Oregon Soar took the field for the first time this past weekend, marking their long-awaited debut in the WUL.
Holly Gibson, who launched a deep and beautiful signature lefty backhand for the team’s historic first pull, captured the emotions of the moment:
“Stepping on the line, there is a sense of calm. Knowing I practiced for this moment. I trained for this moment. Once you get out there, you know you can trust your body and your team. Now you gotta focus on right now. It’s a nice feeling.”
Facing a battle-tested Seattle Tempest team with years of experience and chemistry behind them, Soar came away with a 24-10 loss. The final score, however, only tells part of the story.
For a team full of talent and experience but new to playing together, Week One was less about perfection and more about laying the groundwork for success.
Soar Captain Raina “Sprite” Kamrat had this to say about the team’s mindset:
“We are building a foundation for the future of Soar, so each one of us is thinking about what we can do on the field, but also off the field to create a strong culture of support, self-improvement, and trust.”
Seattle wasted no time asserting their command over the game. Up 7-3 after the first quarter, Tempest’s defensive pressure and sharp offensive execution set a tone that held throughout. Their ability to challenge unders and force Soar into low-percentage throws gave Seattle frequent break chances, which they converted with consistency.
After halftime, Soar mounted a promising run, narrowing the deficit to 9-13 with possession on their own end zone line. Just when it looked like they might break Seattle’s O-line multiple times in a row and steal momentum, Soar gambled on a risky shot that grazed off the receiver’s fingertips. Still, this stretch demonstrated their capability to execute at a high level when in sync.
Seattle’s polished play revealed clear gaps in Soar’s timing and chemistry, especially in the handle set. But it also provided a valuable benchmark. Soar’s adjustments throughout the game hinted at the team they could become. There were moments of smoother offensive flow, more coordinated defensive pressure, and individual performances that showed this squad can evolve into a contender in the WUL.
To mention a few: Kimber Cole proved to be a dynamic deep threat, consistently creating separation and stretching the Tempest defense. When flow broke down, her ability to generate viable looks downfield gave Soar a valuable release valve. Cole’s speed in the cutting space is a key asset with which Soar has the opportunity to capitalize on going forward.
On both sides of the disc, Zoe Luke made her presence felt, especially in the air. Luke showed that she can be a playmaker for this team, capable of making an impact in high leverage moments.
Wren Vogel played with confidence throughout the game, helping Soar establish rhythm and maintain possession when timing faltered. Vogel’s composure in the handle space often served as a stabilizing force on offense.
Sprite reflected on her experience in Seattle:
“There were so many emotions and expectations surrounding that first game, I hardly slept! But stepping onto the field was like coming home. I knew what I needed to do for my team, and I knew my teammates had my back. We were attacking every disc on O and D, so we need to keep that intensity, but be a little more proactive.”
Despite the score, Soar’s energy remained high throughout. The team’s sideline presence and body language revealed the cohesion of a group that believes in each other. From the opening pull through the final point, I saw high fives, hugs, and genuine smiles, a promising sign that the team has what it takes to weather adversity.
Looking Ahead: Home Opener vs. Colorado Alpenglow
Week Two brings a new chapter: Soar’s first-ever home game. Tomorrow, Soar faces off against Colorado Alpenglow at 2pm at the U of O - Portland Stadium. Going into the game with a nearly identical roster, Soar hopes to build on the chemistry they began developing in Week One.
This week’s roster does include two exciting additions: Sylvi Barnes and Eliana Norton, both athletic, young players making their pro debuts. Their inclusion brings fresh energy and depth, and signals Soar’s commitment to developing emerging home-grown talent as part of their long-term identity.
Sprite shared her thoughts going into this next match-up:
“It’s incredibly exciting to play our first home game, with so many of our friends and loved ones in the crowd. We want to give them a good show. No matter what the score is, I want us to work hard and keep pushing.”
There’s no sugarcoating a 24-10 loss. But in many ways, this first game was exactly what Soar needed: a trial by fire that made clear both their starting point and their potential.
The pieces are there. Now the work begins to bring them together. Tomorrow, Soar gets the chance to do just that in front of a home crowd that has eagerly awaited the return of professional women’s ultimate in Oregon.
As Sprite put it:
“Instead of fretting about mistakes, we need to take the initiative to make the next play. That tenacity is the key to growth. After all, nothing blooms without enduring the darkness.”
Written by Avi Taylor