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

Field Hockey report 11/20/03

The hype about this last weekend was certainly exciting. We are the first field hockey team in the history of American to travel to the NCAA Tournament. This huge accomplishment had us all equally proud, excited, and nervous. I found that during the days just prior to the tournament I could think about nothing but field hockey, Duke, and all we had accomplished this season. Needless to say, my studies were put on the back burner for yet another week. As for the actual game, the result was not in our favor but there was no lack of effort on our part.

On an unusually cold day in Durham, NC, we warmed up, preparing ourselves to take on #2 Duke. We looked extremely confident and comfortable with the turf. Even though it was just another field hockey game, feelings of anticipation and excitement were almost too much. Warm-ups seem to be getting quicker and quicker, in any case it was soon over, announcements made, and the whistle blew. We looked good, no… great! We were applying a lot of pressure and I think definitely startled them. However, before too long our defense was under attack. We held very strong denying shot after shot and corner after corner, even denying a goal by causing a stoke and denying that opportunity. We continued to stay strong and fight for possession and offensive opportunities. Unfortunately, we went down one with just six minutes left in the half. We went into half time down one and not deterred. We maintained our confidence and had yet to be impressed by the much hyped Duke team.

The second half was up and down. The first five minutes were heart stopping. We had opportunities that were oh-so-close. Then Moei connected on a hard earned corner and tied the game at 1-1. Our hearts leaped - we were doing it, we were doing what not many (outsiders) believed we could. Tying the game ruffled Duke a bit and they came back hard. Defensively we held for a bit but unfortunately gave up a corner and then a goal with 21 minutes left in the game. For a period of about 12-15 minutes we were not playing our best hockey and this certainly affected the outcome of the game. Despite a few more scoring opportunities we were unable to score. Duke was able to find the cage one last time off of a tip. We finished the game 3-1.

This finish was not what we had dreamed of but at the same time we had been a contender. There were certainly tears because we lost, but I think more because the season was over. No one can deny that this season has been a great ride and something to be totally proud of.

Parents - you are wonderful. The success of this season has set even higher standards for the team next year, however, I am afraid tailgate expectations will go up as well and I don’t know if it is possible to out do yourselves yet again! Thank you for everything, but most importantly for believing in us.

I suppose this will be my last report. This makes me sad. Sad because I will no longer be playing field hockey. However, as our motto goes, ‘Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle’, I am not going anywhere. I reserve the right to brag about American Field Hockey forever and to know in my heart that they are by far the best team. Thank you again to all who supported the team, and me, throughout the season. We couldn’t have done it with out you nor would we have wanted to.

Go Eagles,
Laura