If you want an inside look at how I lived this event, from layout practice to the final buzzer, this is it.
Layout Practice Weekend: First Impressions and Challenges
I flew into Tampa on Friday, February 28th, just two days after the layout was dropped. Even though I had already studied it online and in Gunz Up, seeing it in person is always different. The only problem? I was still sick and weak from my last weekend in Bogotá, so I knew it was going to be a challenge.
We arrived at Tikis Paintball at 7 AM on Saturday, got changed, and spent the first hour walking the layout and running breakouts. We weren’t at full strength yet, (Brooklyn was having the most chaotic week ever) but we started getting comfortable with the field. We practiced against Femmes, which gave us a great read on the layout and helped us build confidence.
Sunday was more of the same, and by Monday, we had a fun scrimmage with some of the Femmes girls. I tried running down the middle and, if it was a tournament, I would’ve ended up getting a gross major trying to shoot Krista. Yeah… still regretting that one.
Thursday: Pre-Tournament Practice and Flamethrower Mode
We had our first event practice on Thursday, mostly working on breakouts again. But once we started playing points… oh man, it was bad in the funniest way possible. It was like we were using flamethrowers instead of markers, we just couldn’t get a ball out! At least we got our WNXL headshots done and had a fun JT photo shoot to lighten the mood.
Friday: The First Test
Our first matches were against Sirens and Ohana.
My first point ever? I over-engaged in a fight and got shot right in the face. Easy to say, I learned my lesson and never did it again.
The matches were tough, we had close points and hard fights, but we weren’t really pushing to attack like we should have. By the end of the day, I had a clear idea of what needed to change for Saturday.
Saturday: The Phone Incident & Stepping It Up
Right before our matches, I was getting a patch on my back because it was hurting, and my phone, which was sitting on my knees, fell to the ground and wouldn’t turn on again. I tried everything, including dropping it again (because, you know, logic), but it was dead. So, I spent the rest of the weekend completely disconnected.
We played against High Rollers and Angels, doing pretty much the same as Friday, but better. We finished prelims with a 17-2 record, locking in a spot in the final four alongside Femmes, Rollers, and Vibe.
Sunday: The Semifinals & Controversy
Our semifinals match was against Femmes, and it was a back-and-forth battle full of penalties. I even started the match off with a major first point, not my proudest moment.
Despite everything, we fought until the very end, and we actually hit the buzzer to win. But then… controversy. A decision was made, and Femmes ended up advancing to the finals against High Rollers.
This was just the first event of the season, and I walked away with a lot of lessons. I honestly don’t feel like I played my best event, but I know exactly what I need to work on. Three months until WNXL Ohio, which means three months to train, refine, and come back stronger.
As for this tournament? I’m taking the rain from Tampa and growing flowers with it.
A huge congratulations to Femmes on winning their first WNXL event. It’s always amazing to see how the league keeps growing and the competition keeps getting tougher.
Special congratulations to Tami and Todd, and to Daniel for his first win also being his first time coaching.
See you all in Ohio!