In Their Own Words: Maureen Daniel

Nov. 15, 2005

In an attempt to gain insight into American University's Field Hockey team, we asked several players to write weekly diaries. Senior Maureen Daniel takes us through the Patriot League Tournament, hosted by American.

I still can't believe we actually hosted the Patriot League Tournament at AU. For so long endless bus trips and life on the road had been reality for our team. 20 games into this season and it still seems like a dream having our own home field. I think that for many years we've been fortunate in having a remarkably devout and loyal core group of supporters. This field has allowed an abstract network of support, the opportunity to become physical, to manifest in an astoundingly visible, vibrant and energetic capacity.

Beginning with opening weekend against Princeton it was clear, from the number of people in attendance and the excitement of the crowd that we weren't in this by ourselves.

This past weekend I found myself feeling relieved and thankful that we weren't traveling 8 hours by bus to Holy Cross or to Colgate where winter and snow commence in mid September. Friday night was the annual Patriot League banquet traditionally given by the host institution. Highlights of the evening included Holas' meticulously delivered senior reflection speech, a near sweep of league awards by AU and the Ashley Foley post-dinner stand up comedy show in KPL. We wrapped up the evening with a simple, concise briefing on goals for the weekend. I went home that evening feeling like it all still seemed a bit surreal but with confidence and the determination to get things done.

After previously beating both teams in regular league play we knew coming into the weekend that we could do it again. However, we also remembered how close the battle against Holy Cross had been and were aware that we would have to be much more thorough this time around. With strength and poise we defeated both teams and captured the Patriot League title for the third year in a row, with all our friends and family present! I think we all felt a genuine sense of pride by winning our league title on our own field, at our own school, with our community there to celebrate.

As much as we enjoyed the victory last weekend it was quickly time to move forward. Tuesday night the seeding for the NCAA tournament was announced placing us at Maryland this upcoming weekend. We are matched against Penn State for the 1st round. Maryland will play Richmond and the winner of each game will advance to round two on Sunday. I think we all recognize this as our most challenging weekend thus far, both because of the opponents and also the intensity and significance of these games. As much fun as the Patriot League tournament was, this weekend is our chance to compete and play and to define what it really means to be a championship team. This weekend is for ourselves, for each other and for everything we've worked towards accomplishing in the past 3 months, 3 years or 3 decades. Let's go get `em again!

-Moei