Second Tournament

So here we are, the day before the first playoff game. Team Canada Softball will face off against Australia tomorrow and the winner will be guaranteed a medal and a spot in the semi final.  Despite losing to Japan last night, we were assured a position in the game when Australia beat Venezuela (seems as though the softball gods are still smiling on us).

I've heard from many different coaches over the years that the second tournament is the most important tournament. You can have a perfect record in pool play and when it comes to the playoff round you can completely choke. My dad's been joking with me all week that the Canadian softball team is like the New York Giants of last year's super bowl. After some pretty serious losses, people aren't really considering us a factor. They would be wrong. We are a good team and although our statistics as of late haven't shown that to be true, when it comes time to play we are right there with the best of them. So here's to another upset...to Eli Manning coming through in the clutch one more time...and to Team Canada Softball earning Canada its first team medal at a Summer Olympic Games in more than thirty years. The stats really don't matter, it's all about the team, the support and the love of the game. Second Tournament: Most Important Tournament! Game ON!

Yours in Softball,

Erin #20

Comments

[Andre Bouchard]

Hi kiddo. Uncle André here. I raise my glass to the Aussies for their help, but boy did they make a big mistake. Now they have you guys to contend with. New tournament, no stats,no nothing .Just a bunch of hard working players and coaches who had a dream,and we are nearing the end of that dream. Go out there and play your hearts out. Win or loose you are all certified solid gold girls in my book. Good luck, god bless, and lots of love and kisses. André, Lise,Melanie,Pierre Luc and getting a lot bigger Rafaelle. xxxxx P.S. Not that I mind, but someone has to explain the reason for the first place team playing the second, and the third place team playing the fourth. Seems to me in tournament play it would be one against four and two against three? But what do I know I'm not calling the shots!!!!!!!!!

[Don Riddell]

Good Luck Erin and the whole team.
You ladies have done very well on the world screen and just stay loose and relaxed and your dreams come true. Play like you write with tons of confidence and just meet that ball at the plate.

All the Best Team Canada Softball!

Don Riddell

[Caroline Moro-Dalicandro]

Hello Erin. Good luck to you and the team in the playoffs! I am enjoying watching the team play and am very proud of the Canadian team! Keep having fun and enjoying the dream! Wishing you and the team all the best in the playoffs!
Caroline Moro-Dalicandro

[Andre Bouchard]

Hi sweetie.The day after the day before. I know you and your team mates have heavy hearts today. Mine is full of pride. You didn't let us down. You made it to the final four for the first time in Canadian Olympic History. You gave it your best shot, and never let up.I raise my glass with my friends to the 2008 Olympic Woman's Softball team. You played your hearts out, and I am sure won the hearts of millions of Canadians. Thanks for the memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and the memories I will show to my grand child in the future so she too can be proud of her aunt Erin. Lots of love,and a safe trip back. Uncle André, Lise, Melanie, Pierre Luc and who knows maybe a future Olympic athlete Rafaell. xxxxxxxxxx

[Ron, Diane, Britt, Luke, Amanda]

Erin,
Your uncle's words ring true for all of us back home in Whitby as well. We are so proud of you and all your team mates. Hold your heads high, for you have represented Canada well.
Your spirit and determination in the face of adversity was truly amazing to watch. Enjoy the remainder of your stay and we hope to see you back home soon.

[Alex/Jean]

Hi Erin,a ring of gold surrounds all of you,protects you all for the wonderful sustained efforts every one on the team has put into the games. giving praise seems so inadequate but we all have those feelings of pride as we have been watching.thrills, spills and sometimes chills just to see the games unfold. memories have been made there and they will keep our hearts warm at the very thought of it all.we look forward to seeing you soon, and again re-living the precious moments that you and the team have graciously portrayed, on the 'field of dreams'as aye, love, till then, Gran/Grandad.

[Lorne Cowx]

Erin,
We're extremely proud of the way you, your teammates and other Canadian Athletes represented us. Enjoy the moment. It is such a huge memory to be reflected upon for many decades.