Feb. 15, 2010

What’s shakin’ Gamecock fans?! This is #42 Hannah Milks, coming to you on Valentine’s Day evening. I am writing solo this time, but do not worry, I have a couple surprises left to make it another fun filled blog post.

TODAY WAS OPENING DAY!!! It took a few extra days than planned, but better late then never. We were all ready to go on Friday, and sort of thought that we might get to play ball in the snow. That would have been cool but very dangerous. The ball was skipping off the grass like a rocket in the outfield during warm ups. Needless to say, we were all pretty bummed about not getting to play, but I did not let that ruin my snow night!

My snow-experienced Swedish roommate and another Swedish friend walked to my teammates’ apartment building to play in the snow. Along the way snow-crazed college students bombarded us twice with snowballs. The whole campus had snow fever; it was insane. When I got to my teammates’ place, we spent a good hour just throwing snowballs at each other. After that was done, it was time to get down to business and make the big snowman that was so desperately calling my name.

With some help from some noble companions, we managed to make the biggest snowman in the world. Okay, it wasn’t record-breaking, but it was pretty enormous. Evan Childs did a great job on making the face and buttons, but personally I think the arms she gave him were way too skinny and very disproportionate to his gigantic body. He was still pretty cute either way. I ended my snow night just like any other, by thawing my feet and drinking a warm beverage.

That was by far the most snow I have ever seen in our southern state. I think we got between seven and nine inches or something ridiculous. Anyways, there are more important things to talk about besides my frolicking in the snow. What was it again? I know there is something that I am supposed to tell you guys. Hmmm… Oh yeah! TODAY WAS OPENING DAY!!! And we opened up with a bang!

The bats were on fire in the first inning of our first game against Coastal Carolina. Lauren Lackey and Adele Voigt led off with solid hits, and there was no turning back from there. We scored seven runs in that inning. It was awesome! Ashley Chastain pitched a great game for us. The second game was just as exciting as the first. Audrey Broyles threw fire for five straight innings, striking out seven. Then Captain Walker’s two-run BOMB gave us the extra cushion we needed to finish the game. Besides the team picking up our first two wins of the season, my most memorable moment from opening day came in the sixth inning of our second game. As I was coming out of the bathroom, I was called to pinch run for Laura Mendes after her third double of the day. Two pitches later, I scored off of P.J. ‘s single to right. It was a great feeling, and I don’t think I have ever run so fast before in my life.

All and all I can say that it was a successful outing. We always have room for improvement, and we know that we have a lot of playing and growing left in order to make it to June. I hope you got to see us play on Sunday, and if you did not, then hopefully we will see you at the next one! Happy late Valentine’s Day, Go Cocks!! -Hannah Milks #42

I know, I know, I said I had a few surprises left… It was the snowman story! Just kidding. Here is another inside look at how much fun it is to be a Gamecock!

This was sung by Breezy #24, April #6, and myself #42 at our team Christmas Party:

Title: Coach Compton is Coming to Town
Music: to the tune of Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Everyone:
You better watch out, You better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Cooaach Compton’s Comin to town!
Cooaach Compton’s Comin to town!

She knows if you’ve been swinging
She knows if you have not!
She knows if you are working hard
So give it all you’ve got!

Oh you better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Cooaach Compton’s Comin to town!
Cooaach Compton’s Comin to town!