Playoffs: Quarterfinals

Today, May 8, marks the first day of the 2015 season playoffs. This is where all the hard work starts to pay off. Throughout the season we've worked extremely hard. We started tryouts in December and have been practicing almost every day since. We've done multiple team bonding activities and I feel like I've been accepted into a second family. All of our hard work has put us in a very good position for playoffs, first seed. This means we are hosting the game on our home turf and get to play a much lower seed, Juan Diego. While they don't have the best seed they are still a VERY good team. We had the opportunity to place them in Vegas. They are a very aggressive team and have a lot of heart. Juan Diego has a couple girls that played on the National Team with some of our girls and they play very hard. In Vegas we did beat them, but that was three months ago and anyone can improve in three months.
Last night we had practice and tried to emphasize on the small details for the upcoming game. We worked a lot on stick work, ground balls, and 7 v 7. While we were doing a full-field passing drill Kate, on of our defenders, landed hard on her already hurt ankle. She was in a lot of pain and our coach had to help her off the field. She is a starter which means we are all going to have to adjust and work as a unit. Also, it's been raining this past week which can make passing and catching a little more difficult, but that's not an excuse. It's supposed to rain tonight for the game so I am very glad that we practiced in it prior because now we know what to do to fix our mistakes. We also had the chance to do some team bonding after practice and watch the boys play Jordan!

Some of us after our first practice in the rain.

A couple of us watching the boys game looking thrilled.

Looking over the season it's crazy to think that tonight might be our last game with all of us playing together (I don't think it will because I have complete confidence that we will do great, but still). I know that the underclassmen are going to be playing for the seniors and the seniors are going to be playing as hard as they can. We just need to focus on the little details and let Juan Diego make the mistakes.
Come out and support tonight at 7 @ Dozier to watch the Park City girls take on Juan Diego! It'll be an intense and fun game. Wear red!
If girls advance we will being playing the winner of American Fork and Jordan @ Corner Canyon on Thursday at 5. The next game will then be state @ Corner Canyon at 12.
Also, the Park City boys take on Spanish Fork at 5 @ Quinns!

The boys playing on Dozier this past Wednesday, go support tonight!

Both girls and boys are going to try to being back two State Championships again!

Brighton Round 2

This past Tuesday we played against the Brighton girls lacrosse team. We've been preparing for this game for months. When we played them in Vegas we were sloppy and ended up going into overtime. Our coaches told us that we would have to take care of the ball and be smart about every decision.
The morning of, we all wore our PC bleached shirts that our seniors made. Once the school day ended we went to the locker room to get change and waiting for the bus. Most girls were on the bus by three, but we had a little dilemma. We realized that the JV girls and brought snacks, but there weren't any for varsity. Fortunately, one of the moms hurried to the store and got some food. I hadn't eaten earlier to I kind of went a little overboard on the baguettes, rice cakes, and rice crackers.
After what seemed like forever, we got to the field. Most girls went to the bathroom and others warmed up their sticks. We started warmups a little later than usual which slightly panicked most of us. Warmups were rushed which made them sloppy. To get our minds back on track we had a quick powwow with the captains to calm us down and remind us to just have fun.
The game started and I wasn't in the starting lineup. Brighton scored the first two goals and then my coach put me in on defense rotating Ellie Meyer (captain) to midfield. Defense started talking more, stopped multiple crease rolls, picked up ground balls, and got clean clears. Attack also started to settle, focus on our plays, and place their shots. By the end of the half we were up 4-3.
During halftime we had time to catch our breath and talk about what we needed to improve on. The refs blew the whistle a couple minutes later and it was time to play the second half of the game. Our coaches decided to put on the players that came off during halftime, which meant I was going to play.
The second half was crazy. Defense played the best we ever have and only allowed one goal by Brighton. Attack picked up their pace and scored six more goals making the final score 10-4 Park City.

Ellie Meyer passing the ball down field
photo courtesy to: utahlaxnews

Our JV girls also played an awesome game. Being 3-3 at half they knew they would have to pick up the pace in the second half. Their transitions, shots, ground balls, and saves all increased. The team only allowed two goals in the second half and ended up winning 9-5. To hear a more in depth and different viewpoint from the JV game check out Bridey's blog.
Playoffs are coming up soon and I wouldn't be surprised if we end up playing Brighton for a third time.
Make sure to come out and support your Park City Lacrosse girls seniors on Tuesday for senior night! Dozier @ 6:15.

Regular Season

The regular season has finally started for lacrosse. Although this adds on to everyones already busy schedule, it's honestly on of the best times of the year. We have had two home games and two away games so far.
For away games we wear Park City Lacrosse attire to school to be comfy. For the past two games we have left right away school on a Charter bus. While the bus is very nice, it makes me so so nauseous. Whenever I'm on it I have the urge to jump out a window. The bus rides usually consist of our pump up playlist blasting, eating, gossiping, putting cleats on, and more eating. The rides have only been about an hour which isn't bad at all. Once we get to the school we usually take a quick bathroom break and then get warmed up. Warm ups go by really fast and before I know it it's time for stick checks. Our coaches give us a pep talk, we do our cheer, and then the game is in full blow. The past two away games we have had have been against Riverton and Bingham. The games have ended being a lot to a little with us winning both.

Me at one of our away games

Our schedule is a little different when we have home games. It starts at the beginning of the day when we dress up. Most people wear dresses or skirts. It's a hassle to find something cute, but the team ends up looking really good. Home games don't start until 6:15, so our warmups start at around 5:15. We usually go out and grab some food and hang out until we have to get tapped or start icing. Right before warmups some of the seniors go up to the booth and turn on our "pump up" playlist. This consists of Britney Spears, Eminem, Sean Kingston, Jack Johnson, and a ton more (we like to be diverse). We then do our warmups (4 v 3, 2 v 3, shuttles, and stretch), dance a little, do stick check, and finally the game begins.
I've played quite a bit the past two games which is good because my parents got to watch! I also got to start last night against Viewmont because they are a Division II team.
Once the game ends we do a cheer and shake hands with the other team. When the games are home we have a talk about the game on the track and hand out Karen (a stuffed animal for the MVP of the game). We also have the privilege of watching a half of the JV game!
So far both Park City team are undefeated and hopefully it continues! Check out Bridey's blog to hear more about the JV team.

Championship Game

Vegas Day 2
The alarm went off and it was definitely a struggle getting out of bed. I finally dragged myself out of the room and forgot to even put shoes on. I had oatmeal again (which I actually really enjoyed) and then went back up to the room to get dressed. Once everyone was downstairs I basically ended up braiding everyone's hair and then we left for the field. The warmup was extra fun because of our wonderful pump up playlist. It then came time to play and the first whistle blew. Like before, it was also a blowout.
Our next game was at four so it gave us about five hours to hang out. This consisted of us eating of specialized Jimmy John lunches, trying to get some sun, trying to take cute pictures, more eating, and we also watched part of the JV game.

Brianna and I enjoying our Jimmy Johns

 The five hours flew by (time flies when you're having fun) and it was then time for, yet again, another warm up. It then came time to play (again) and the first whistle blew. Unlike before, oh who am I kidding it was yet again another blowout. After the game we all piled into cars and went back to the hotel to shower so we could make it back in time for the boys game. I didn't even watch the boys game, I was hungry so I went and got a burger and it was delicious. Most girls then went back to the hotel and had tacos. Of course me being me I found something really funny while eating the taco and once I tried to explain why I was laughing I spit up all my food on one of my coaches. Good job Morgan. We were all up for a while after tacos, I hung out in the hall with some girls until we were kicked out by the security guard. Go team.
Vegas Day 3
The next morning was hectic to say the least. I woke up pretty early and got breakfast done with. I then went to my room to pack and get ready, which took a lot longer than I thought. Once I thought I had everything together I went to the lobby to braid some hair. Then we were off. To make it to the Championship Game we had to beat two teams. The first game was fairly easy and the second was no different. To loosen us up before the big game we all had dances to perform, which actually turned out to be pretty funny.
After the goofing around ended we knew it was time to get serious for the game. Warm ups were stricter and we all put our game faces on. Stick check came (the first one of the tournament) and the game had begun. The game was going pretty well and then Brighton kicked things up a notch. We were up at half, but the minutes started to go quickly and we were suddenly tied. With less than a minute left Brighton got the ball and shot. BUT OH MY GOSH MADELINE KOMISAR! Our goalie saved it and time expired. Basically the game ended when we went into sudden death overtime and Brighton got a penalty which enabled us to shoot and score. It was awesome being able to play with the team and take the title for the third year in a row!

Brianna and I after the Championship Game

The Little Kid That Could

We are going to venture off from my football life and take a look at my little brother's. My younger brother is 11 and has played football for 4 years. His team, going into a game against South Summit, was 42-0 and had won 3 championships. This game wasn't any ordinary game, it ended up being a game that would change people's perspective on youth football.
The playoff game against the South Summit Wildcats started at 9:00 sharp. The first half was a complete blowout. Park City was beating them by multiple touchdowns. The third quarter was the same deal, Park City was shutting them out. The turn of the game happened at the start of the 4th quarter. The Park City coaches gathered the team up and explained to the kids the situation of the other team. The kids were informed that the other team had a kid with autism. The kids dream was to score a touchdown and everyone was willing to make it happen.
First play of the fourth quarter. The ball was snapped. The other team handed the ball to the autistic kid and he started running. The Park City boys were diving at him and trying to catch up, but they had no chance of catching up the kid was just too good. While running he stepped out of bounds a few times, but the refs kept it going. He was 20 yards from the end zone, 15, 10, 5. He had made it. With everyone's help and unselfishness they had helped a little kid achieve his dream. It was very heart warming. Little acts of kindness can end up meaning the world to someone. *note to self*
After the game parents and coaches sent their gratitude towards the Park City boys, coaches, and parents. They also said they were rooting for them to beat Granger in the Championship Game. They wanted to see Park City with a 4-peat.
The last and final game. The fourth championship game in a row. On Park City's home field. The boys started the game strong, but Granger was definitely bigger and stronger. The half ended with Park City up 7-6. The score stayed the same until the very last seconds. Granger was driving and was extremely close to the end zone. They had a run that made it inches from crossing the line, but there was a penalty. After explaining the penalty the ref informed the sidelines and teams that time had expired. Park City had won their fourth championship game in a row and went 44-0. You don't see many teams do that.

Coco, Kirby, and I after their championship win.

October 2, Park City vs Highland Junior High

No bus ride. Home game. Highland Junior High. All the guys were looking forward to being at home and playing on our field. Immediately after school ended we all walked to the high school together. Everyone got taped, dressed, put in their headphones, and focused. Personally, I always get nervous before games, but I was especially nervous for this one because my grandparents flew in to watch me. After the nerves finally subsided I was able to start talking about the game with coaches and the guys. Our defensive coordinator had a play where the defensive line (me) switched to go to linebackers during the cadence, that was the only big change we had. Other than that we were ready to play our game of football.

After we all got onto the field we started dynamics and ended with miner-jacks. The captains were called up, we differed, and the game had started. The game was going well, we had scored a couple touchdowns and I realized I had met the refs prior to this season. One of them had ejected my dad from a game the previous year (my dad gets very competitive and usually argues multiples times with the refs). The other ref was an old, but very happy ref. They were both making conversation with me during the game which I thought was pretty funny. Sometimes I thought (not trying to be conceited) they were focusing on me more than making the actual calls. Also, during the game I tackled a kid who I later found out was Devante. He asked my name after a play and kept saying ,"Good job Morgan!" after I got a tackle.

The game ended and the final score was 39-0. We had finally won a game!! That sounds terrible knowing we were so happy for winning a single game, but baby steps are always a good thing.

Sage, Kris, and I after the game :)

We had a talk with our coaches in the end zone, they congratulated us, and right after I made the guys take pictures. The guys have gotten used to me acting like a girl at certain points and they always agree to take pictures. Once pictures were done and the boys left I ran and hugged my grandparents, I was so happy they were able to watch the game we actually won! Preston also came over and gave me a hug and introduced himself to my grandparents.

Preston and I after the game :)

I said my goodbyes and went to leave for the locker room. On the way down I saw four of the guys we had just played against. One of them introduced himself as Devante (the kid that kept saying good job to me during the game) and told me his name was one to remember. I always enjoy guys that are nice to me and accept me as a player in the game, not just a girl.

Stay tuned for next week when the freshman team takes on Bear River!