The road to becoming a contender is never smooth, and last Saturday’s game in San Diego was a reminder of just how steep that climb can be. Oregon Soar’s journey south came with no illusions. Arguably the league’s most dominant team was waiting on the other side, and the Super Bloom looked every bit the part. San Diego applied relentless pressure, made few mistakes, and capitalized on nearly every opportunity. For Soar, the result was a setback on the scoreboard. But look a little closer, and the game offered valuable glimpses into what is being built.
There were stretches of real rhythm on offense. When Soar was at their best, it was the handler movement that opened up the field. Players like Natalie Hancock and Jackie Matonis found a groove in the backfield, creating clean resets and initiating flow that looked more like a team finding its identity than one in survival mode. Those moments point to a foundation being laid.
In a league that demands experience, Oregon is leaning into youth. That choice is already showing promise. Jackie Riley continues to shine as a two-way force, bringing energy and playmaking to every game. Helen Burruss and Sylvi Barnes were once again called on in meaningful roles and delivered with poise. For many of these athletes, this season marks their first experience playing these sorts of high-level games with airplane travel, professional game-day structure, and unfamiliar opponents. The learning curve is steep and Soar is choosing to meet it head on by putting these young players in positions that matter.
The game itself may not have gone their way, but every minute played in a high-pressure environment adds to the team’s long-term growth. With each game in the WUL logged, these athletes are gaining composure, confidence, and clarity about what it takes to compete at the highest level.
San Diego represents the kind of team Oregon can look to as a model for what is possible with time and commitment. Now in their fifth season, Super Bloom plays with a confidence and cohesion that only comes from years of shared experience. Many of their players are longtime teammates who have built deep chemistry through thousands of reps together. They have a clear identity and a well established system that allows each player to shine within a larger structure. Their success is not built overnight but through seasons of steady development and dedication. For Oregon, San Diego offers a glimpse into what the future could hold. With the right foundation, strong culture, and continued growth, Soar can follow a similar path and build something lasting and powerful.
Next up is a final chance to put it all together. Oregon will close out the season today at home against Seattle, another playoff-bound opponent. What will matter most in the end is not the final score, but whether Soar finishes this season united, inspired, and hungry to return next year with greater purpose and belief. It is a chance to test the progress made, reinforce team systems, and fuel the momentum heading into year two. The goal is not just to finish strong. It is to chart a course that propels Oregon Soar onward and upward.
Written by Avi Taylor