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To kick off the 2009 campaign, the Trinity Women’s Varsity Soccer team traveled north just two days after tryouts for the Superior Scrimmages against three public schools in the Duluth area.
Leaving Trinity at 9:00am, the team stopped at Tobies’ in Hinckley for sweet treats before a lunch time arrival in Duluth. After a group picture in front of the Aerial Bridge and a walk down to the North Pier lighthouse for the "Giving it up to the Lake"" ritual, the team took over the bar at Grandma’s for lunch. After the girls ate their lunch, they headed outside with several baskets of fries to feed the gulls. Appreciative birds snapped the offerings out of mid-air, and in some cases straight out of extended hands! After that it was on to their lodging for the weekend, a lakeside cabin just north of Two Harbors.
In their first game, hundreds of local fans turned out Friday night for Trinity’s vs. Two Harbors, lining both sides of the field. A back and forth game on a soggy pitch ended in a hard-fought 2-2 tie, with both teams having solid scoring chances. Angelica Rios was honored as Player of the Game for her high-energy, high work rate and fearless attacking mentality.
Saturday morning, following a dawn calisthenics with Mrs. Wolney, the team traveled south to tangle with Cloquet. Cloquet fielded an experienced, fast and deep team in mid-season form who overwhelmed Trinity en route to a 4-0 final. Molly was named Player of the Game for her outstanding field play through the first two games, plus a solid turn in goal against Cloquet.
A picnic lunch at Enger Park featured a trip to the top of Enger Tower, ringing of the Japanese Peace Bell, admiring preparations for a wedding, and relaxing and soaking in the sun on the cliff overlooking the city, harbor and lake.
Denfeld was the Saturday afternoon opponent, and the team’s first chance to play on an artificial turf surface. As is always the case, artificial turf demands a different game, and it takes the visitor quite a while to adjust. As the game wore on, Trinity caught up to the speed of play, with the defense tightening. Player of the Game honors went to Elizabeth, who played exceptional soccer all weekend in the congested and fast-paced center of the field.
Saturday evening was for relaxing, with the team enjoying Portland Malt Shop ice cream on the shore of the big lake before heading back to the cabin for the night.
Sunday morning, after everyone went to church, the team headed into the woods for the hike up to Wolf Rock. The view from the ridgeline, 25 stories above the parking lot inspired many pictures.
These preseason scrimmages provided an invaluable opportunity for the players to get more comfortable with new teammates and for coaches to see everyone in multiple positions in game action. Besides the on-field benefits, off the field the team was able to build and strengthen friendships, and build and share some great new memories.
Special thanks to Peter and Monica Wolney and Jackie Niemeyer who served as chaperones, drivers, cooks and much more on the trip!
