Weekend in Cali provides scenery change to open 2014 season

By Abbey Ledford
Senior Infielder

Our first weekend of the 2014 season out in California was a success. It was nice to finally practice and play outside on dirt.  It is hard to practice inside up until our first game, but it makes it really exciting when we get to be outside.

The entire team was really excited to play against somebody else, and it showed in the first two wins against George Washington and Santa Clara. Both the wins were team wins, as everyone did something to contribute. After the wins, we had the opportunity to go to downtown Long Beach and walk around. We took some pictures and ate dinner before heading back to the hotel to prepare for Saturday’s games.

Saturday was another good day for us, as we defeated George Washington again and then beat host Long Beach.  These wins were also team victories where we all contributed to coming out on top. We went to a nice Mexican restaurant afterward for dinner before we went back to the hotel. 

On Sunday, we received our first loss against Long Beach. The loss helped us see what areas we need to work on improving before we head to Florida in a little less than two weeks. It will also keep us motivated and hungry to beat the next team that steps on the field with us. 

I was very excited about how well we did this weekend and also all enjoyed the beautiful California weather, wins, and camaraderie of being together as a team. This is going to be a season to remember. 

Coach Linder addresses her team following an opening weekend
games in Long Beach, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Tom Linder)