Team Cardinal's Tuesday Blog from Argentina
March 17, 2010 | Field Hockey
March 17, 2010
The University of Louisville field hockey team continued its spring break trip to Argentina with a highly competitivie 2-1 loss to Gimnaisa y Esgrima Buenos Aires (GEBA). Head coach Pam Bustin reviews the game and junior Simone Attles continues Team Cardinal's Spring Break - Argentina blog.
Head Coach Pam Bustin:
What a great match last night! The speed of the game was exceptional, forcing our kids to make decision much faster than they are used to - which is pretty much the point of coming here to play! Also, the skill level of our opponents has been very good, challenging our own skills and helping us learn some new tricks.
The game was extremely competitive and intense. Our opponents were aggressive. Team Cardinal held strong and played a very even game. A nice goal by Amber Thomas started the night off, and again, Erin Conrad held strong in the cage. Great performances again by Hayley Turner and Caitlin Collins. Player of the Game honors went to Nicole Youman. To be noted that improvement by ALL team members is evident as they are challenged for the full 70 minutes!
Simone Attles Blog from Buenos Aires
Hola Cardinal Fans!
My name is Simone Attles and I will be writing Team Cardinal's third blog from our amazing trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
So far we have done so much! A soccer match, watched two field hockey games, a city tour and an open air market. That is in addition to all the field hockey we have played.
We started Tuesday, March 16th with breakfast, or desayuno (en espanol) at our hotel. Breakfast consists of lots of fresh fruit and bread or croissants. Then we had some free time to relax, lay by the pool or walk around Buenos Aires.
At 11:15 am we left for the Estancia Santa Susana Ranch. It is located about one hour outside the city. The weather was perfect: sunny with a breeze.
We arrived at the ranch around 12:30pm. As we got off the bus we were welcomed with the familiar smells of the Kentucky Fairgrounds. Although the scent was similar to home, the sights were not. The team was greeted by traditionally dressed Argentines offering empanadas and beverages.
Shortly after we each were able to go horseback riding. I named my horse Dulce de Leche - after the popular Argentine dessert that matched his coat color. It was funny to see each team member's reaction to their horse. I was a little nervous myself, however the funniest was Jenna Ahern who kept asking for help as her horse wandered and her saddle unbuckled.
After riding we ate! The food was amazing...even the blood sausage that most of us tried! We had bread, salads, sausages, steak, grilled chicken, and this delicious apple torte-like dessert. When we were done eating we watched some tango dancing. Naturally when the audience was asked to join in the dance, Team Cardinal accepted the invitation. I have to acknowledge Haley Jurich, Lacey Jurich, and Nicole Youman for really finding the best dance partners in the place. Also a thank you to Heather Stevens for dancing with me ;-)! There was a lot of laughter at the ranch. We finished the visit watching a horse show and a few of the girls were asked to ride with one of the gauchos. We left with tears of laughter, full stomachs and lots of pictures.
The team had some downtime after that to prepare for our second match of the trip versus the club team GEBA. GEBA is one of the best clubs in Argentina and is actually the club of the world's best player Luciana Aymar. Tuesday night we played the clubs "B" team. That team was the second best out of more than a dozen teams and it would be our best competition. We ended the game with a 2-1 loss, our lone goal scored by Amber Thomas. We played well and the coaches were proud, but the team was disappointed. We definitely could have walked away with a win. After the match we ate pizza and drank coke. Although Jason Dierking, our strength and conditioning coach might not approve, it was delicious. Then we headed home to rest up for a big day tomorrow.
That's all from me. I hope you enjoyed my update. Our next edition will be written by a teammate...but it is a surprise!
