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Check back throughout the season for senior back Laura Miller's weekly diary.

Field Hockey report 11/15/03

17-3, this certainly is not a shabby record, actually it is very far from it. BUT…speaking on behalf of Steve and the girls of the American Field Hockey team, I can tell you we are not ready to concede. Before I jump the gun and start talking about the BIG news, I will fill you all in on the NCAA Play-in game that took place yesterday.

After winning the Patriot League Title it was official that we would have to play and beat Quinnipiac, the Northeastern League Champions, to earn a berth in the NCAA tournament. We were all totally excited about our championship but knew bigger and better things were in our future. We shoved our excitement aside and readied ourselves for Quinnipiac. We succeeded. Within minutes of the pass back I had no doubt that we were going to win the game. It was simply a matter of time. We out shot Quinnipiac 28-2, tallied 4 goals, and won a spot in the NCAA tournament. Not bad for 70 minutes of hockey. The shutout slipped past us when one of Quinnipiac’s three corner opportunities turned into a goal. This tied the game at 1-1 going into the second half. Despite the tied game, we were confident at half time, retook the field with extra determination, and put away the win. Everyone had a good game, but Javi stepped it up a few notches. She was responsible for all four goals, no easy feat against Quinnipiac’s very dynamic goalkeeper. The victory lap was exhilarating even though reality, at least for me, had not quite sunk in yet. WE WERE GOING TO THE NCAAs.

After the game we were embraced by our many fans. Among them were our dedicated parents who I am afraid may loose their jobs if they continue to miss so many workdays!! Thank you for your dedication.

It is good to be on top. When we arrived back at American University we were escorted through campus by public safety who had lights flashing and sirens roaring! What a welcome. Later that evening we had an impromptu party where the coaches and administration, joined by the entire team, sat around a projector screen watching the NCAA bracket announcement. It was so exciting to sit with everyone while we waited for our name to be officially called as a participant in the NCAAs and find out whom we would play. We will face Duke, at Duke, in the first round. It seems that we were put in a very good bracket. I believe the excitement has definitely given us added confidence and determination to prove to ourselves and others that we belong with the top tier of teams.

Go Eagles!
Laura