Cat Tales: Aug. 14 - Two Games Down
8/14/2008 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
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| Hello Blue Demon Fans, Well, another few days have passed, and the one word that describes this experience is unbelievable. After the Opening Ceremonies, we had a few days of intrasquad scrimmages. What other way to best prepare then facing each other? Honestly, I feel like we got so much out of playing ourselves. Our hitters faced good pitching, and pitchers faced hitters that would make us pay for hanging a pitch. I think we all made the adjustments that were needed going into the tournament. We also had our team press conference, where media can address us as a whole group. Unfortunately, the majority of the questions weren’t about us as players, or even what this team is capable of; everyone asks about the future of softball as an Olympic sport. While this is a big issue for the sport, our minds are on playing this game to the best of our ability. As the Games go on, I think people will start to see we are focused on one thing right now - GOLD! Our games started on Aug. 12, and we came out on fire. Our offense was unbelievable, and Jennie (Finch) and Monica (Abbott) both held it down in the circle. Games where we have a little bit of everything going on fires us up. Game one also marked the first time a lot of us were able to see our family since their arrival. We are here for one reason, but it’s nice to see our families’ smiles when we know they are around. For me, I have my mom, dad, both of my brothers, my aunt and uncle from Chicago and their two kids, and one other aunt from the Dallas area here. Yep, my entourage is nine people deep ... 10 if you count their interpreter! =) It was nice to chat with them, hear their experiences at the Great Wall and in the Forbidden City, the nice restaurant their interpreter took them to, and how amazing their house is. I can’t put into words how surreal game two seems. Even as I lay here in bed typing, I can’t help but smile at the thought of our game against Australia. Never would I have dreamed of a game like that. Our team fought through to come up with the runs when we needed it, and Stacey (Nuveman) called a great game behind the plate. We did everything we had to do! As soon as the last pitch was thrown, I erupted with smiles. For everyone who has ever said I don’t smile when I play... there you go! Thank you to everyone who has made comments on my webpage, and also to all those back home that stayed up to watch! I know they are late games, but your support is appreciated more than you know. As Coach Candrea says, there is no time to celebrate - it’s on to the next game! Our focus is now on Canada, but only after a good dinner! =) (Of course I would bring up food!) Yesterday at the USA’s alternate training facility, Beijing Normal University, it was Mexican food night. Our team took advantage of this and filed over there after our game. After an ice bath, a flush massage on my legs and a nice shower, I went and enjoyed fajitas, black beans and good company. There are a number of athletes who head over there to train during the day, so we get to know many of them. I usually see the Lopez family they all compete in taekwondo - which is nice since they are from back home in Houston, and I know them a little bit. Today Sanya Richards a former Longhorn arrived, too. I ran into her at dinner and caught up. I hope you all are enjoying the Games!
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| USA Softball | 2008 Summer Olympics | BodyByMilk.com | Time Magazine: | Sports Illustrated |