The UR Mock Trial team placed second in a tournament at Yale University last weekend in which they competed against 22 other teams in their division.
“I was really impressed by the way everyone performed,” Mock Trial President and junior Abby Ritter said. “They went above and beyond… I have no complaints. Everyone did exactly what they should.”
Within their division, the UR team faced teams from Tufts University, Brandeis University, Lewis College, and Drexel University. Many of these schools are power houses in the Mock Trial world. Tufts is particularly well known, consistently ranking as one of the top 10 teams in the country, and took first place at the competition over UR.
The quality of the other teams at the tournament makes UR’s ranking even more remarkable.
“We were able to hold our own against the giants in mock trial,” Ritter said.
The tournament’s scoring system was distinct from other Mock Trial tournaments. After each round, the difference in scores between teams was considered, not simply who had the higher number of points. As a result, scoring was, in many respects, more high stakes: not only did beating the score of other teams matter, but the margin of points by which the team won.
Although this competition did not contribute to the team’s national standing, participation in the tournament holds distinct value for the team as the year progresses.
“The most feedback you get from the judges at the begi
nning of the season, the more decisions you can make that will help you later on,” Ritter explained.
The UR team has made it to opening round championships at the national level for over five years, and it competed at nationals three years ago. The team is hopeful that this trend will continue, and their success at Yale is a positive indication of their potential.
“I’m really excited to continue competing,” Ritter said. “This looks great for us.”
Remus is a member of
the class of 2016.
