Quad Quips: 2024 MLQ Championship
Submissions undergo light copy editing for clarity.
MLQ athletes have a lot to say and this season we introduced a space to broadcast those opinions weekly. “Quad Quips” is a series consisting of player thoughts and feelings from around MLQ. Each week a randomly-selected batch of athletes are sent a number of questions and prompts for which to respond. The majority are open-ended though multiple choice surveys are sometimes included. For MLQ Championship, we invited all franchise athletes to contribute.
MLQ Championship Survey Results
Who is winning the Benepe Cup?
New York Titans: 34.3 percent of votes
Chicago Prowl: 25.7 percent
Boston Forge: 17.1 percent
Teams receiving less than 10 percent of the vote: Austin Outlaws, Charlotte Aviators, Detroit Innovators, San Antonio Soldados
Which two teams survive the play-in gauntlet?
Kansas City Stampede: 54.3 percent of the vote
New Orleans Curse: 51.4 percent
Washington Admirals: 42.9 percent
Minneapolis Monarchs: 31.4 percent
Charlotte Aviators: 20 percent
Last year there were 6 out of 9 catches in the play-in. Over/Under 5.5 catches in the play-in bracket this year?
Over: 73.5 percent of votes
Under: 26.5 percent
Which beater has the best plus/minus through the play-in?
Josh Mansfield (NO): 58.8 percent of votes
Lauren Curry (KC): 14.7 percent
Adrian Koretsky (WAS): 11.8 percent
Kody LaBauve (CLT): 11.8 percent
Nadja Melby (MPLS): 2.9 percent
Each of these players has double digit stops on the season. Who is leaving the play-in bracket with the most stops?
Lauren Smith (KC): 48.5 percent of votes
Zachary Thompson (CLT): 30.3 percent
Ben Zimet (MPLS): 6.1 percent
Bryan Melchior (TOR): 6.1 percent
Liz Stone (WAS): 6.1 percent
Shelby Cascio (NO): 3 percent
Every chaser needs a beater to do the hard work for them. Which combination of chaser goals + beater plus/minus will be highest in the first round?
Ian Scura + Kieran Collier (BOS): 27.3 percent of votes
Lindsay Marella + Christian Barnes (NYC): 27.3 percent
Ally Manzella + Caleb Williams (CHI): 18.2 percent
Leo Fried + Brooke Smiley (DET): 18.2 percent
Jay Stewart + Cameron Castilaw (AUS): 6.1 percent
Alyssa Villalba + Daniel Williams (SA): 3 percent
Which beater pair is going to have the highest average dodgeballs over the weekend?
Lulu Xu and Max Havlin (BOS): 47.1 percent of the vote
Tad Walters and Nojus Ausra (CHI): 23.5 percent
Tate Kay and Tessa Mullins (NYC): 14.7 percent
Kasye Bevers and Kyzer Polzin (AUS): 5.9 percent
Rei Brodeur and Ryan Hsu (DET): 5.9 percent
Javi Tijerina and Kyle Bryant (SA): 2.9 percent
Stars are born in the postseason. Which one of these first-year players will become a household name after their MLQ Championship Bracket performance?
Dara Gaeuman (CHI): 15.6 percent
Shakthi Kodeswaran (NYC): 18.8 percent
Ashton Glenn (DET): 21.9 percent of votes
Ryan Leary (NYC): 18.8 percent
Athletes receiving less than 10 percent of the vote: Brady Sowers (DET), Isaac Sueltenfuss (SA), Anna Dickerson (SA), Ethan Dillon (BOS), Trenton Paskero (AUS), Ojas Turekar (CHI)
All teams in the Championship Bracket have caught at least five times this season. Which teams’ leading seeker is leaving the weekend with the most pulls?
Mohammed Haggag (NYC): 35.3 percent of the vote
Neil Peterson (DET): 26.5 percent
John Alvarez (AUS): 14.7 percent
Matt Melton (CHI): 11.8 percent
Stephen Trempel (BOS): 11.8 percent
MLQ Championship Open-Ended
Of the decided matchups, which is the one to watch and why?
“Detroit’s beaters will have fresh legs in the quarterfinals and I hope the NYC beaters are ready.” - Kieran Collier, Boston Forge
“DET vs. NY. The prodigal son returned home to Detroit and willed the team into its best ever finish. Now, it's time to show his former Titans' teammates that they were the ones responsible for the Prowl loss.” - David Banas Jr., Detroit Innovators
“Boston vs. Austin–Boston has had a great season while Austin is still trying to fill the shoes of last season.” - Catherina Hay, San Antonio Soldados
“NYC vs. DET: Leo Fried against the team that made him? Absolutely.” - Ben Schlueter, Minneapolis Monarchs
“Boston vs. Austin. Battle of the washed former champs.” - Kaegan Maddelein, Detroit Innovators
“Austin vs. Boston. There really isn't another answer. Defending champs vs. the team with the best beaters.” - Veronica Hoffman, Chicago Prowl
“Max and Lulu vs. Bailee and Jackson finna feed families.” - Annika Kim, New York Titans
“New York takes on Detroit in an exciting matchup as Leo goes head-to-head with his former team in the NY Titans. A lot of NY's offensive success ran through Leo during champs last year so look to see how NY adjusts to playing without their go-to spark plug.” - Adeoluwa Ojo, Boston Forge
“Washington vs. Kansas City will be the best opening play-in matchup in league history. Look for the two to rematch in the losers bracket for the final quarterfinals spot.” - Ben Mertens, New Orleans Curse
“Austin vs. Boston, for sure. Years ago that would've been a finals matchup, but now they've both fallen off so hard, we'll all get a good laugh halfway through the tournament.” - Zachary Armantrading, New York Titans
“Titans vs. Innovators. Everyone expects the East team to dominate after their semifinals performance at champs last year, however, Detroit is 10-2 on the season and have put on a masterclass in fitting their strategy to their opponents. Expect the Innovators to show up prepped and ready to crush some Titans (plus everyone loves a good upset 😈).” - Rei Brodeur, Detroit Innovators
“Austin Outlaws vs. Boston Forge (no brainer): All eyes will be on the largest interdivisional rivalry in MLQ history. Austin and Boston are the only two teams to ever win the Benepe Cup. Every year, these two teams have met in the postseason, and, every year, the winner of this matchup has won the finals. If you don't care about Austin vs. Boston, can you even call yourself a quadball fan?” - Jack Levy, Detroit Innovators
“Kansas City vs. Washington. The first true test of how Southern quadball stacks up against the other divisions.” - Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators
Who is on trash talk fraud alert? What player or team talked the most trash on Quad Quips but won't be able to back it up in Howard County?
“Anyone from League City….” - Daniel Williams, San Antonio Soldados
“Tad's been talking a big game about Prowl. It's time they finally put a ring on it though.” - Ben Schlueter, Minneapolis Monarchs
“Probably John Alvarez. He didn’t really even talk that much smack. It’s just clear the kid doesn’t know ball.” - Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators
“Chicago had it easy playing in the North all season. I don't think they'll stand a chance against a real team.” - Rose Mournighan, Cleveland Riff
“Charlton Tramel. The guy dropped a 5 piece while talking about dropping a 20.” - Charlton Tramel, New Orleans Curse
“Detroit. They talk great trash, but I think Leo Fried and the Innovators best be ready for a Titanic challenge.” - Bryan Melchior, Toronto Raiders
“I want to say me, but we all know how this is going to end up.” - Josh Johnson, New York Titans
“Washington: Just because your trash floats, doesn't mean you're an admiral #changemymind” - David Banas Jr., Detroit Innovators
“Josh Johnson. He’s all talk, but no action to be honest. He’s the Draymond Green of the league.” - Jay Stewart, Austin Outlaws
“New Orleans Curse–if they even make it out of the play-in, they're getting COOKED immediately.” - Annika Kim, New York Titans
“I'm gonna be really bummed when the Titans lose and I'll have to wait all offseason to see Kellan Cupid's TikTok dances again.” - Toby Jenkins, Charlotte Aviators
“Josh Johnson has more Quad Quips appearances than games played this season.” - Ben Mertens, New Orleans Curse
“The South Division: The South's been saying they have the deepest division by far, boasting that they deserve five bids because of how good their competition is. If the South gets both play-in spots and gets a team into the finals, they've backed up their claims. If they don't, it's clear that the torch of the most dominant division in MLQ is being passed elsewhere.” - Jack Levy, Detroit Innovators
“Austin. If they had as many practices as Quad Quips, they'd have won the South.” - Matt Melton, Chicago Prowl
“As someone who's won ‘worst player with the most trash talk’ multiple years in a row, I'd like to bestow this year's honor onto David Banas, who has had an unprecedented record breaking season (who trash talks Cleveland when you're both on a bye week?).” - Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl
Taunting is Legal
“Never played Washington, but I expect to stay undefeated against them.” - Vincent Reyes, Kansas City Stampede
“Kansas City is going to help ensure that Washington will be home for lunch time <3 “ - Charlton Tramel, New Orleans Curse
“You're all just competing for second place. You can't spell Prowl, Outlaws, or Soldado, without an L.” - Zachary Armantrading, New York Titans
“New York rolled out their roster post with the theme song from the TV show Succession. A fitting choice for a team who will feel entitled to the Benepe Cup only to fall short in quarters.” - Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators
“Toronto and Charlotte: Listen to me. Lose game one. You'll end up at the same spot in the bracket after our match up anyways!” - Charlton Tramel, New Orleans Curse
“Lots of you did a lot of talking here all season long. Can't wait to watch 10 percent of you actually back it up.” - Matt Melton, Chicago Prowl
“I honestly don’t care who is in front of me, you cannot guard me, respectfully.” - Jay Stewart, Austin Outlaws
“17-1🤷♂️” - Josh Johnson, New York Titans
“Can't believe Jay Stewart left San Antonio just to lose in the quarterfinals again. The guy just can't catch a break.” - Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl
“The Titans were infamous until Zeus dethroned them - Leo is coming home.” - Nicholas Love, Detroit Innovators
“Good thing Harry and Lexi got married in June, because those are the only rings anyone from Forge will get this summer.” - Lindsay Marella, New York Titans
“People have been talking about how Chicago doesn't have beater depth. I KNOW y'all are only saying that because we don't have Matt Brown and Dany Yaacoub. And yes, we do miss them (and yes, you're thanking your lucky stars we don't have them). Get ready for Jim Richert and Mike Mrowiec to take your lunch money because y'all sleeping on some greats.” - Veronica Hoffman, Chicago Prowl
“Daddy’s coming home kids." - Ben Mertens, New Orleans Curse, to the Washington Admirals
Who will have the best fit(s) at Fits and Flicks?
Nick Love dominated the responses. 👀
“Calvin Ball. IYKYK.” - Ben Mertens, New Orleans Curse
“Ally Manzella will eat the runway up.” - Adeoluwa Ojo, Boston Forge
“Probably Josh Mansfield AGAIN.” - Vincent Reyes, Kansas City Stampede
“Nick Love and it’s not even close. IYKYK.” - Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators
“San Antonio, for dressing up as a one seed.” - Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl
“Someone bring back Kerri Donnelly!” - Annika Kim, New York Titans
“John Alvarez. He’s literally Mister Put It On.” - Jay Stewart, Austin Outlaws
“New Orleans Curse repeats as Fits and Flicks Champions.” - Charlton Tramel, New Orleans Curse
“Me. Duh.” - Zachary Armantrading, New York Titans
Who is the Next Gen Showcase player to watch and why?
“Angela Song (BOS) comeback season from her achilles tear, look out!!!” - Kieran Collier, Boston Forge
“You’ll see good things from Nathan Jun. He’s a great player and I’m not looking forward to playing him my whole college career.” - Levan Tsiskarishvili, Washington Admirals
“Emilio Rodriguez. Many 'oops and fast breaks to come from him, I guarantee it..” - Veronica Hoffman, Chicago Prowl
“Justin Mok - heard he's been cooking some Forge franchise beaters.” - Annika Kim, New York Titans
“NOAH FROGMAN NEMAN” - Toby Jenkins, Charlotte Aviators
“Tommy Flathers from Boston is gonna be a menace during the showcase.” - Adeoluwa Ojo, Boston Forge
“Spencer Reisig. Quick, long arms, and throws shots from awkward angles like Patrick Mahomes. Very fun to watch, not so much to guard.” - Matt Melton, Chicago Prowl
Whether it's on or off the pitch, what are you most looking forward to this weekend?
“I’m just looking forward to learning what I can to bring back to my sophomore college season. And doing the best I can with limited minutes.” - Levan Tsiskarishvili, Washington Admirals
“Just excited to see an all or nothing game three. Every year there is at least one series that comes down to the wire and is the most exciting matchup of the year.” - Jack Levy, Detroit Innovators
“Cheering on all the trans and non-binary players in the league!” - Kieran Collier, Boston Forge
“Racing Tate Kay for a dodgeball. Unless Tate, you’re too scared I’ll beat you there? 😉” - Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators
“The beautiful venue and wonderful experience of Howard County!” - Ben Schlueter, Minneapolis Monarchs
“Looking for a new jersey at the jersey swap booth.” - Bryan Melchior, Toronto Raiders
“Nothing hits harder than that fourth Benepe Cup Champion champagne bath.” - Josh Johnson, New York Titans
“Playing with the hardest working team in the league for one more weekend. No one practices like Detroit.” - Kaegan Maddelein, Detroit Innovators
“My first MLQ Championship!!!” - Adeoluwa Ojo, Boston Forge
“Guessing the number of games Tyler Trudeau is going to incorrectly predict.” - Nicholas Love, Detroit Innovators
“Mike Devine - he is about to go on another historic seeking run that will feed generations and is also just a great person.” - Ryan Cleary, Kansas City Stampede
“I see that there’s a “mobile massage” vendor this year 👀” - Rei Brodeur, Detroit Innovators
“On one hand, this is the most wide open MLQ has ever been, and that makes for an exciting win. On the other hand, Chicago and New York are on opposite sides of the bracket, and we're all hoping for that rematch.” - Matt Melton, Chicago Prowl
“Watching some high-level Quadball…also, not having to get up early to play in the play-in bracket.” - Amanda Margolis, Detroit Innovators
Grab Bag
“I heard MLQ is introducing a Rookie of the Year award, and I'm nominating Louis Sanchez! He's been averaging roughly two goals and two assists per game, solid numbers for a rookie, but does have a steep 20 turnovers. Still, I'm so excited to see what this young man does in the future!” - Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl
“Jokes aside, this season has been one for the ages. There's been a wild shift in the MLQ world compared to three years ago. I've had a lot of fun and I only wish MLQ could last all year.” - Zachary Armantrading, New York Titans
“KONA ICE!!!!!” - Adeoluwa Ojo, Boston Forge
“League City is better than half the teams who will be competing this weekend. The other divisions don’t know how good they have it.” - Ben Mertens, New Orleans Curse
“No one out of CHI, AUS, or BOS escapes without playing a game 3 before the finals. Book it.” - Josh Johnson, New York Titans
“Shout out to my teammates playing their first ever season of MLQ, I'm so proud of you; especially those of you who started this sport less than a year ago... y'all some rockstars 🫶🏼” - Lauren Hirsch, Charlotte Aviators
“Watch TBTP on Monday! Was definitely one of my favorite memories of last year’s championship, and the teams this year are stacked so it should be some great quadball.” - Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators
“Wooimaboutamakeanameformyselfhere” - Charlton Tramel, New Orleans Curse
You've read it all. Who is the king or queen of the inaugural season of Quad Quips?
Louis Sanchez and Josh Johnson put up a good fight, but the people loved Tad Walters and Ryan Hsu.
“Josh Mansfield against his will.” - Kieran Collier, Boston Forge
“It’s gotta be Tad Walters, right?” - Vincent Reyes, Kansas City Stampede
“Annika Kim. That one about Jay nerfing Austin is goated.” - Zachary Armantrading, New York Titans
“Gotta be me I can’t help it. Louis Sanchez decreed it after all 🤷” - Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators
“Gotta say Ryan Hsu was solid all season on the field and on the keyboard.” - Bryan Melchior, Toronto Raiders
“If there's one thing Tad Walters is good at, it's trash talk. And as all of America knows, it isn't cooking.” - Charlton Tramel, New Orleans Curse
“Josh Johnson pulled off the late win by calling the Kansas City sweep with a Shipley's reference. Plus his team actually backed up his talk...minus 1.” - Matt Melton, Chicago Prowl
“Louis Sanchez. It’s time to back up all that talk. You’re lucky League City couldn’t make it to send y’all home early.” - Josh Johnson, New York Titans
“Me, I've talked the talk and walked the walk. Ask the North division they'll tell you what I did to them.” - Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl
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