I am writing to you from the bus on our way home from Detroit after our 1-0 victory over the Titans of Detroit Mercy, but I’ll save the details for later. Anyway, school and soccer has taken up most of your Lady Panther’s lives. Many of us have been spending all of are free time at study tables, the library, or our favorite coffee shops around town preparing for midterms. I prefer Starbucks myself, but many will argue Stone Creek is better. (Starbucks until the end!!!) But, when we are not studying we are of course on the field doing what we do best… winning!
Since last time we have talked, the team now has a 5-0 record in the Horizon League. Wednesday, September 26th we traveled to Green Bay for our third conference game, and we ended with a 4-0 victory. Goals came from Jelena, Schill, Phillpotts, and an own goal that you can give credit to Lolo for her dangerous cross in the box. This game also gave the opportunity for large majority of the Panther squad to see the field.
Later that week on Saturday, we were back home to take on Wright State. The visitors would put up a good fight, but nothing would stand in our way of getting another win. We went into halftime at an even score of 1-1, and after the break we found new energy to put two more in the back of the net and hold wright state to two goals. The final score ended 3-2 with goals from Haley Johnson, Jelena, and Lolo.
Now 4-0 in conference at the top of the table, we worked hard at practice to take on our next opponents of Detroit Mercy. We hit the road Friday morning, and after 8 hours of riding in the bus, we finally made it to the Motor City. Some of you are probably wondering what we possibly do to pass all that time on the bus, but don’t worry your Lanthers know how to pass the time. You might see some sleeping, watching movies, checking every and all social media, of course studying and doing homework, and some write blogs.
A team favorite is always a good game of Old Maid. This has led to many arguments, laughs, and the occasional accusation of cheating. (Gaby Z, it’s not my fault if someone is flashing their cards in my direction!) But finally, after all the time we have together, we finally make it to our destination ready to play some soccer.
So, Saturday morning we woke up to gloomy skies and stormy weather forecasts, but we did not let that stop us from getting pumped up for the afternoon’s game… Well, after hours of waiting in the Detroit visitors’ locker room, a decision was made that the game would be postponed until the next day. What would we do now? Taking advantage of the little bit of good weather left, we headed out on the field for a little training session. Training ended with a small game of Dutch Shooting Game. Those who are not familiar with this, it is a shooting drill that challenges your shooting and goalkeeping skills. What felt like the longest round we have ever played; Allie N came out victorious over Brooke, who had quite the comeback! The fun continued throughout the night (Sara says with sarcasm), we spent the rest of our night at TGI Friday’s. A miscommunication with the kitchen led to teammates waiting an extra hour for their dinner, but Marissa said the steak was worth the wait! Finally, we headed back to the hotel to rest up for game the next day.
Game day came, and your Lady Panthers were ready to play! The bus ride from the hotel to the field was accompanied by the regular game day playlists thanks to the musical genius of Gaby Z. Pumped up from the bus and with a good warm up, we were ready to play. First half ended tied at zero, but with high energy from the bench to the field, Lolo was able to score the only goal of the game off a beautiful service from Erin in the 56th minute. With only four games left in the season, we Lanthers have our minds set to continue our unbeaten league record as we take on Oakland on October 13th!!
I hope to see you all back at home next Saturday, and as always come back for another shot… with Petrone!
P.S.
I just wanted to add a little extra to the blog this week. I know it might seem like most of us have it all together and live such wonderful lives, but that is not always true. We all go through tough times and struggle with our own lives outside of soccer. It’s hard on the whole team when we see a teammate go through hard times. I ask you to please keep in your mind and hearts the Lady Panthers who are going through hard times, and I hope we all find strength to prosper not only as a team, but a family.
