The offseason saw shifts that have both spread talent around the league and bolstered some developing rivalries. A number of big names retired from the women’ s division and returned to co-ed divisional play, including the likes of the 2024 league MVP Jenn Fulk. Others, like Alex Del Mar, took positions as coaches and mentors, ready to elevate the next generation of female talent. Nicole Gates, an original Heroines anchor, departed to rivals Dallas Vibe, and the New Jersey High Rollers would part ways with their breakout snake player, Paige Vasser, who joined the burgeoning franchise in her hometown, Tiki’ s Ohana.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Sirens settled in after a tumultuous 2023 that saw their franchise sold, a relegation from the pro division, a rebrand, and a rebirth to pro status, all in one year. They have rallied this year as a pro team and supporting divisional WNXL teams internationally. The Immortal Angels, faced similar challenges last year and also stabilized after a similar fate. Having their franchise sold from under them midseason could have derailed the team, but they held fast and made a brilliant comeback this year, playing with a chip on their shoulder.
With all of this movement, the community was knit tighter, but rivalries were forged.
Coming into the event, the Heroines and Femmes Fatale were sitting atop the division, but the position was precarious at best. Double points awarded at‘ Cup meant that, mathematically, the series was open for almost any team to claim. Only two of the ten teams eliminated from a shot at the title: the expansion team Baltimore Nevermores, and the Northern Lights. For everyone else, the shot at a Championship was still on the table.
From the opening buzzer, the energy was electric. The preliminary rounds showcased fearless paintball at its finest. The Womens Pro Xball franchises pleased fans and were hitting the snake off the break, and barrel-to-barrel battles erupted across the field in relentless fashion.
Suricatos- the Latin American team brought swagger and aggression to every point, earning fans with their bold style. Despite tight matches, Suricatos fell short against the Nevermores( 3 – 4) and Sirens( 3 – 4) before clawing out a hard-fought win over NJ High Rollers( 3 – 2).
For the High Rollers, disappointment loomed large. Seeded third heading into the tournament, they dropped two of three prelim games, including a shocking 0 – 2 loss to the Nevermores, ending their run early.
Meanwhile, fan favorites Dallas Vibe, Femmes Fatale, and Heroines dominated the prelims, advancing to Sunday’ s finals with precision and poise. Both Femmes and Vibe swept their matches, while Heroines stumbled only against Vibe, setting the stage for a grudge match in the finals.
The San Francisco Sirens made headlines by punching their ticket to Sunday Club for the first time, knocking out higherseeded teams in the process, a huge achievement for the franchise. And while they didn’ t make the cut, Immortal Angels impressed with wins over Northern Lights and Tiki’ s Ohana, missing the finals by point spread alone.
098 paintball. media magazine