TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Ave Maria University men's ultimate frisbee team made significant strides at the Tally Classic, a Division 1 tournament held from March 16th to 17th. This marked a significant milestone for the Gyrenes as they earned their inaugural invitation to this prestigious event.

Saturday's slate was rigorous, with Ave Maria facing three consecutive challenging matchups. They commenced against Spring Hill, demonstrating early dominance and securing a commendable 13-7 victory. Against UCF, the Gyrenes showcased resilience, mounting a notable comeback in the second half to clinch an 11-9 win. However, their momentum waned in a closely contested battle against Notre Dame, resulting in a narrow 8-9 defeat.

Sunday witnessed Ave Maria's resurgence, commencing with a commanding 13-1 triumph over USF. Their mettle was tested against FSU, where they displayed poise under pressure, securing a hard-fought 12-11 victory to advance to the semifinals. Facing Auburn, Ave Maria exhibited defensive prowess, ultimately emerging victorious with a 14-11 win, securing a coveted spot in the championship game.

In the final showdown against UCF, Ave Maria exhibited determination, leading 8-7 at halftime. Despite a valiant effort, they narrowly succumbed to UCF's relentless offensive onslaught, concluding the game with a close 14-15 loss.

Coach Middendorf lauded his team's performance, stating, " We prayed that God's will be done in all of these games and this tournament. We are so grateful for the opportunities that God has given us and the blessings he bestowed on us. I am so proud of the team and the incredible work that they have done. AMDG."

Looking ahead, the Gyrenes are poised for the DI tournament hosted by Baylor in Waco, TX next weekend, as they endeavor to build upon their success.