3rd place and Euro2012!

National Championships concluded yesterday and the South finished in 3rd place! We went into the semi-finals confident we could make the final, but facing a very strong side in New Jersey. We knew it wasn't going to be easy, but we were up for the challenge! The semi-final game was, in my opinion, one of the best games of the tournament. It was a fast-paced, high-level competition with good chances for both sides. We left everything on the field that night, but fell just short with a 2-1 loss. Disappointing of course not to make it back to final as we did last year, but we knew there was still one more game to be played, and win! We played the North yesterday (yes, North vs. South!) and called it the Civil War battle! On this occasion, there was a different outcome though: the South came out on top! (haha... please, no one get offended by this, all North vs. South comments are/were meant solely in jest in regards to our country's history and don't represent current cultural views). We finished strong with a 3-1 win and were all happy to go home on a win!

After the final (in which New Jersey won- congrats to them!) the National Squad for 2012-13 (and the Developmental Squad) was announced. The names announced included all of the names of the current 2011-12 team, but with a few additions! A big CONGRATS to Kelsey Kolojejchick, Alesha Widdall, Emily Wold, and Stephanie Fee!! There were lots of new Developmental Squad selections as well. It is a very exciting time for our program and it's future with lots of young talent.

Although it was a great week of hockey and National Championships is one of my favorite tournaments every year, we were all pretty happy the week was finally over. It was extremely fun, but it was a lot of hard work and quite stressful for most with selections on the line. I personally just couldn't wait to have a few more days with my family this week before we're back to our London focus. Plus, EURO 2012 started yesterday!!! For anyone who knows me, they know I love my soccer! And today especially, the Dutch play. And of course I had to pull out my Dutch gear from my year playing in Holland! So for the next couple days, I will be found working out, hanging out with my family, and sitting in front of the tv (probably yelling at the tv as well ;) haha) watching soccer!

Who do you think will win Euro2012??

But for today: #HupHollandHup