Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Women's Soccer vs. Cal Lu (L 0-1)
























































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Tonight I brought my mom, Talulah, to Farquahar Field to watch our Bulldog ladies battle the top of the SCIAC and undefeated Regals of Cal Lu. It was also a night to battle breast cancer. A night to raise awareness and a night of filled with pink. Cool jerseys and socks ladies! Talulah and all her eight breasts said she had to go. She had to show solidarity, especially because her good friend Roz was battling a similar disease. She wore pink too. And she was not alone. There were hundreds of fans lining the field. More than I've ever seen and everyone was treated to a half time game by the Vans Sneakers U14 girls AYSO team. That was special. I bet we'll see some of them in Bulldog uniforms one day! Despite a match that favored the speedy and rough Regals, our Bulldogs almost found a way to tie. We played them tough because our defense was superb and our keeper made numerous saves. Not to my surprise, our offense almost found the equalizer with one minute to spare. The confidence we found toward the end of the game and the scoring chances we created bode well for our team as we head into the heart of SCIAC play. Oh yeah! We were better as the game wore on. We'll get better as the season wears on. Go Dawgs! Find a Cure!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Women's Volleyball vs. Caltech (W 3-0)

























































































































I was able to catch two matches in Currier Gym yesterday; the earlier La Sierra game where we won 3-0 and the late night three set victory over the Beavers of Caltech. These were the third and fourth games of the week and we have a tough road game today against Pomona-Pitzer. Luckily we were able to rotate in some depth on Friday and save some energy for a team that lost in three sets to Oxy. In between sets of last night's game, Talulah and I read through the rosters of both teams. Did you know that Caltech has thirteen players representing ten different states? They must recruit from farther away than Redlands. We have six different states represented including 14 players from California alone. Hey, you have to do your homework sometime. Why not in Currier Gym on Fridays?

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Women's Volleyball vs. Chapman (L 1-3)









































































































































The Chapman Panthers visit to Currier Gym was my first chance to see our nationally ranked Lady Bulldogs. However, I was too tired from my romp with the football so Duke jumped at the chance to fill in. He loves volleyball and he hasn't quite adjusted to his emeritus role. And he had to sit next to Mari for nostalgia's sake. On paper, the game was supposed to go in our favor. The Panthers lost in three sets to UC Santa Cruz. We beat UC Santa Cruz in three sets. Funny how yesterday means so little when the game is played today. Today, the Panthers showed how to learn from a loss and get better. They played tough. And even though we lost the match, this was exciting. We played great at times. We hit a few lulls. We hit a few bad shots. We got a few bad momentum killing calls. But it's clear we have tons of talent on the court. Our upper classmen will rally the team and I look forward to catching at least one of the two matches tomorrow; La Sierra at 3 pm and Caltech at 7 pm.

Football Team Photo





























Following my grandfather's paw prints, I headed over to Ted Runner Stadium to participate in the annual photo shoot with the Bulldog Football Team. Duke told me I should have waited another two days until the temperature hit triple digits, but I thought it better to get it out of the way while it was pleasant. Coach even brought me a ball to play with while we waited around. Now I can't wait for the next game. I'm pretty sure he'll give me the ball on a fourth and goal. I won't fumble, I'll stay low, and I'll follow my block. I'm ready! They do let mascots play don't they?