Own the Podium

It's been a tough two days on the field. We've had some later games and we've spent the mornings preparing, watching game tape and getting rested up. That hasn't left a lot of time for blogging...although I'm glad I waited until now to post. It gives me the opportunity to lay out Team Canada Softball's situation in its entirety...so here goes!

After a tough 2-0 loss to Venezuela, followed by a 4-0 loss to the Aussies in which we really left everything on the field, we're in a bit of a predicament. With one game left in the tournament, the fight for a top four position could go one of three ways:

1) The Aussies could beat Venezuela, ensuring us a top four spot

2) Venezuela could beat the Aussies, knocking us out of the playoff round

OR my favourite

3) We could take it to Japan tonight at 5:00pm and seal our own fate

We have a big game tonight but this is exactly what we've been preparing for over the last year. Every practice during our centralization we would have an "own the podium" session. It would be five minutes of do or dies. Suicide bunts, ground ball go's with runners on base, fielding drills, do-overs, whatever it would take. Unlike normal practices, you didn't just do the drill until you got it right. You had one shot at it and no matter the outcome, that's what we would go home on. Beating China 1-0, on home soil, at the Olympic Games was our first step towards the podium. Now we need to seal the deal by getting ourselves into the playoff round. We've stumbled along the way but we are NOT beaten. Not by a long shot.

We have been playing solid defense, our pitchers have been doing their job and we're hitting...just right at people. That can only last for so long. Don't worry friends--even I'm making my fair share of solid contacts :) The way I see it, we've prepared for this moment, we play for this moment and we love the opportunity of this moment. So let's go out and get it...

Here we go Canada: GAME ON!

Yours in Softball,

Erin #20

Comments

[lise bouchard]

Hi sweetie. Not much to say but that we are very proud. Even when you lost you gave it your best. Get ready for the Japanese, that will make sure your in, and don't have to count on the Aussies....Go Canada go!!!!!!! P.S For luck we will change our`batting`order.......Love from Rafaelle,Pierre Luc, Melanie,Lise and your biggest supporter(ok don*t laugh)uncle Andre.xxxxxxxxx

[Alex/Jean]

Hi Erin, Sir Harry Lauder said it all, and said it best(KEEP RIGHT ON TO THE END OF THE ROAD), a song that is now, and always will be, in the hearts of so many.Don't forget that every one could do with a little help along the way, and if another team helps you get into the final four, so be it.The 'auld' scottish song is as vibrant today as are the 'kilts in Edinburhg' spread this 'news' because you have our attention. by the way your Gran juat picked up a penny (a lucky one)lying out in the garden. maybe a gold mine out there? we are as one in thought of you all givivg your all. Love, as aye Gran/Grandad.