The team did lose players after their 2015 campaign. Free agents Nick Thompson and Andrew Hooker were picked up by the Boston Whitecaps and the Dogfish failed to sign their second leading scorer Jackson Stearns. Returning though, was their leading scorer and primary handler, Gabe Saunkeah and Taylor Cascino to their starting O-line with a balance of experience and youth in their defensive unit. Nearly half of the roster (14) came back this season.
With a solid amount of returners, particularly Saunkeah, the team was in position compete against the Seattle Rainmakers for the final playoff spot in the West.
Record: 2-8 | Home: 2-3 | Away: 0-5 |
Their road woes continued this year going 0-5 and extending their losing streak to 16 road losses in a row. The problems that plagued the team last year were consistent throughout this season, especially early on in the season. There were countless throwaways and plenty of 'what was he thinking' moments in the season. This prevented the offense from scoring when pressured.
The team was able to force more turnovers this season, increasing their defensive turnover efficiency to 58.6 percent this season. This was an eight percent increase from last year but only netted a three percent increase in defensive scoring (30.4 percent). Their defense has never been a problem but when their defense has to play offense they struggle to convert.
As a result the squad was forced to take timeouts to sub their offense in after a block rather than use a timeout for a midfield pull to cut into a deficit.
vs. Vancouver Nighthawks: 2-1 PD: +9
vs. New York Rumble: 0-1 PD: -3
vs. Portland Stags: 0-3 PD: -20
vs. Seattle Rainmakers: 0-3 PD: -25
The team initially won over the Vancouver Nighthawks in Week 1 21-12 but then had a bye in only the second week. As a result they were one of only three teams undefeated going into Week 3. Following the win with an eight game losing streak, the longest in MLU history, the team was not eliminated from the postseason until Week 9.
The Dogfish got blown out by the Rainmakers this season, highlighted by a 29-16 drubbing in Week 7. With an 8 point loss the following week, the season series was already in the hands of Seattle. In Week 10 the Dogfish nearly shocked the Rainmakers but in turn the Rainmakers were the ones that shocked the professional ultimate world.
On the road the Dogfish were playing their best ultimate of the season, on top of the Rainmakers 15-9 at half. Reeling off eight breaks and Cascino on fire with two goals and four assists, the team was well on their way to a turnaround point in their season. That is until Seattle blanked them 8-0 in the third quarter and would go on to win 22-18.
Team MVP: Gabe Saunkeah
(15G, 23A, 5B, 298/319 throws, 1.163 TPOP)
Team Star: Gabe Saunkeah (3 weeks)
Rookie of the Year: Devon Williams
(4G, 3A, 12B, 57-67 throws, 0.504 TPOP)