequently attends tournaments throughout the school year, and in the fall, it plays at various clubs in the Midwest. The spring begins the team's college circuit.

"Tournaments are amazing," junior Beth Aubuchon said. "It's something everyone needs to experience."

Oo said the tournaments are a good experience for the team, no matter the winner.

"It raises the level of intensity of the game, but it's still kept fun," Oo said. "We cheer at the end of the game for both teams, no matter who wins."

The MUchachas is open to all women at MU.

The team meets twice per week during the normal season, then three times per week during league season.

Practice days are not yet set.

The MUtants, run by captain Mike Houston, are the male-equivalent team of the MUchachas.

Practices for the MUtants are held at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

An informational meeting for the MUchachas is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28 at Shakespeare's Pizza.