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Duke Nike Classic Trip Photo Gallery

The soccer team took its' first road trip of the season, playing in the Duke Nike Classic Sept. 18 and 20 in Durham, N.C.

by #14 Heather Havron, So., D

Thursday September 17th
Cleat bag, check! Travel gear, check! Government issued ID, check! Arrive at Auburn airport at 3:45, check! Everyone get soaked walking to the plane CHECK!!!! Everyone buckled up for safety, check! And so the wonderful weekend before us begins as the Tigers are off and on the prowl in North Carolina!

After a smooth sailing flight, where some people enjoyed checking out all the buttons in the pilots lounge, and my seat buddy Ashley Marks playing the most intense game of Solitaire known to mankind, we arrived in North Carolina. We loaded up the bus, which met us on the runway, and went straight to our hotel. We put our bags down and came right back to the bus again to go to dinner at Bella Napoli. When we got there we were greeted first hand by THE UNCLE BOB, Coach Amy's awesome uncle. He is quite the baker too because he made us a delicious good luck cake! It had wise words and beautiful décor! After a yummy and carb-filled dinner we went back to the hotel to get some sleep before our game the next day. My roomies Sammy Towne, Mary Coffed, and I watched the movie Just Friends and laughed hysterically before we fell asleep!

Friday September 18th

Game day was finally here! It began with breakfast, film, followed by a jog and stretch in the parking lot. We then had a little juggling competition; limbs were flying everywhere to keep that ball from hitting the ground. Katy Frierson, Chelsea Yauch, Addie Ragsdale, and I had a full proof plan to ensure a victory every time....it was directed by none other than Katy herself! We then had some down time to hang out before our pregame meal at Jason's Deli. After Jason's Deli we didn't have a lot of time before we needed to leave for the field so we went to our wonderful trainer's room for treatment. We love Cindy; she takes great care of us! What a doll! When we got to the field we went into the locker room for our usual pregame pump up. Monica Afanador and Lydia Townsend put on a great show for the team. They have moves that you have never seen before....So You Think You Can Dance is calling their names! After the live entertainment we were all pumped and ready for the game against Duke. It was a tough match, we fought hard but unfortunately things didn't go our way in overtime. After the game we went back to the hotel for our post game cold tub, which was freezing, and then bed.

After breakfast we had a pool workout led by Tammy and Cindy. It was a blast if I do say so myself, except the poor couple in there with us were probably regretting their decision. The whole place echoed with laughter as we watched Monica's maniac dance, and Stephanie Fransoso trot along loving every minute of being in the water....not! Immediately after we went to Gabi's Rinse and Pile to get our laundry. This was run by none other than Gabi Rivera. (AKA the team manager for the weekend). She runs her business very uniquely. She puts the clothes in the washer with detergent, turns the washer on, and then sits on top of it cross legged while reading a book. Laundry and reading at the same time...talk about great multitasking! We then had everyone's favorite activity....STUDY HALL where everyone put on their studious face for an hour and a half! After everyone's brain was filled with knowledge we had time to hang out or go out with our parents until dinner.

For dinner we were fortunate enough to be treated to a fantastic meal at McCormick and Schmick's...once again very many thanks to THE UNCLE BOB! Coach Amy was quite the photographer as she walked around each table snapping pictures...she did a very good job of capturing everyone's good side! I dined with Lizzie Hammersly, Gabi, Ashley, Lydia, and Caitlin King. It was so much fun! Gabi even broadened her horizons and tried Lobster Ravioli... she was pleased with that decision! Our waitress thought Jpro, Jenni Prescott, was 14 but it's OK because she will look 20 when she's 40! After dinner, as we made our way back to the bus we decided to bring some Auburn spirit to North Carolina as we chanted all of the Auburn cheers! Our favorite is Two Bits! During our cheer session, the freshman had to strut their best model walk for the team. Americas Next Top Model look out for the Auburn Soccer Team! When we finally got back on the bus, we continued Rookie Review. Monica was the MC this time and everyone got a great ab workout from laughing at her animated announcing. Once we arrived back to our hotel, everyone immediately went to sit in front of the TV to cheer on our football team. We cheered and jumped as though we were in the stands. After our football team won, it was bed time.

Sunday September 20th

It was finally game day once again and we could hardly wait to play UNC, the number one team in the country, in only a few hours. We had breakfast and treatment as usual before we left for the fields. As soon as we loaded up the bus the energy was flowing. Our drive over was bumping as we jammed out to the loud music blaring from the IPod speakers. When we arrived at the field we went into the locker room for another pregame pump up. Coach Hoppa gave us a key for this game. That key was for all 23 of us to BELIEVE! Believe we can do it and leave everything on the field. It was an awesome opportunity for us to play such a great team as UNC, and probably a once in a lifetime opportunity, so we were determined to give it everything we had. As soon as that first whistle blew to start the game that's exactly what every single person did. It was a great battle all the way up to that last second in the second overtime. Everyone gave their heart and we ended with a tie. The smiles that emerged afterwards were priceless! It's a fantastic feeling and an amazing experience that none of us will ever forget! As Lydia says "we are the Auburn Tigers and like McDonalds I AM STRAIGHT UP LOVIN' IT!"

After the game, we loaded up the bus to head back to the airport. The bus once again took us straight on the runway to the plane which was great because I don't think anyone had any energy to walk more than two feet! After we all got settled, the door closed, and the Tigers were on their way back home to Auburn after a great weekend!

Thank you to all the parents and fans that supported us this weekend! You guys are awesome! War Eagle!

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