Indiana University Athletics
Experience the 2006 Season: Lauren Hines
3/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Throughout the 2006 campaign, IUHOOSIERS.com will sit down with senior right fielder Lauren Hines and keep IU fans up-to-date with all the happenings of Indiana softball on- and off-the-field. This week, Hines reflects on the Hoosiers' spring break trip and forecasts what fans can expect this coming week.
Senior right fielder Lauren Hines
In my entire career, I have never felt so strongly about a series of games than those at the Florida State Tournament. Our team was one strong collective unit that utilized every member to successfully win our ball games. We played every inning head-to-head with the competition. When it came to the last few outs of the ballgame, or we carried it into extra innings, that is when IU Softball turned on the magic.
It seemed as if we thrived on those last few innings of every game. The games were never over for us. The team some how, in every situation we found ourselves in, managed to come through in the clutch and pullout a victory. It was very emotionally draining for us and the parents looked just as drained from the intensity of all six games we played that weekend. But, I felt so fortunate to not only beat ranked teams, but to win the entire tournament. It is something that is truly dear to us seniors, who have not had winning to fall on in the past. Only this team, our coaches and our will to fight until the end is changing that fact this season.
After leaving Florida State, I traveled with my family to Daytona Beach where we checked into spring break central. I spent my day off shopping and laying on the beach. We also ate at a great seafood restaurant where I got to try pickled okra and cheesy grits for the first time. That was an experience.
Following our practice on Tuesday, the parents joined us for barbecue at the park. It was a lovely spread with Ballpark franks, macaroni salad and a variety of other treats. It was a hot one at the park, so we decided to pack up and head back to our beachside hotel. We decided, instead, to put our swimsuits on and go play volleyball by the water.
The rest of the trip was just amazing, spending time on the beach coupled with playing softball, is there anything better. I think fans should be prepared for this season, because our win at the Florida State Tournament was only a preview of what our team wants to accomplish this year. So buckle up and sit back, because IU Softball is going to be a great ride this season.
See you at the IU Softball Field as we open Big Ten action against Ohio State (3/31-4/1) and Penn State in a doubleheader (4/2) this weekend.
