World Lacrosse Championships 38 - Everything Thread

[South Jeolerina]

Round of 16 Cutoff

Every matchday, we will provide some prompts together with the cutoff message. These prompts are used as a guide, and will not result in any benefits should you choose to RP based on these prompts.
For Round of 16, the prompt is as follows: This cutoff, we go back to some worldbuilding, this time with some unusual angles. For all the talk about being environmentally friendly, does your country have anything to contribute to a better environment? Are there any measures taken in your country to reduce carbon emissions, protect the flora and fauna, or use of natural products to reduce pollution?

MD1: Introduce your team! Talk about your nation's history with lacrosse, domestically, internationally. Your team's targets. Introduce some of the stars of your team here in South Jeolerina.
MD2: When the country's athletes come out to play, how does the country support the players? Maybe you can share some information about the fans and how they will show their support their national team at every big tournament.
MD3: It is time to showcase something about your country. What do people want to do the most when they visit your country? What should they be on the lookout for? Or is there a less well-known culture in your country that you want to show case? This RP can even take the form of a graphic, a postcard, should you have the abilities to do it!
MD4: There is always something about the midway point. How has the tournament been thus far? Have they been playing good games with their lacrosse ball and lacrosse stick? Or have they been traveling around this place? South Jeolerina isn't the most fantastic tourist place (that is Hallikshire, really), but the country has some things which people can enjoy. How do they find Jeoleris? Are they good hosts?
MD5: Rivals. Do you have a nation you consider as a rival? It could be a nation where "we will do better than you" applies, a nation your people don't want to see lifting the final trophy. How did this rivalry come about? Historical baggage? Current relations? Neighbours in your region? Record in other sports? Or even, from past WLC experience?
If you don't have a rival as your nation, think about some of the rivalries in your team. Do such things exist? Are there people who would constantly compete with each other?
MD6: With the 6th matches out and ongoing, the brutal elimination stages will come. 12 teams will leave after their 7th game, 4 more will join them at the Round of 20. And so on. Has there been a team that has caught your fans' attention? A team that has gotten the respect of your team? It can be a team you will support if your own team gets knocked out in the process.
MD7: It's the end of a really long group stage! Talk about a team that you think, will be your biggest challenge to the title. It is similar to what we asked in MD5, but in that case, we were looking for a team which has some history with your side. In this case, however, we are talking about the team which you think, has been doing well for the past 7 matchdays, and you think they will be one of the title contenders.
Round of 20: The true elimination begins! Talk a bit about your team's feelings. First time playing in the WLC knockout stages? What are their expectations? If this isn't the first time, maybe you can talk about your history in the knockout stages. Memorable matches that your team has played in the tournament.

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Round of 16 Results:

Banija (1 - B1) 14–4 Beaverriver (17 - D5) @ Poolside Lacrosse Field, Poolside (cap. 12,000)
The Cordian Isles (8 - D2) 9–13 Kriegiersien (9 - B3) @ Manclester Field, Manclester (cap. 14,000)
Taxonomic Kingdoms (5 - A2) 17–9 Tropicorp (12 - D3) @ Hamphire Park, Manclester (cap. 9,000)
HUElavia (4 - A1) 9–5 Nyowani Kitara (15 - C4) @ Sutra Lacrosse Stadium, Dillkshire (cap 10,000)
Baker Park (3 - C1) 11–10 Ranoria (14 - D4) @ Jisonira Lane, Donbester (cap 8,500)
Sylestone (6 - C2) 16–7 South Jeolerina (11 - A3) @ Moose Center, Jeolerina City (cap. 9,000) [Scorinated by Quebec and Shingoryeo]
Natanians and Nosts (7 - B2) 10–15 Kohnhead (10 - C3) @ Hangshire Sports Complex, Jeolerina City (cap. 18,000)
Sarzonia (2 - D1) 8–5 The Jovannic (20 - C5) @ Denderliani Lacrosse Park, Hangastan (cap 7,500)


Quarterfinals Fixtures:

Banija (1 - B1) vs Kriegiersien (9 - B3) @ Hangshire Sports Complex, Jeolerina City (cap. 18,000)

Taxonomic Kingdoms (5 - A2) vs HUElavia (4 - A1) @ Sutra Lacrosse Stadium, Dillkshire (cap 10,000)

Baker Park (3 - C1) vs Sylestone (6 - C2) @ Poolside Lacrosse Field, Poolside (cap 12,000)

Kohnhead (10 - C3) vs Sarzonia (2 - D1) @ Manclester Field, Manclester (cap. 14,000)

[Banija]

Quarterfinals await Banija at the 38th World Lacrosse Championships

SOUTH JEOLERINA- The WLCs are more than under way- they are now separating the contenders from the pretenders. The group stage is over, the seeding has been drawn. There are no more second chances, no more "learn from our loss today to do better tomorrow." It's the best of what lacrosse has to offer- after having seven games to get into a rhthym and get your squad together, it is do-or-die, win or go home time at the World Lacrosse Championships. And you know what they say about knockout stages such as these won. It's either "four and won", or "one and done." 15 of the 16 teams will end up in the latter category, while just one team will end up in the former category. Banija has never done so in this tournament- but will this be the time?

After a successful group stage, the national team earned the #1 overall seed, being one of two teams to successfully navigate the group stages with an undefeated record. The other, of course, being the six-time champions, who are also the defending world champions, Sarzonia. Good that these two teams ended up on opposite sides of the brackets, as Banijan fans did not want another early matchup against the defending champs. As late as possible to play their rivals, eh? Banija's other rivals, Abanhfleft, never really got themselves going. Also six-time world champions in Lacrosse(beating us along the way for most of those), they have been to the WLC Final for three consecutive tournaments before this one. And yet- they were humbled. They went just 3-4, the team that we can seemingly never beat in the big matches earning a losing record throughout group play, and getting punched out by Ranoria.

That's a good thing for us, eh? And with the team well rested after not having a play-in game, we took on BeaverRiver in the Round of 16. The Banijan squad was dominant. We were up 3-0 at the end of the first quarter, and 9-1 at halftime, with the game being effectively over at that point. "We were able to do against BeaverRiver what we did throughout a lot of the group stages." Head Coach Allen Budaye said. "Dominate play in the early going, get the squad in the right mindset, and then not let them get back in the game. The defense and the midfield were absolutely smothering. Only allowing four goals, Budaye said that the team's effort in the game was a 'defensive clinic'. "I could not be happier with how we played in the back. That is how to approach a knockout game. And to be able to maintain that intensity throughout the whole match- cannot be happier. Now, onto the quarterfinals."

From here, however, it only gets more difficult. The Banijans will have their second matchup against a Kriegiersien team that we are very familiar with. The two teams played an excellent game on Matchday 3, as the top 10 matchup in Group B lived up to its billing. There was nothing to choose between the two teams for an entire half, as the 8-8 score at halftime reflected that it was anybody's game. While the Banijans came out like gangbusters in the second half to put the Kriegiersien upset bid to bed, but many analysts warned that this rematch will be deathly close.

"Kriegiersien likely learned a lot from their second half collapse last time around." Said Marko Babic, a former player and coach for this national team. "The Quarterfinals are enough of a motivation, and the way that game went down is simply additional motivation. I expect a full-length game to look a lot like the first half of the group stage matchup that these two teams had. Fast paced, with both teams creating plenty of scoring opportunities, and taking them as well. IT's hard to say who will win- it will probably come down to a few plays at the end. There's not much to separate these teams, but I do believe that Banija has what it takes to win what will surely be a much tighter, down to the wire-esque ball game than the group stage matchup.

Banija's game against Kriegiersien looks to be the tightest, on paper, of the four. HUElavia, Baker Park, and Sarzonia, all group winners, each open up as significant favorites in their quarterfinal matchups, while the line for Banija is -1.5 goals. Can Banija do what it takes to reach our third consecutive WLC semifinal? Or will Kriegiersien pull off the upset and insert themselves into that top tier of lacrosse playing nations?

[Sarzonia]

Three quarters were in the books at Denderliani Lacrosse Park in Hangastan and the six-time World Lacrosse Championship-winning Sarzonian national lacrosse team were on the wrong end of a one-goal deficit.

The Jovannic had made their point of emphasis shutting down the Sarzonia attack, in particular, sending their best defender Boho Macksisilo on Grassley and also allowing Rockse Litti to pinch in whenever someone in the attack end was looking to pass the ball his way. As the teams traded ends of the pitch to start the fourth quarter, Sarzonia's defensive midfielder Carrie Quinlan noticed that was opening the door for Martin Page, as The Jovannic were also keeping Nick Loewen marked.

"Look for Marty," she told the attackmen. Close defence Xander Beaucamp quickly agreed with Quinlan and gave Gio Guardio a look as if to say "you better fucking do it." Guardio gave a look and a wink with his left eye. Beaucamp knew a Guardio flirt attempt was a wink with his right, so there was no hostile reaction to an unwelcome advance, just a quick acknowledgment that he'd do what two defensive-minded players suggested. Sure enough, after Noah Ryanson won the faceoff to start the fourth quarter, his first pass was to Guardio. Then Guardio surveyed the scene and saw Macksisilo keeping up with the almost equally burly Grassley. Then he saw Litti pinch in, leaving room for Page. He fired the pass to Page, who snagged it and fired a bouncing shot that slipped through the legs and under the goalie's stick of Junivert Kaiyt. Just 16 seconds into the fourth quarter, the match was suddenly level.

That started the all-important rally as Sarzonia would score the next three goals without reply, and the Stars ended up taking the Round of 16 match against The Jovannic by a 8-5 scoreline. They'd improved their record to 8-0 as Jordan Helms would soon find out Kohnhead would pull off the minor 10 v. 7 upset by sending home the seventh seeded Natanians and Nosts 15-10 at Hangshire Sports Complex in Jeolerina City. The only other minor upset of the day was ninth seeded Kriegiersien shrugging off eighth seeds The Cordian Isles 13-9 at Manclester Field. All the other favourites held serve, although third seeded and Sarzonia rivals Baker Park had the toughest go of it as they barely escaped 14th seeded Ranoria 11-10.

For Sarzonia, the day to worry about the goings on beyond the quarterfinals would be another day. Right now, the focus would be on Kohnhead. The Brains finished third in Group C with a 5-1-1 record, having won three in a row including their knockout round victory. Their only regulation defeat was to Group C winners Baker Park 12-7 on Matchday 5. Their other defeat was to Murderbum 11-10 in overtime on Matchday 2. Helms said the team would begin studying The Brains as soon as they got back to the team hotel.

"We're going to eat in the room adjacent to the dressing room," he said. "Then when we get back, we're going to review their tendencies and plan our man-marking assignments and set up our offence and how we'll expect it to work against them."

For Makeeyah Brantley, getting the clean sheet in the fourth quarter against The Jovannic was crucial.

"They kept it too close for our liking," she said of The Jovannic. "They weren't playing like a bunch of semipros. Give 'em credit for that. Usti Guinrti did a great job of getting their players ready for us. But I loved how we responded in the fourth quarter and I'm hoping we can do the same against The Brains."

[Kriegiersien]

“This is the end, my only friend…”

“Why are you singing this? We just won against the Isles, it was a great match. One goal from nearly everyone, except you and Graston, who made two. The defense had some problems, but the passing and attacks... Such great goals. When you tricked the goalkeeper with this ruse shot. Marvelous. And a perfect team afford. No injuries. I think we are in the form of our lives. We can win. Even against Banija, this time. Be more optimistic”, said Gale, smiling encouraging.

“Oh, it is not that. But have you seen the state of our planet? All this destruction, pollution, climate change..”, said Guy Hirn, sighing.

“What? Why are you thinking of that now? We are in the quarter final of the World Cup.”

“Yeah, but will there be a world if we treat it like this in future? Is this competition not worthless if we destroy it?”, Guy played some chords on his guitar.

“What are you talking about?”

“In Zombiestan we try to live in peace in harmony with our fellow man, Zombies and plants. With nature and all. We try to live a withdrawn, non aggressive life. Outside of sports at least. We don’t want to hurt this planet, because we are living on it. What are you doing in Kriegiersien for that?”

“I haven’t thought about that. Sure, we are a big country. We need energy and food. So we have big farms and power plants. But there is a shift to try to use solar energy. Wind. Creating less toxic waste. And not destroying every tree in sight and re- instead of deforest”, Gale said, thoughtful.

“And do you think that will be enough?”

“I don’t know. We had so many wars, and nuclear ones… we always survived. I think we can take a lot and science has always bailed us out. We are looking at and going for the stars. I am optimistic.”

“There are so many people and nations on this planet. I am not sure if the multiverse can take them”, Guy looked up at the sky, to the faint blinking stars.

Gale suddenly shook his head.
“Ah, come on. We have a match to win. Use your aggressive nature to win this god damned match. And after we have won the World Championship, we can think of saving the World. One problem after another.”

“I will remind you of that”, said Guy, smiling, beginning to play and sing again.
“We will be heroes, just for one day...”

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

© Sporting Times Daily 2021
BP look to turn tables on Sylestone in quarters
by Lee Throckmorton, National Reporter

The Commonwealth National Lacrosse Team will have not only the incentive of avenging their only defeat thus far at the WLC 38, as they take on Sylestone at Poolside Lacrosse Field, but also a potential Semi Final date with defending champions Sarzonia on tap.

The Hawthorns defeated BP 9-5 on matchday 2 with a strong performance defensively, but the balance of strength in the defensive third may have shifted towards the Red & Whites; in spite of giving up 10 to a tough Ranoria squad, they sit joint fourth with Kohnhead among the last 8.

The Round of 16 saw the higher ranked team come out on top in all eight contests rather than the higher seed; it will be eight of the top eleven in the WLC rankings that will battle for the title which will more than likely mean that there will be only minimal change at tournament end.

The Krauts delivered as advertised against the Commonwealth, sparing no one in their physical style while jumping out to a 4-1 lead after one quarter, but it was their aggression that caught up with them in the second, as they allowed 2 goals while down a player and two more from being caught a step slow on the break, with each team getting a tally in settled play in the offensive zone which gave BP a 6-5 lead at halftime.

Ben Appleman scored a pair of goals within 3 minutes of each other to produce all of the third quarter scoring, but Ranoria fought back to make it 8-7 only to give away the momentum with another penalty, followed by Appleman's 6th of the contest to make it 10-7 with five minutes remaining. BP held a two goal margin until the final :42 when the Krauts brought on an attacker for the keeper and cut the margin to one.

[Sylestone]

The Sylestonean > Sport > Lacrosse > WLC 38

SLAUGHTERING OF HOSTS PITS HAWTHORNS AGAINST GROUPMATES BAKER PARK

JEOLERINA CITY, SOUTH JEOLERINA - The Hawthorns have progressed farther than they have ever before in a World Lacrosse Championship, making it past the round of 16 on their second time trying with a comfortable 16-7 victory over the hosts, South Jeolerina. This ensures that their run of consecutive victories has increased to seven, with Baker Park, Murderbum, The Jovannic, Isle Noire, Praxedes, Nyowani Kitara and now hosts South Jeolerina not able to stop the rampaging Esportivans, despite The Jovannic and Isle Noire pushing them to their limits in thrilling encounters. But now, Baker Park were back and raring to administer revenge on the only side they had lost to. The Hawthorns certainly are not favourites, but they’ve done it before and can do it again.

The game against the hosts, though, was relatively one-sided. After oozing confidence as a result of their 15-9 victory over 20th ranked Nyowani Kitara, Sylestone nailed their round of 16 game with their equal-largest victory yet and one of their best all-round efforts thus far. A first-minute goal to midfielder Emma Rosenhain set the tone for the game as they scored four goals to one in the first quarter, putting their opponents right on the back foot from the outset in front of a nervous home crowd. The Yellow Boulders tried their best, but could not penetrate the Sylestonean defence, consisting of the likes of starters Morgan Davis, Hayley Myers and Jack McGill, all experienced players with supreme class and talent.

Adam Havel was the best of South Jeolerina’s three forwards, scoring four of their seven eventual goals and continuously breaking past Davis and Myers. However, it was far from enough for the home side as the Hawthorns took a 7-2 lead into the third quarter and came out of it with six more goals to their name to the hosts’ three, taking an unassailable 13-5 lead with fifteen minutes to go. And despite a vastly improved effort from the Yellow Boulders in the fourth and final quarter, it was not enough as the Hawthorns romped to a decisive 16-7 victory and assured themselves of progression to their first-ever quarterfinal in the World Lacrosse Championships. Up against the fourth-ranked Baker Park, they are heavy underdogs, but you never know. Sylestone have done it before and do have a reputation for being giant killers.

The weight of expectation is on the Atlantian Oceania side, while the Hawthorns are simply playing to try and cause an upset. A victory here would assure Sylestone of a semifinal berth against either Sarzonia, of whom they have an equal record against due to a win and a loss each way back on Sylestone’s debut in the 34th edition. Kohnhead would be the other opposition, a side of whom were able to defeat the Hawthorns 7-4 in the opening matchup in Donbester, Sylestone’s only loss so far. But we’re taking it one step at a time and all of the Hawthorns’ focus is set on defeating a powerful Baker Park side.

Lineup vs Baker Park @ Poolside Lacrosse Field, Poolside

Mills; Stawell - Davis - McGill; Fiedler - King (c) - Rosenhain; Bungaree - Hitchcock - Collingwood

Schedule:

MD1: Kohnhead 7-4 Sylestone @ Jisonira Lane, Donbester, South Jeolerina
MD2: Sylestone 9-5 Baker Park @ Jisonira Lane, Donbester, South Jeolerina
MD3: Murderbum 15-24 Sylestone @ Jisonira Lane, Donbester, South Jeolerina
MD4: Sylestone 9-8 The Jovannic @ Jisonira Lane, Donbester, South Jeolerina
MD5: Isle Noire 8-9 Sylestone @ Jisonira Lane, Donbester, South Jeolerina
MD6: Sylestone 14-7 Praxedes @ Jisonira Lane, Donbester, South Jeolerina
MD7: Nyowani Kitara 9-15 Sylestone @ Jisonira Lane, Donbester, South Jeolerina
Round of 16: Sylestone 16-7 South Jeolerina @ Moose Centre, Jeolerina City, South Jeolerina
Quarter Final: Baker Park - Sylestone @ Poolside Lacrosse Field, Poolside, South Jeolerina

[South Jeolerina]

Quarterfinals Cutoff

Every matchday, we will provide some prompts together with the cut-off message. These prompts are used as a guide, and will not result in any benefits should you choose to RP based on these prompts.
For Quarterfinals, the prompt is as follows: Another worldbuilding theme - one thing Jeoleris are very proud of is the country's political system - how every Jeoleri has a say in the country's political process. The democratic process in the country is one of its kind, with thrice-yearly referendum opportunities for citizens to vote on various resolutions or even vote to support an idea as raised by a fellow citizen. The petition process, the single-transferrable vote system in every constituencies, these are what Jeoleris pride themselves as being "fair" and just. What about your country?

MD1: Introduce your team! Talk about your nation's history with lacrosse, domestically, internationally. Your team's targets. Introduce some of the stars of your team here in South Jeolerina.
MD2: When the country's athletes come out to play, how does the country support the players? Maybe you can share some information about the fans and how they will show their support their national team at every big tournament.
MD3: It is time to showcase something about your country. What do people want to do the most when they visit your country? What should they be on the lookout for? Or is there a less well-known culture in your country that you want to show case? This RP can even take the form of a graphic, a postcard, should you have the abilities to do it!
MD4: There is always something about the midway point. How has the tournament been thus far? Have they been playing good games with their lacrosse ball and lacrosse stick? Or have they been traveling around this place? South Jeolerina isn't the most fantastic tourist place (that is Hallikshire, really), but the country has some things which people can enjoy. How do they find Jeoleris? Are they good hosts?
MD5: Rivals. Do you have a nation you consider as a rival? It could be a nation where "we will do better than you" applies, a nation your people don't want to see lifting the final trophy. How did this rivalry come about? Historical baggage? Current relations? Neighbours in your region? Record in other sports? Or even, from past WLC experience?
If you don't have a rival as your nation, think about some of the rivalries in your team. Do such things exist? Are there people who would constantly compete with each other?
MD6: With the 6th matches out and ongoing, the brutal elimination stages will come. 12 teams will leave after their 7th game, 4 more will join them at the Round of 20. And so on. Has there been a team that has caught your fans' attention? A team that has gotten the respect of your team? It can be a team you will support if your own team gets knocked out in the process.
MD7: It's the end of a really long group stage! Talk about a team that you think, will be your biggest challenge to the title. It is similar to what we asked in MD5, but in that case, we were looking for a team which has some history with your side. In this case, however, we are talking about the team which you think, has been doing well for the past 7 matchdays, and you think they will be one of the title contenders.
Round of 20: The true elimination begins! Talk a bit about your team's feelings. First time playing in the WLC knockout stages? What are their expectations? If this isn't the first time, maybe you can talk about your history in the knockout stages. Memorable matches that your team has played in the tournament.
Round of 16: This cutoff, we go back to some worldbuilding, this time with some unusual angles. For all the talk about being environmentally friendly, does your country have anything to contribute to a better environment? Are there any measures taken in your country to reduce carbon emissions, protect the flora and fauna, or use of natural products to reduce pollution?

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Banija (1 - B1) 18–10 Kriegiersien (9 - B3)
@ Hangshire Sports Complex, Jeolerina City (cap. 18,000)

Taxonomic Kingdoms (5 - A2) 17–8 HUElavia (4 - A1)
@ Sutra Lacrosse Stadium, Dillkshire (cap 10,000)

Baker Park (3 - C1) 16–9 Sylestone (6 - C2)
@ Poolside Lacrosse Field, Poolside (cap 12,000)

Kohnhead (10 - C3) 9–9 Sarzonia (2 - D1) (9–12 OT)
@ Manclester Field, Manclester (cap. 14,000)


Semifinals
Banija (1 - B1) vs Taxonomic Kingdoms (5 - A2)
@ Manclester Field, Manclester (cap. 14,000)

Baker Park (3 - C1) vs Sarzonia (2 - D1)
@ Hangshire Sports Complex, Jeolerina City (cap. 18,000)

[Sarzonia]

Four quarters were in the books at Manclester Field in front of packed crowd during the quarterfinals of the World Lacrosse Championships. The match was level, and the Sarzonian national lacrosse team were getting ready to play a four-minute overtime period to decide which team was joining Banija, Taxonomic Kingdom and Baker Park in the semifinals.

All three favourites won their matches comfortably, but the defending champions, the six-time winners of their sport's ultimate prize, were in an absolute war. Faceoff specialist Noah Ryanson walked onto the pitch to start the overtime session with a look of determination in his eyes. It was his goal as time expired in regulation after winning the final faceoff that forced the match into the extra frame. His job was to put the moment of elation he and his teammates felt at the dramatic reversal of fortune behind him. He was aware of some of the hung heads on the sidelines and the long faces as it appeared the Cinderella Brains were about to pull off the upset of the heretofore undefeated Stars. He'd felt a chill down his spine as he heard the roar of the navy-clad Sarzonia supporters and saw those long faces light up and exult.

But now, he had a job to do, and that was to win the draw and get the Stars into their offence. He looked into the eyes of his Kohnhead counterpart Howard Melia and saw a look he recognised.

They're exhausted, Ryanson thought. They're also disheartened at blowing their chance at an upset. There may not have been a winner on the scoresheet just yet, but Ryanson felt confident that his team had won the psychological battle. The Stars had been there before. They were an ancient power in this sport. They've almost always been in the knockout rounds. They've won the trophy six times and have been on the medal stand as a third place winner or a runner up more times than we've had occasion to count. They've tasted disappointment, sure. But they've also been to the mountaintop.

And Ryanson knew what he had to do. He poised crouched over the ball, his crosse intertwined with Melia's awaiting the signal from the Fleftic referee. As soon as the whistle blew, he snapped his wrist and scooped up the ball. He then fired a pass to Colin Grassley to start the proceedings, then raced off the pitch to allow Harry Simon to rush on and join the other five players in the Sarzonian offensive end of the pitch. Simon found an opening created by his man looking to pinch in on Grassley, Grassley saw the opening and fired it to Simon. The middie turned and fired a shot that rose up just over the stick of Brains goaltender Jarvis Washington. Goal. Sarzonia took its first lead since the second quarter, but then it was off to the races for this four-minute overtime session. Grassley and fellow attack Nick Loewen also found the back of the net, and when the four minutes expired and the referee signaled the end of the match, the Stars emerged as hard-fought 12-9 winners, finally vanquishing the underdog Kohnhead Brains.

Their reward was a battle with Baker Park, one of their main rivals in this sport, and one of those teams the Stars knew meant you could throw out the record books against. For their part, they'd had a much easier time dispatching Sylestone 16-9 at Poolside, but even though the Stars had to battle from behind seemingly the entire match, the fact was that Sarzonia were still here. They were still guaranteed to play two more matches in South Jeolerina, but whether the next one after this Battle with Baker Park was for a consolation prize of a bronze medal or for all the marbles remained to be seen. Whether the next opponent after Baker Park was going to be a Taxonomic Kingdoms side the Stars had little to no history facing or a Banija team that had the pedigree, the rivalry, the history with Sarzonia that all but guaranteed the following match was going to be an instant classic was yet to be seen.

For right now, Jordan Helms, Makeeyah Brantley, and the Stars players and support personnel still had work to do against Baker Park. And they were going to get after it. What other choice was there?

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

© Sporting Times Daily 2021
BP Lax through to last four, face Stars next
by Lee Throckmorton, National Reporter

In the nine previous editions of the World Championships the Commonwealth National Team has been identity-less, going without a nickname to set themselves apart from other teams; they've been informally called the "Whites" because they've worn what is considered their away uniform--helmets, jerseys and shorts-far more than than the combination featuring red jerseys, although that has changed a great deal over the last two competitions prior to this (WLC 37 & AOLC).

Unofficially here in South Jeolerina, the squad have taken a lead from the National Soccer Team in the Jenna Raven Cup held in Sarzonia in the revival of 'Elks' into the sports world as an extension of Baker Park's national identity.
In the on-field post match huddle at the Poolside Lacrosse Field following their 16-9 defeat of Sylestone in the quarterfinal, the team announced their new identity for all those remaining in the stands to hear, as co-captain Grace Greene stood in the center of the group and shouted out "ONE", the others responded with "We Are The Elks", followed by 'two', 'three' and 'four' each with their own reply.

"I grew up with Paige Eichorn (BPNT midfielder) and we keep in touch", Greene explained afterwards. "She told me how they'd decided to go back to the Elks name that the women used before mixed gender, and I thought that was a great idea for us. We've used as a team through camp and here in the tourney, I thought it was time we made our own statement."

Through the first quarter and a half, it looked like the game would be repeat performance from the group stage, as Sylestone led 4-2 with just a little over 7 minutes remaining before the break; Greene fired home a goal from an advantage situation that sparked a further four tallies that made the score 7-4 after 30 minutes.

The lead stretched to 7 in the third quarter, as BP kept up a constant barrage on the Hawthorn's cage with the total shots being 40-20 after 45 minutes, and the score stood at 13-6.

Sylestone looked as though they might fight their way back into the contest early in the fourth with a pair of goals in quick succession before Ben Appleman got his 26th of the tournament and Greene got her third of the game with 4:25 left to make it 15-8.

The defending (and six times) World Champions Sarzonia await in the semis, as they needed overtime to get past a dogged Kohnhead team; the match will see a return to Jeolerina City for a fourth fixture in the capital, this time back at the Hangshire Sports Complex; it will be just the second appearance of the BP side in the last 4, who will hope to improve upon their 4th place finish in Jeckland.

Atlantian Oceania will be guaranteed one finalist, and Banija could make it an all-AO affair if they can get by the array of classes, orders and families fielded by one of WLC 37's breakout nations, the Taxonomic Kingdoms. Barring a successful defense of the title by Sarzonia, there will be 22nd different nation champion crowned here in South Jeolerina, who have put on a stellar event in their debut to the sport.

[Banija]

Anything written only represents the character, not the user behind Banija nor the views of Banijans in general, especially our views on Ko-oren. Accordingly, this is the furthest thing from an unbiased source of information you'll find about anything.

The Coulibaly Corner: Your one stop shop for everything college football!

Hey guys! Welcome back to my corner of the internet for everything college football! I, of course, usually cover the NSCF, especially the two Banijan schools, as well as domestic college football here in Banija. But I'm a U of M grad, aren't I? The University of Moravica- the greatest school on Earth. Actually tucked away in a nice college town, rather than being a massive urban campus, like Loyola-Istria or Northern Moravica. If both of those schools could find a way to go 0-11 in the NSCF, with both ties against each other, I'd love it.

However, it's the offseason. It's the time for recruiting rumors and spring ball and whatever the hell else you can think of with college football. But I've been known to venture into other sports besides this blog's bread and butter. And now, let's venture into lacrosse. Specifically, in the context of grand slams. It seems like an opportune time to do that. We're playing in the semifinals of the 38th World Lacrosse Championships in a few nights, with a chance to go to what would be our third ever WLC Final. A tournament, of course, as every good Banijan knows, that we've never won.

But Lacrosse isn't a grand slam sport, you say? Well, the traditional "sporting grand slam" tournaments are the World Cup, World Bowl, World Baseball Classic, International Basketball Champions, and the World Cup of Hockey. Banija, of course, is well on its way. We've won three of those tournaments, and captured regional titles in four of those sports. We are ranked in the top 10 in the World Bowl, getting agonizingly close a few times. And then, of course, there is hockey, where... Well, we field a team, which considering the lack of winter in this country, should be considered an achievement in and of itself.

And then, we had some friends from Ko-orenite look into that definition. Cassadaigua, famously ,is the only nation to grand slam. In fact, if it wasn't for Banija's current run of dominance at the IBCs, all Cassadaigua needs is one more basketball title to grand slam twice. Anyways. They went through a thorough look at other tournaments, saying that we should challenge this definition. And that's fair. Their two main factors were participation(so the Afro-Carribean Heritage Festival couldn't be considered a grand slam tournament) and history(once again, so the A-CHF couldn't be considered a grand slam tournament).

They decided to add the Handball World Cup and the Rugby Union World Cup. Which, we can agree. But they left off the World Lacrosse Championships? While the WLCs obviously has the history(dynasties! new nations having immediate success! 38 editions and counting!) they said that the WLC should not be considered because of participation. And that, while left to lie for so long, cannot be allowed to lie.
Without further ado!

World Lacrosse Championships- The case to make it a grand slam

The History- It is undeniable

The World Lacrosse Championships are currently in their 38th edition of happening. It's a global tournament that is not dominated by nations from any one sporting region, or the sporting regions in general- it's a tournament that has long been ongoing, longer than some of the traditional grand slams, or even the new age grand slams.

The WLCs do have quite a storied history. For those who do not know about it, it is a sport and competition, with a rich history of dynasties and yet, one of those rare tournaments where new nations can rise to the cream of the crop quickly. Banija almost did it at our first ever WLC. Hell, this was our first ever major sporting world championship in general- in any sport. Is anyone old enough to remember WLC 21, all those years ago? We showed up in the Star United States, wide eyed with dreams of future glory. Would this nation nobody had ever heard of have a chance to make a name for ourselves?

The answer, of course, was yes. We beat lacrosse powers at the time. Frenline Delpha in the group stages. Upset over West Guiana. Upset over the 2nd ranked Nassau-Hessen. Road upset over the hosts in the semifinals, And the Final? We lost, of course, but our unranked team showed the world that we meant business. (Did we peak in this sport 18 tournaments ago? Don't talk about it. Do people remember this more than our maiden entries in the World Cup or World Bowl, where we went 0-12 and 0-10, respectively? The answer, is hopefully).

And yet- we are not the only ones. Look at HUElavia in WLC 34. Stunning everybody, their first ever tournament, downing everyone in their paths to win a world title in lacrosse their first ever time out there. Beating us in the Final. Tragic, yes. But great for the sport. What other world championship tournament can have that kind of excitement? And yet, the blatant disrespect. At the same time, this breeds some of the most dominant sporting dynasties you've never heard of. Sarzonia's got 6 titles. Abanhfleft has another six. Wrexwic and Vangaziland had their turns at the top. Nations like Banija and Baker Park have been hovering near the top for years, neither ever quite able to win a title.

It's got great history and entertainment. That alone demands the WLC's inclusion. Let's look at what the Professor said about the Handball World Cup. "The Handball World Cup has 23 events so far, which feels a little on the light side." He doesn't go on further to say why it should be included, but includes it anyways! Which, is fair. The Handball World Cup is a well watched and supported tournament in many nations across the world. It should be included. But while lacrosse is excluded because of "participation", it seems more that it is excluded because "Ko-oren doesn't play it."

But let's look at the factor that left the World Lacrosse Championships out. Participation.

Participation is Lacking- Or is It?

Let's take the quote directly from Lunaro Tsukida's paragraph- "Lacrosse has 37 completed World Championships but only about 24 teams try out." Should we take that on its face? Is that factual? And what is the minimum number of participants that we are looking for here?

The current edition of the WLCs? 32. The current edition of the Handball World Cup? 32. Rugby Union World Cup 29? Also had 32 participants. What's wrong with 32 participants? Anyways, there is a difference, of course. The latter two include his nation- Ko-oren. The first one, of course, does not- which is why the WLCs in reality got left out.

Which, of course, would mess up the agenda of the project- to prove that Ko-oren is the best multi-sport nation in the world. According to their own scoreboard, Cassadaigua, Sarzonia, and Banija would all move up one in points, since we've all been to a Final in this tournament. While Ko-oren, of course, has not. They'd still be on top, of course, but they'd have Cassadaigua and Banija nipping on their heels. And a Cassadaigua win in this tournament(eminently possible) would move them ahead of Ko-oren as the greatest grand slamming nation of all time.

So let's make a declaration, here and now. The traditional Grand Slam of 5 is fine. Any expansion of that definition must include at minimum three tournaments- The Rugby Union World Cup, the World Lacrosse Championships, and the Handball World Cup. Anyone expansion that does not include those three tournaments deserves to be fully and completely ignored.

Ergo I said it. Now hopefully our lax team gets itself that dub against the Taxonomic Kingdoms so we can get back to the Final!

[South Jeolerina]

Semifinals Cutoff

Every matchday, we will provide some prompts together with the cut-off message. These prompts are used as a guide, and will not result in any benefits should you choose to RP based on these prompts.
For Semifinals/Finals, the prompt is as follows: Has there been something different this time, about your run to the semifinals? Given that all 4 semifinalists has quite some history in World Lacrosse Championship history, how does this run compare to the previous runs? Are there any learning points and additional takeaways from this run?

MD1: Introduce your team! Talk about your nation's history with lacrosse, domestically, internationally. Your team's targets. Introduce some of the stars of your team here in South Jeolerina.
MD2: When the country's athletes come out to play, how does the country support the players? Maybe you can share some information about the fans and how they will show their support their national team at every big tournament.
MD3: It is time to showcase something about your country. What do people want to do the most when they visit your country? What should they be on the lookout for? Or is there a less well-known culture in your country that you want to show case? This RP can even take the form of a graphic, a postcard, should you have the abilities to do it!
MD4: There is always something about the midway point. How has the tournament been thus far? Have they been playing good games with their lacrosse ball and lacrosse stick? Or have they been traveling around this place? South Jeolerina isn't the most fantastic tourist place (that is Hallikshire, really), but the country has some things which people can enjoy. How do they find Jeoleris? Are they good hosts?
MD5: Rivals. Do you have a nation you consider as a rival? It could be a nation where "we will do better than you" applies, a nation your people don't want to see lifting the final trophy. How did this rivalry come about? Historical baggage? Current relations? Neighbours in your region? Record in other sports? Or even, from past WLC experience?
If you don't have a rival as your nation, think about some of the rivalries in your team. Do such things exist? Are there people who would constantly compete with each other?
MD6: With the 6th matches out and ongoing, the brutal elimination stages will come. 12 teams will leave after their 7th game, 4 more will join them at the Round of 20. And so on. Has there been a team that has caught your fans' attention? A team that has gotten the respect of your team? It can be a team you will support if your own team gets knocked out in the process.
MD7: It's the end of a really long group stage! Talk about a team that you think, will be your biggest challenge to the title. It is similar to what we asked in MD5, but in that case, we were looking for a team which has some history with your side. In this case, however, we are talking about the team which you think, has been doing well for the past 7 matchdays, and you think they will be one of the title contenders.
Round of 20: The true elimination begins! Talk a bit about your team's feelings. First time playing in the WLC knockout stages? What are their expectations? If this isn't the first time, maybe you can talk about your history in the knockout stages. Memorable matches that your team has played in the tournament.
Round of 16: This cutoff, we go back to some worldbuilding, this time with some unusual angles. For all the talk about being environmentally friendly, does your country have anything to contribute to a better environment? Are there any measures taken in your country to reduce carbon emissions, protect the flora and fauna, or use of natural products to reduce pollution?
Quarterfinals: Another worldbuilding theme - one thing Jeoleris are very proud of is the country's political system - how every Jeoleri has a say in the country's political process. The democratic process in the country is one of its kind, with thrice-yearly referendum opportunities for citizens to vote on various resolutions or even vote to support an idea as raised by a fellow citizen. The petition process, the single-transferrable vote system in every constituencies, these are what Jeoleris pride themselves as being "fair" and just. What about your country?

---

Semifinals
Banija (1 - B1) 12–4 Taxonomic Kingdoms (5 - A2)
@ Manclester Field, Manclester (cap. 14,000)

Baker Park (3 - C1) 6–12 Sarzonia (2 - D1)
@ Hangshire Sports Complex, Jeolerina City (cap. 18,000)[/align]

Finals
Banija (1 - B1) vs Sarzonia (2 - D1)
@ Hangshire Sports Complex, Jeolerina City (cap. 18,000)

Bronze Medal Match
Baker Park (3 - C1) vs Taxonomic Kingdoms (5 - A2)
@ Manclester Field, Manclester (cap. 14,000)[/align]

[Sarzonia]

The match immediately following an emotional overtime classic is usually a danger zone for a team. If you add the element of the next match being a semifinals tilt against one of the teams yours considers an archrival, it makes the match even more perilous.

For the Sarzonian national lacrosse team, that was precisely the scene at Hangshire Sports Complex as they faced off against the Commonwealth of Baker Park. Sarzonia had just survived a classic battle against Kohnhead, needing a goal just as the clock expired to force overtime and then outscoring the Brains in the extra session. To then face Baker Park with a berth in the final against mutual archrivals Banija carried all the makings of a minefield.

The fact that Sarzonia responded with a 12-6 victory over Baker Park to stay put and play the final in Jeolerina City against multi-sport archrivals Banija spoke well to the supreme motivation of the Stars. Sarzonia (10-0) got the kind of shutdown defence the Stars came to expect from a unit coached by Makeeyah Brantley, limiting a Baker Park attack that scored 16 goals against Sylestone in the quarterfinals.

"It all starts off at the faceoff 'x'," manager Jordan Helms said when asked about the dominant performance his team had against Baker Park. "[Faceoff specialist] Noah [Ryanson] was great at winning faceoffs (he won 14-of-20 faceoffs against Baker Park FOGOs). We were able to get into a good rhythm offensively and we were able to disrupt theirs."

Goaltender Matt Henning, who made five saves, was otherwise not tested very often by Baker Park, as the defence forced 19 turnovers and five shot clock violations, including three in the final quarter. Sarzonia did not allow a goal for the last 21:42 of match time.

"It may not have been as dominating as Banija's victory over Taxonomic Kingdoms (Banija won that match 12-4), but we did exceptionally well on defence," he said. "I couldn't be happier with our effort."

The final match in Jeolerina City will pit the two undefeated powerhouses of lacrosse in what was likely considered a collision course from the very beginning. Top seeds Banija and second seeds and defending champions Sarzonia will battle it out. If Sarzonia win, it would mark their seventh world title in the sport, moving them ahead of Abanhfleft for the most titles in history. It would also mark the first time the Stars have ever won consecutive titles. The closest the team came was winning the eighth edition and losing to Mytannion in the ninth. If Banija win, it would mark their first-ever world championship in this sport.

Helms said he likely didn't need to give his team extra motivation for the final considering the stakes.

"This is a chance at history," Helms said. "If we win, we're the first seven-time world champions in history. We would also win back to back titles for the first time. It's kind of hard to believe we've never done that before. And number three, it's Banija. C'mon now!"

That Sarzonia-Banija rivalry is one that cuts across seemingly every sporting competition, Brantley said. They faced the Junior Stars when the Incorporated Football Federation chose to send that team to AOCAF to end Sarzonia's longest period of isolation from international affairs in sports other than lacrosse. It includes lacrosse, football, baseball, basketball, and likely some sports we've forgotten about.

"If you can't get motivated for a final, for a place in history, and to play Banija, you have no business putting on a Sarzonia kit," Brantley said. "Hell, I wanna get out there and play!"

[Banija]

Head Coach Allen Budaye, on the sidelines of Banija's 12-4 semifinal win over the Taxonomic Kingdoms

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT!" The Banijan fans were counting down the final 10 seconds of the match, as the Banijan coaching staff and players on the bench started clapping. Even Allen Budaye, the normally stoic coach, let out a huge grin and pumped his fist. As the final buzzer sounded, there was a muted celebration from the Banijans. They knew that it was a major accomplishment simply to reach the major tournament final. Of course, the goal was to win the whole damned thing, but Banija had reached just their third ever WLC Final. It was not a thing that was promised to anyone, not something that would happen often.

"Let's F&*@ing go!" The Head Coach yelled as his players had a small celebration on the field. And then, of course, everybody shook- well, you couldn't exactly shake hands with the athletes of the Taxonomic Kingdoms. But the two teams congratulated each other. And this semifinal win had a sweet feeling to it. This was the national team's third consecutive appearance in the WLC semifinals. Banija had an undefeated run to the WLC 36 Semifinals, before falling to eternal nemesis and 6 time world champions Abanhfleft in that tournament. We had a run to the WLC 37 semifinals last year, and a one loss Banijan squad fell to our other archrivals in this sport, Sarzonia. So to finally get past this stage- it feel sweet.

And once he got to his postgame press conference, Budaye's opening remarks mentioned exactly that. "We have a lot of positive history here at the World Lacrosse Championships." Allen Budaye said. "Our 8th ever appearance in the semifinals of this tournament. We, of course, have been 2-5 in semifinals- or 1-5 since our semifinal win at our first ever WLC. So while it is an accomplishment to reach this stage, there has been a lot of pain here as well. And we've felt that recently, with our losses at this stage in both WLC 36 and WLC 37. So for this generation of players, it feels like a weight taken off of our shoulders, to finally win a semifinal. If we lost at this stage three times in a row- well, I don't even want to consider it. It could have created a massive mental block. But this team has done a great job of keeping our memories short, and keeping their heads coming into today's game. We did what we've done well all tournament- get off to a fast start, and simply take a stranglehold on the game. I cannot be more excited to take on Sarzonia."

Budaye also spoke a bit about how it was different than Banija's two previous appearances in the WLC Championship Game. "Of course, each tournament is different- but it doesn't always compare. For one, the last two times we reached this stage, neither time we were playing a rival. We were a debutant at WLC 21, HUElavia was a debutant at WLC 34. This time, it is heightened- although can you heighten the pressure of a final? But the pressure is heightened playing Sarzonia. Whenever we play them in this sport, it feels like a Final. And now, it's an actual Final. I've always said, the path to the top in this sport goes through Sarzonia. They've won 18 consecutive WLC matches, between last tournament and this tournament, and it's our job to put a stop to their dynasty and reach our first ever world title."

"This is not like our two previous appearances in the Final. It's a different beast. It's going to be one hell of a game. The crowd will be there, the energy will be there- the chance for a matchup like this in a Final does not come often. The defending champs will be the favorites- but let it be known. We will be ready for the Stars."

---

Battle of undefeateds at the WLC 38 Final as Banija v. Sarzonia rivalry reaches new heights

JEOLERINA CITY, SOUTH JEOLERINA- Banija v. Sarzonia. This is a rivalry that has been battled out in every major competition that Banija participates in, besides the NSCF. (Hear that Woodstock City College! Join the party in the NSCF!) Many epic battles and great history all across a number of sports. Who can forget Sarzonia's stunning upset victory over Banija at World Cup 85? We led 2-0 at halftime and then, disaster as we lost 3-2. We beat them in a pretty epic 81-77 game at IBC 31 a few years ago, deep into that tournament. We've actually somehow beaten them five times in a row at the World Bowl, with the Serpent Eagles having the Stars number.

It's a deep multi-sport rivalry. But nowhere is that rivalry more passionate, or more exemplifed, than lacrosse. There have been many epic battles since Sarzonia's return to the fold, all of them late into tournaments. Let's go back to WLC 33? The passion of that tournament. Banija going 6-0, including wins over Sarzonia both in Herzegovina City and in Woodstock, had Banijan lacrosse fans with visions of trophies dancing in our eyes. And then, the gut punch- Sarzonia KOing us in the quarterfinals, earning the last laugh and killing that dream. Same team that beat us at the WLC 30 Round of 16. And then- finally beating them in the knockout stages, in route to just our second ever appearance in the WLC Final, just 13 editions after our first(while entering every tournament in between besides one!)

But it goes deeper than that. AOLC IV. Hosted in Sarzonia. The Banijan team making a run at the regional championship, in hostile territory. The final in their capitol city of Woodstock. And it would be our squad triumphing, earning a big time road win over our archrivals with everything on the line. And naturally, they returned the favor at WLC 37, defeating us in route to a perfect 8-0 run at that WLC, and a sixth world title. But we've never played in a final, in this sport or any. Fitting where the rivalry is deepest, where we finally get a world title decided in a Banija v. Sarzonia match?

"It's about the rivalry." Said Pavle Yankovich, a former player, captain, and coach for this national team. "And yet- it's about so much more. They go hand in hand. It's going to mean everything. If you're a Banijan migrant in Woodstock or a Sarzonian migrant in Busukuma, you may want to take Monday and Tuesday off work if your team loses. It's simply the one you cannot lose. Plus, as Banijans, we'll all be on the edge of our seats. We've never won this tournament. We've come kinda close quite a few times. But this time- this is the best team we've ever had, right? The way we've been playing. Dominant in every fashion. Swatted away all challengers. If this team can't win this tournament, then can we ever capture this trophy? I believe, however, that the stars have finally aligned. This is our year- let's get out there and [REDACTED] take it."

Banija v. Sarzonia for the world title. We've had a lot of heartbreak in this sport- but it will be nothing compared to losing the world title to our archrival. Will Jeolerina City be forever known as the site of Banijan lacrosse's greatest heartbreak- or stay fondly remembered as the location of Banija's greatest triumph, when we finally won this trophy?

[South Jeolerina]

Finals Cutoff

Finals
Banija (1 - B1) 6–13 Sarzonia (2 - D1)
@ Hangshire Sports Complex, Jeolerina City (cap. 18,000)

The defending champions add a 7th title to their records, becoming 4th unique nation to defend their title after Cosumar (XX and XXI), Abanhfleft (XXII and XXIII; XXXV and XXVI), Wrexwic (XXIX and XXX). It is another heartbreak for Banija, who appeared in the World Lacrosse Championship semifinals 8 times, including this one, but failed to win the WLC title once again.

Bronze Medal Match
Baker Park (3 - C1) 16–4 Taxonomic Kingdoms (5 - A2)
@ Manclester Field, Manclester (cap. 14,000)

For the 2-time hosts Baker Park, this would be their best ever showing in the history of the Championships, and it makes up for their failure to win a medal at their home grounds in the last edition. They fought off the dark horses Taxonomic Kingdoms, who ran all the way to the semifinals, and was aiming for the bronze medal, but alas, Baker Park was too strong for them.

Congratulations to the winners, and thank to everyone for letting me host such a beautiful competition

[Sarzonia]

Woodstock Daily Mail

STARS STAND ALONE AGAIN

By Noelle Langham
Special To The Daily Mail

Jeolerina City -- History was on the line for the Sarzonian national lacrosse team as they faced off against archrivals Banija in the final of the 38th World Lacrosse Championships.

For Banija, it was a chance for them to conclude a dominant, undefeated run that saw them score 101 goals in seven group stage matches to lead all 32 teams with their first ever championship. There was also the added factor of revenge, as Sarzonia sent Banija packing in the previous edition.

For the Stars, they were battling to reclaim the distinction as the team with the most WLC titles in the sport. They were also gunning for their second consecutive title, a feat Sarzonia never accomplished in their history.

The Stars capped their own undefeated run with a 13-6 victory that gave Sarzonia the history they sought. The Stars became the fourth team to win back-to-back championships in the sport's history. More importantly, they regained sole possession of first place among title holders with their seventh crown. The victory over Banija means Abanhfleft are now second for the most titles in history with their six crowns.

"It feels great," attack Colin Grassley said. He was held in check by Banija, who determined to shut down Sarzonia's most dangerous offensive threat. However, Nick Loewen used the opening Banijan focus on Grassley created to score five goals. When the clock hit triple zeros, he launched his stick high into the South Jeolerina sky as midfielder Gio Guadio fired the ball into the air in celebration.

One Stars player who hasn't received much attention in Sarzonia's run to the title is goalkeeper Matt Henning. He made eight saves and positioned himself aggressively against the Banija attack. A Sarzonia side that had only the third best goal differential in the competition after the group stage ran through two of the best defensive teams in Kohnhead and Baker Park and scored 12 goals in both matches. As for Banija's vaunted offence? Sarzonia limited them to six goals.

"It was a point of emphasis for us to put pressure on their attack," said defensive coordinator Makeeyah Brantley. "We weren't going to sit in awe of them. They were going to have to earn it against us."

For manager Jordan Helms, the victory marks the 19th consecutive win for Sarzonia in the WLC and two titles. He now takes his place among revered Stars managers with the streak. The last time Helms's team lost in the WLC was a 4-2 defeat to Abanhfleft in the WLC 36 quarterfinals as the Fleftics rolled to their second consecutive title, and briefly, the most Championships in the sport.

"This is all about the team, these players, this coaching staff," Helms said. "They made it easy for me."

Sarzonia's win over Banija may not have been as gaudy as their 27-10 beatdown of Abanhfleft to prevent them from being the first team to win three straight titles and the first team to win seven. But in it's own way, this victory might have been just as impressive.

Now that Sarzonia have the crown once more, they and Abanhfleft now have combined to win over a third of the overall number of championships in the sport.

Faceoff specialist Noah Ryanson won 15 of 22 faceoffs against Banija. The defence holding the high powered Banija offence to just six goals and scoring 13 against Banija made a Sarzonia team that might have appeared vulnerable after a couple of hard-fought victories a tougher, more resilient squad.

Helms said the moment he'd remember most from this unprecedented seventh title was the phone call from Sarzonia coaching legend Harold Price, who managed Sarzonia to four of their seven championships.

"He told me 'great job, I'm proud of you'," Helms said. "That was my proudest moment as a manager.

Where this title will rank among the seven will be for historians to ponder, but in the present, it will be a moment to savor.

"Banija are a great team," Henning said. "Tonight, we were a better one."