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| Photo by Ben Holland |
Capturing its second consecutive World Cup championship,
the University of Texas (UT) defeated Texas State University by a score
of 130*-70 in the finals of World Cup VII. Margo Aleman, one of the many
newcomers to Texas Quidditch, caught the snitch to complete UT’s title
defense.
The game began with Texas State, who defeated Emerson
College in the semifinals, firmly in control. Chaser Tyrell Williams, a
standout for Texas State all tournament long, scored the first goal of
the game, spectacularly spinning past UT defenders, while teammate
Richard Kemp added two goals and an assist of his own. UT mustered two
goals during this early portion of the game on a goal and an assist from
keeper and Captain Augustine Monroe, bringing the score to 40-20 in
Texas State’s favor.
Meanwhile, the beater game was wild and scrappy. Assistant
referees issued multiple yellow cards to beaters from both teams,
resulting in many changes of bludger control.
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| Photo by Ben Holland |
As the game progressed, Texas State’s passing deteriorated
heavily. Monroe was able to intercept several Texas State passes and
Texas State’s turnovers soon outnumbered its goals. With the score at
50-30, UT exploded for six consecutive goals to put Texas State out of
snitch range. During this critical stretch of the World Cup final, UT
continued to make key stops on defense, holding Texas State at 50
points.
With the snitch catch looming, Eric Reyes pulled Texas
State back within 30 points, but Aryan Ghoddossy responded for UT,
scoring a goal in transition. Although a Tyrell Williams fast break goal
put Texas State in snitch range again, UT seeker Margo Aleman was
clearly putting heavy pressure on the snitch, who had returned to the
pitch. Aleman dove several times, using a long wingspan to come within
inches of the snitchsock. Finally, Aleman ripped the snitchsock from
snitch Tanner Morris and with no beaters around, the snitch referee
signaled “good” immediately.
In addition to giving UT its second World Cup Championship,
the win against Texas State improved UT to 9-0 at World Cup VII and
gave it its first tournament victory of the season. Texas State fell to
7-2 for the tournament but exceeded all expectations by advancing to the
World Cup finals.
Photos by Ben Holland
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