California Bound - Part III
March 06, 2012 | Softball
March 6, 2012
by Alex Fieldhouse
Sophomore infielder
Part three of four
To be completely honest, I'm not sure where this weekend went. It seems like three months ago my teammates and I were talking about how excited we were to come to Fullerton to play in the California sun and in front of our families and friends. The weekend went by so quickly, but it was definitely one to remember.
It was difficult for me to sleep the nights before our games this weekend. I was antsy to play knowing all too well that our team was going toe-to-toe with four great programs. Our second game Saturday against Northwestern was special for me. I was able to be on the field again with three friends who I used to play travel ball with [Amy Letourneau, Kristin Sharkey and Marisa Bast]. I had talked with the Wildcats' third baseman, my best friend Marisa Bast, multiple times about how amazing it was going to be on the same field again. We knew it was going to be hard this time because one of us had to win and the other had to lose. Nonetheless, we both embraced the fact that this matchup may never happen again. Unfortunately, she gained the bragging rights.
The fan base we had here this weekend was incredible. I felt like we were playing at home. Everyone was rocking the purple and gold and definitely did the job when it came to cheering for us. Whenever we had a rally going, they were stomping their feet on the bleachers, clapping and cheering as loud as they could. My dad lost his voice after our first game!
As for being able to play in front of my family, their constant support never ceases to amaze me. For Christmas, my mom and dad had personalized shirts made for each of my family members. They wore the shirts both days this weekend, never once complaining about having to sit in the heat and it causing a farmer's tan. I remember over Christmas break sitting at my aunt's dining table looking at the email list my mom had written and feeling my jaw drop a little bit. It was over two pages long, with two columns on each page! It included coaches and family friends that I haven't seen in years, and sure enough, many of them showed up. I can't even think of the words to describe how great it was to see them and it made me realize how much support outside of my family I truly have.
The work that they put into this weekend was just ridiculous, and honestly, I'm not sure how I'll ever be able to thank them enough. But it's safe to say that being home with all of my family for this tournament was amazing.
I love being able to watch others experience something I have a hundred times for their first time. Monday afternoon/evening, many families worked together to put on a huge barbeque for the team on our day off. It was at my family friend's house, where the pool in the backyard could give Disneyland Resort a run for its money. As I mentioned before, I have been to the house many times in the past, but it was great being able to experience it with my team. With awesome food, a huge pool and a team's support system that beats anyone else's, everyone was bound to have a good time.
With one more game left to play tomorrow night here in Fullerton, it's time for me to get some shut eye. To all the ECU families, friends, and fans: you guys are the greatest and are probably one of the only support systems that literally stretches from coast to coast.
Hope you have all enjoyed being this beautiful California trip with us; I know we did.
Alex
