November 15, 2005
Here we come Pennsylvania!
Round three of the playoffs, and we are scheduled to head North to take on Penn State and the Nittany Lions. The game is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. Eastern time. I cannot wait! Even this afternoon as we met before practice there was so much excitement and eagerness throughout the team. This has already been one of the longest weeks of the semester...Saturday just cannot get here fast enough.
This next game will prove to be a great test for us. Penn State will likely be one of the best teams we'll see all year. They play a very clean, controlled style of soccer and, much as we do, really try to get the ball down and play. I know that it is going to be a great match. The stats have shown that we are neck in neck in overall results this season. On paper it will be a very close game, and I just wish it were time to put on our maroon uniforms and take the field.
Until then, we are doing everything possible to prepare for the game. The cold front has come in just in time to provide us an opportunity to train in an environment much like we will face this weekend. With cold air and a wintry breeze, today marked the first practice this fall where we worked hard and managed not to break a sweat. Aside from that, I didn't see any effect from the weather and I don't think it will be much of a factor on Saturday. It is a huge game...a MUST WIN game...and we will be prepared.
We will travel Thursday evening and have all day Friday to get ourselves acclimated. Everyone is so excited about the trip and, though it is hard to stay focused, really trying to get school stuff done so we can concentrate completely on soccer all weekend. It is going to be a wonderful trip and guaranteed to be an exciting game. I hope all of you are planning on tuning in to AggieAthletics.com to hear the live broadcast. It will also be aired on the radio in College Station on Sports Radio 1150 The Zone.
We've been waiting a year for this. I doubt I need to remind any of you of how a great season came to an abrupt halt last year. It was an extremely painful time for us and so hard to build back from. I am so proud of this team for being able to bounce back and get ourselves into the same position this year, and finally overcome what put us under this time last season. Saturday's game will put us yet another step closer to where we want to be... and the thought of making it there makes my stomach flip like I'm on a rollercoaster ride. I can think of nothing else, and - as I'm sure my teammates can attest to - until Saturday will continue to do just that.
I hope you all have a great rest of the week and prepare yourselves for an exciting weekend! Gig 'em Aggies.
Laura
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