Hawaii Five-O

SSU senior Andrew Bailey

What a wonderful first day of class for the team. As we left beautiful Sonoma State to travel halfway across the pond to Oahu. Spirits were high that first day, with a sense of purpose that not only brought us together, but galvanized our resolve. We landed to beautiful weather and wonderful times as we played "four ball", which is very similar to four square in all but its name. Upon arriving at the hotel we dropped our bags off and cruised the beach, which is about two blocks from our hotel.

The first official day that we were here we caught up on some much needed sleep, and headed off to training at Hawaii Pacific. Despite the travel in our legs, and the laid back atmosphere, our training was very sharp and effective in gearing us up for our first official game. The weather has been interesting here, as was seen at the end of practice, which culminated with a down pour while the whole rest of the day prior and henceforth was gorgeous. The day ended with a wonderful dinner right on the beach at Shore Boards, as the sun set.

Game day brought about a sense of mixed emotions, excitement and anxiety, as our first test awaited. This game was a game that mom would be proud to put on the refrigerator. We won five to nothing and in convincing fashion. Ross had a hat trick, while Nate and Doug both chipped in with a goal a piece. Nate was first to score off a nice cross from Jack out of the back from the right side, that would carom off Ross and myself and trickle to the back post where Nate flew in to finish it.

Next, and by next I mean within fifteen seconds, Lafon stole the ball while they passed it back off the kick off and played the ball to me at the top off the box. I dropped the ball off to Ross whose shot would find the back of the net. It wouldn't take long for us to find the back of the net again as we had some great possession, and with Doug stepping out of the back the ball found his feet at the corner of the box where he blasted the ball into the top corner. To finish out the half Cam took the ball beating his defender and crossed the ball to a sliding Ross who would score his second of the day. The scoring would conclude in the second half with Casey dribbling to about the top of the box, playing the ball into me and me flicking the ball onto Ross who completed the day with a hatrick.

We had many more chances, but for our first game it was a job well done. We concluded the evening with some shrimp, shaved ice and some much needed beach action, as we finally can breath a little. As for tomorrow we will be back to business, as we prepare for our next game. Until then this is Andrew Bailey signing out, by the way, love you Mom.