SU vs TCU

March 22, 2003

Making the drive down I-35 lacking our starting goalie and four other team members, as a coach, I had more that a few reservations about this game. TCU was ranked #4 in our league and had polished off two teams that we didn't beat. The weather was getting continually worse as we drove North and we were destined to play in a hard down pour. Nothing these Bucs can't handle, though. We've played in everything from snow to 100 degree weather, this season- bring it on!

By the time our warm up routine was done and it's time for the team huddle before things get started- the temperature had dropped significantly and everyone was shivering. They were ready to warm up and ready to control the tempo of the game early. With several friends and family braving the rain with us- we pounced out to a 3 to 0 lead on goals by Allie McDonald, Cauley Cullom, and Brittany Konrmann. We totally caught the Horned Frogs off guard and took advantage of some lazy play on defense on their side of the field. It was awesome and I started to think this was going to be a romp.

TCU woke up. They realized they had underestimated this first year team from Georgetown and starting fighting for those ground balls. Offensively they had two solid players that really controlled the ball and would score once they touched it. TCU really got away with one right before the half. An offensive player had cut towards the cage for a pass that she bobbled and had bounce down off her leg to land in front of her. This is called 'body ball' and it is a change of possession penalty. Neither ref saw it and she picked the all right back up and tossed it in the goal. Before we knew it we were only leading by two at halftime by a score of 4 to 2 after a beautiful scoop shot by Ginny Callaway.

Coach Bowman gave the talk at the half while I continued to get reprimanded by the refs every time I approached them with a concern. We loaded up on water and stuck together to stay warm and realized that we'd have to come out even stronger this half to come away with a win.

That is exactly what we did. Allie McDonald, who was having a huge game for us offensively and defensively, scored on a give and go with Brittany Kornmann. We were taking our time and looking for smart passes. Man, that makes me proud to see them control it and make intelligent passes and shots. It was looking beautiful. TCU was keeping up with us though and it soon became a possession game, where whomever had the ball, scored. Ginny Callaway, and Erin McConn traded some goals with TCU players that were crucial for us to keep the lead. Erin really came up big for us on several rolls of the crease that made all the difference. Towards the end if the game, the TCU goalie came out after Allie who was looking to shoot, and fouled her. This means the goalie had to get behind Allie when she shot the penalty shot, leaving the cage with no keeper. Allie did a great job holding on to the ball just long enough before taking a good shot and scoring for us. That was the last straw for the Horned Frogs. The Bucs walked away with an awesome 10 to 7 win on a tough, tough team. Heather Martin played very unselfishly and played in the goal for us and performed beyond anyone's hope. It was fun to see one of our offensive power-houses switch things up and shut down the other team's offense. We then loaded up to head to Plano to stay with Genevieve's family and be totally and completely pampered by wonderful hospitality and good food. Gen, you better warn your family. We're all moving in!