"Walking in a Jackets Wonderland"

Posted by Lauren "Lo" Anderson, Senior Defender

Again, the weeks are just flying by! This past week we spent the days preparing for another set of GNAC games. On Thursday, we stepped out onto our home turf, ready to take on Central Washington. We battled hard and walked off the field with a 4-2 win. I must say, our offense really stepped up and came alive for us that game. This was an especially special day for me because to my utmost surprise, my dad had driven in from Washington to surprise me. :) He not only got to watch us play for the first time on our home field, he got to watch his first win on our home field.

Friday we took time at practice to refocus and prepare for SPU. At practice, you could feel the team’s energy. There was definitely a fire under all of us. We wanted to show SPU that we were ready for them. Back at 643 (Home of a five of us girls), Sandy (Carly’s Mom) was busy cooking for our team dinner. By Friday night, all of the parents in town had put together a HUGE team dinner including, spaghetti with 3 different homemade sauces to choose from, homemade mac n’ cheese, pizza hut bread sticks, a variety of fruit, salad, homemade Halloween cookies, Stella’s cookies, and an assortment of Halloween candy. Everything was amazing! Thank you to everyone who helped!

Saturday’s game was not only a game against SPU; it was also the Make-A-Wish game. Senior Captain Sam Boehm worked extremely hard on a semester long project to put together this project that benefitted the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As a team we were decked out in blue! Blue shirts, shoe laces, ribbons, hair bands, finger nails and toe nails painted to support Make-A-Wish.

When the whistle blew for the start of the game, the atmosphere was almost indescribable. The crowd was a blanket of blues and golds, and the stands were overflowing with MSUB sports team members, proud parents and fans. The entire game, the field echoed of chanting, cheering, and singing support for the Lady Jackets. “Walking in a Jackets Wonderland” is still ringing in my head. There were times during the game, when you were hear the fans and you couldn’t help but smile.

As a team, we battled. At half time it was tied 1-1, and after a scoreless 2nd half, we had to prepare ourselves for overtime. The crowd supported us the entire time. I cannot tell you how much we loved and appreciated the fans. It was by far, the best crowd I have ever had the privilege to play for. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME!

Unfortunately, SPU scored in the first overtime and the game ended very abruptly. The day was a perfect day minus this painful loss. And regardless of the score of the game, I have to say that I couldn’t be more proud and honored to be a member of this team.

Today at practice, we left the SPU game behind us and started preparation for St. Martins. We leave Wednesday morning for our last conference road trip of the year and some of us, our college careers.

As the conference season is coming closer to an end, it has me reflecting my last four years. Being a part of this team, this family, has enhanced, added and given more to my life than I could have ever asked for. Our next goal as a team is to make it to the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. We are taking the rest of the season one game at a time. And I have to admit, I’m not ready for my career to be over. So making it to the tournament isn’t just a goal for me, It’s a MUST. Because, I MUST have more time being a part of this team.

My People

Posted by Kari Foreman, Senior Midfielder

Victory is defined as a success or superior position achieved against any opponent, opposition, or difficulty. If you were to Google the word Victory you will come up with a thousand different images of triumph and conquest. And if you have, in your life, experienced victory in any sort of way, you too know the feeling that makes you scream, and jump up and down, and fist pump, and hug every last one of the people that helped you get to that moment. Now picture that image, and you have our team Saturday afternoon.

This past weekend, the entire team traveled by way of charter bus to Nampa, Idaho, where we beat Northwest Nazarene University 1-0 with a well-deserved, early overtime goal. Bouncing off of a tough loss, we did what we know how: we wanted it more, and, as I told the girls prior to the start of the game, the competitor who wants the win most, eventually, will have it.

To say that I have been victorious in my career here at MSUB would be somewhat accurate, stats wise, I’ve fallen at about 500. Meaning, I’ve probably been able to bask in the glory of victory about as much as I’ve had to sulk in the pain that is defeat. But this is what I’ve learned…

I’ve learned that Jordan Fenwick has an irrational fear of cotton, and when you need a good friend, she is only ever a phone call away. I’ve learned that Carly Valentine grew up in the OC version of Washington and is there to share a good laugh about a joke that most people don’t appreciate, anytime. I’ve learned that Lauren Anderson, despite being a great athlete, is extremely dedicated to her school work and is quite a cook when it comes to tomato soup. I’ve learned that Sami Sandau is someone you can be comfortable with without saying a word, and that she is quite the survivor, raising a little boy while competing in athletics, and going to school. I’ve learned that Sam Boehm communicates with her facial expressions, before she says a word, and through her hard work, I’ve come to admire the future she has set herself up for.

I’ve learned that Kelley Minard, who loves pink and shopping, is also quite a business professional and accounting whiz. I’ve learned that Amanda Brusic, will never fail to make me laugh, specifically through her unique dancing skills. I’ve learned that Tyshea ‘LAAASHELL” Davis marches to the beat of her own drum, is particularly spunky, and is obsessed with hot cocoa. I’ve learned that Danielle Gordon is always down for anything fun, is harder on herself than anyone I’ve ever met, and quite brilliant in science.

Jaucelyn Richter is one of the hardest working girls I’ve ever played with and I’ve learned that she can carry on humorous banter better than most. I’ve learned that Courtney Harvey, who grew up in this town, has a particularly special relationship with her sister and family, and is especially kind hearted and understanding. I’ve learned that Andrea Baytaluke is a bigger peanut butter fan than I am (and that is huge) and has an infectious laugh, which fortunately for us, isn’t particularly hard to come by. I’ve learned that Adrienne Biglow , who is fun and sassy with her sarcasm and quick wit, is quite gifted when it comes to knowing who is who in the pop culture world. I’ve learned that Jen Brookshire is an individual, who does things her own way no matter what anyone else says, a quality I think is quite admirable. She is also the biggest sweet tooth I have ever met. I’ve learned that Jen Larsen is always there when and where you need her and while it doesn’t take much, is constantly laughing, a very fun and distinct laugh. I’ve learned that Janae Remsberg ( who does not like to be called JENNAY like Forrest Gump) is quite gifted at speaking Spanish and is as kind and smiley as is the rest of her HUGE family, some of whom we’ve met and even played with in the past. I’ve learned that Kristen Kastelic, who has a cute little mouse voice, is always put together and cute, and when she tells a story you can’t help but be attracted by her overwhelming enthusiasm.

And oh the Freshman, in the short time that I’ve known them I’ve learned that Heidi Greenback is actually pretty outgoing once you get to know her and is always doing something quirky and fun, which she stops if she thinks she’s being watched. I’ve learned that Whitney Siler, who is a little bit hip hop at heart, has a close relationship with her brother and does not shy away from telling you all about him and how good he is at baseball, which I think highlights how proud she is of where she came from and I respect that. I’ve learned that Sabrina Granke-Bawab is fun and sweet, and can hold a good conversation, not to mention she has quite a powerful kick, since she hit me straight in the head before a game once, all in good fun, but I wouldn’t mess with her! I’ve learned that Jackie Hill is happy about just about EVERYTHING, especially Boise State, and will follow everything she writes with a :). I’ve learned that Agen Heffernan, who is soft spoken around me, is actually pretty funny and holds inside jokes with just about every other freshman, that I don’t understand, but she lets me in from time to time. And Finally, I’ve learned that Danica Johnson is all around excited and upbeat and is willing to go on a camping trip with all upperclassmen, which is just straight up brave, I like your style D.

What I’ve learned is that it isn’t ALL about the title, but the people who are still standing by you when you finally get all you’ve ever wanted. It’s about the people who are there to help you up when you are down and the people who help you to celebrate every victory. Because this is a team sport, you can’t do it alone and in the end, we all want to win, and we will all work hard to do so. These are my people, and they are the ones who will get me to where I want to be, my fate is in their hands and their fate is in mine. I’ll tell you what though; I wouldn’t pick any other group. These are my people, and, as I approach the end of my last season, I can’t help but think, that in 24 plus ways, I’ve already won.

Let's Make Some Lemonade

Posted by Sami Sandau, Senior Forward

This past Thursday our team beat Western Oregon 2-0. It was not our prettiest game of soccer, but nonetheless we got the job done, with two corner kick finishes. We headed into Saturday’s game against Saint Martin's University with a record of 7-1-1 knowing that it was not going to be an easy game. Our team has a history with Saint Martin's, and they have always been tough to beat. Saturday was no exception and we found ourselves down at half 2-1. At halftime our team knew that we were going to have to come out fighting to get the result and we did eventually tie the game at 2-2, but at the end of the day we came up short. We lost 3-2 to Saint Martin's University making our record 7-2-1. However, even though we did not win the game, we still played strong and pushed till the very end.

We have an outstanding team and we know that the loss cannot affect our next game. We take in the feeling of the loss, we get upset about not winning, but we do NOT dwell on the past and we keep moving forward. This game did not break our season, if anything it will help to make us stronger. We do not want to feel the shame of another loss and I know that our team will step up and make great things happen for the rest of the year. We learn from our mistakes and we grow from correcting them. When life hands you lemons you make lemonade. And our team is thirsty for more wins so we will take the lemon that was thrown at us and we will make some awesome lemonade! :)

This week we only have one game to prepare for. We will be traveling down to Nampa, Idaho to play Northwest Nazarene on Thursday, and the game will be on Saturday. Northwest Nazarene has been doing well this year and it will be a good game, BUT I know that our team is up for the challenge and we will settle for nothing less than a WIN! I am very proud to be on this team, and I respect every one of my teammates! I know that we will have a great rest of the season and it starts on SATURDAY with our EOP!! (Eyes on the prize)

On the Road Again

Posted by Carly Valentine, Senior Midfielder

Despite all the challenges of the last week, including missing classes, being on the road for the third week in a row, and fighting fatigue, I’d say we ended on a pretty good note! We started out our travels in Vancouver B.C., where we played Simon Fraser. Along with the game having some pretty odd weather conditions, such as fog preventing us to see our teammates across the field :); it was extremely intense as well. However, through the rain, fog, and cold, we seemed to pull through and win! Whoooo. Our next focus was Western Washington, and boy was it great to be back in the U.S.A! WWU is a team we hadn’t ever beat. You wouldn’t have known this on Saturday however, as we beat Western 1-0. These two wins gave the entire team an incredible feeling. Not only were we on the road, but we had just beat two nationally ranked teams. I say we were on the road, but if you happened to be at either one of these games you wouldn’t have noticed. Both games showcased our own little Yellowjacket Fan club, complete with signs, scarves, cheers and loving parents. We REALLY appreciated all of the supporters. So for everyone who came to our games, thank you so much!

All of the wins, the fans, the traveling and the bonding are what makes the thought of the end of our season the most bitter feeling in the world. Constantly throughout the trip the seniors relive past memories at each field, hilarious moments at each hotel, and the scary plane rides to and from our destination all while making new memories to add to the list. Because of this, I know we are all excited for these last 10 games. I know we are all doing everything we can to extend our season past November 6th, and I know we are more than capable of getting there. This weekend proved that not only to ourselves but to the GNAC!

GNAC Play Begins

Posted by Lauren "Lo" Anderson, Senior Defender

This week definitely went by way too fast. We only had two days of school last week before we hit the road again to Washington for our first two conference games of my last season. In Seattle, we played SPU at their home field which is always one of the toughest atmospheres to play in the GNAC. I must say we had a killer support system backing us up in the stands to help us through our first conference challenge. I can still see the image of all the diehard fans holding huge letters that spelt GO MSUB . The new soccer scarves were definitely a big hit as well. All of the families, friends, and former players there was so great. They really added to the energy of the game. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we wanted, but one of the fans said at the end of the game, “we’ll get SPU on our Turf,” and I couldn’t agree more.

The next morning, Pikes Market with the team was really fun. We had some time to enjoy ourselves, move on from the loss and start to prepare ourselves for Central Washington. Saturday morning in Ellensburg, we had another great turnout of support and we stepped out onto the field and battled our way to a victory over Central Washington 2-1, coming from behind. We flew back home with a split on the weekend against two respectable opponents.

Now that I am a senior and conference has started on my last season ever, I find myself saying almost daily how strange it is that it’s all coming to an end. I spent a lot of time with the other seniors this trip and when together, I find it hard NOT to talk about how fast it went, and reminisce about so many memories we all share together. It seems crazy that as a freshman you think it will never end, and as a senior you have no idea where all the time went. I also had a small epiphany this weekend about the seniors. We are old. Not only do I envy the Freshies, and how much energy they have, it was also confirmed when I gave Sam (Senior Captain) a 15 minute hip massage. : )

For the Love of the Game

Posted by Kari Foreman, Senior Midfielder

We traveled to my hometown of Lakewood Colorado this past weekend to play our last two regional games. It proved successful as we beat Colorado Christian University 4-1and tied Colorado School of Mines 1-1 (#8 in the most recent Midwest Regional Poll ). We are undefeated in regional play for the first time since I started playing for MSUB in 2007, a sweet start to my senior year.

The trip was particularly special for me because it was the first time a lot of my family and friends have been able to watch my team play. They were at both games, with high spirits and t-shirts that I have sent home, on numerous occasions, from the bookstore here on campus. I am blessed to have such a wonderful and enthusiastic support system back home. I was so thrilled to have my family be there to support my soccer family, and to those of you who do read the blog, thank you so much for being there for me throughout my ENTIRE soccer career and life. I love you all.

When I got to visit for that short time, one of my many supporters asked me all about my life as a college athlete and after I explained in detail to her the often overwhelming schedule we go through on a daily basis she asked me “Do you love it?”. Truth: I’m obsessed, completely head over heels, could even be considered soccer’s creepy stalker, LOVE IT. Former player Sara Gress once referred to soccer as a complicated relationship because no matter how many times it gets you down you always come back. You notch that one game winner and you can taste that sweet moment for a long time. I replay every bad day with soccer over and over again and contemplate how I could have done it differently, I lose sleep over soccer. I hate how soccer makes me feel. But the next day, on the road in Western Oregon, second overtime, two fans and a muddy jersey, I score the golden goal. The euphoric feeling is something you just don’t forget, the team laughing and cheering, you’re a winner, and there is no other feeling as addicting as being a winner. You can’t break up with soccer, because when you are with soccer you are better than yourself, you are a part of something bigger than you. Because for just that minute that you score that goal, make that save, stick that tackle, you go from ordinary to extraordinary.

The problem is, that eventually, competitively anyways, soccer will leave you. And you aren’t allowed to go back, because it moves on without you. Some of us will hang on, trying out our luck in older leagues, or coaching, but for all of us, who have been both recognized and scorned by the six letter hobby, the lessons we have learned while we were with it will be with us forever. And occasionally, when we step on that field again, as a coach, a rec player or a spectator, we can relive our glory days with those who are willing to listen.

For now, soccer is slowly trying to divorce me, but I’m doing everything I can to hold on for as long as I can. We all are. Tell us we aren’t even ranked and that we are facing # 8 in the region, see if we falter. Because, we don’t care who we have to beat, we want that feeling, we want to be winners. This is our time, to prove to soccer and ourselves that we are extraordinary. And we’ll do it all, for the love of the game.

MSUB Cup Champions!

Posted by Sam Boehm, Senior Captain

Our team is off to a great start with two big regional wins this past Labor Day weekend. On Friday we beat Dixie State 1-0. Heidi scored her first collegiate goal with the game winner! We played again on Monday with a great win versus University of Mary. The game ended 4-1 with goals by Jen Brookshire (her classic diving header), Sami Sandau, Kari Foreman, and Jen Larsen. With the two wins, we won the 8th Annual MSUB Cup and as a bonus Sami was named tournament MVP. The team couldn't be happier with this start to the season!

School starts tomorrow which I'm sure everyone is excited about (wink wink..) and we have one practice before we head off to Colorado. There we will have two more regional games against Colorado Christian and Colorado School of Mines. These are both huge games for us not only because they are regional, but because we lost to Colorado Christian 1-0 last year and School of Mines made it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament last season. I am looking forward to getting revenge on Colorado Christian, as well as a great win against Colorado School of Mines. It should be a fun trip with great games. We are also stopping at Kari Foreman's house in Colorado for a home cooked meal...Looking forward to that as well!