A Sort of Homecoming
A Sort of Homecoming
March 8, 2010
Two and “oh.” Dos y cero. 2 wins, 0 losses. No matter how you say it, starting off with a winning record feels fantastic. After all of the long practices, the running, and the team bonding, we’re finally able to see all of the hard work paying off. We were able to continue a winning record with a victory away at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA.
Waking up at 8:30AM for a 9:30 departure came extremely fast. I rolled out of bed and packed my bags—both my equipment bag and a toiletries/clothes bag. While I was tempted to bring home my ever-growing pile of laundry, I figured I’d only take just enough belongings for the weekend. After piling into the vans, we left Mercy.
When we got close to Philly, I started texting my younger sister with updates of where we were, such as “Passing port richmond!! See you in a few” and “In university city yay!” Soon enough, the team arrived at Drexel’s Vidas Fields. Going on at the time was a game between Philadelphia University and St. Anslem College. We put our bags into a visiting team locker room, headed back outside to watch some lax and ate some lunch.
With fifteen minutes left to go in the Philadelphia-St. Anslem game, we relocated inside to prep for the coming game. Following the pre-game talks, we took the field and warmed up.
For the second time, Julie came up with the draw control. Goals by Jamie, Marissa (times two), and Julie put us up 4-0 ten minutes into the game. With about ten minutes left in the first half, Holy Family was able to score. They answered again quickly about two minutes later, but we took a 5-3 advantage into halftime.
During halftime, we knew we had to refocus our game. We were beginning to lose composure at the end of the first half, and needed to collect ourselves in order to come away with the win. After losing the second-half opening draw, the defense buckled down and refused to let HFU gain momentum. My personal objective for the second half was to keep them under 6 goals; thankfully, with the defense in front of me, we only allowed Holy Family to score two additional goals.
Also, for the second time, we used possession to our advantage. By settling the offense, we were able to keep a Holy Family at bay for most of the game.
The post-game celebration immediately ensued, and a small tailgate with fresh fruit, soft pretzels and Gatorade filled everyone’s stomachs. Mercy lax had quite a few fans present, with a few families making the drive down from Long Island. After cleaning up, I said good-bye to the girls and left for home with my family, celebrating Mercy’s second win and my sister’s second-place finish in the 100-yad backstroke at the PIAA District I swimming champs!
Needless to say, I loved being home for two nights. It was nice relief to eat some of my mom’s baked ziti, ice some new bruises and sleep in my bed once more.
