Live from the bus to Notre Dame...

Hello Panthers!

BIG SHOUT OUT TO CAROLE FORBES!!!!! For bringing us cookies! They are currently being devoured and they are delish! Also, we regrettably forgot to give a shout out to Deb Kness for the awesomest Halloween treat bags ever!!!!

This past weekend was the Horizon League Tournament and we were victorious in our quest for ye olde cup of the Horizon Empire! Our first challenger was of the Loyola kingdom (which is a member of the Horizon Empire). Our victory was captured by young Lady Dorre, when she slipped the goblet passed thine gatekeeper. Two moons passed and our next challenger was the knights of Wright State. History doth repeated itself when Lady Dorre once again got the goblet pass their gatekeeper.

The Kingdom of Milwaukee rejoiced with a feast of virgin lamb and spirits (non-alcoholic of course). We were paraded around the kingdom in chariots and were each granted the coveted title of Duchess. Lady Dorre was given also granted two goats and several nuggets of gold for her MVP (we couldn’t come up with a medieval equivalent).

As we were writing this scroll from our tower Lady Stern and Lady Kaul are rapping on our chamber door. Doth be yelling “Swag long board swaggy beanie swag flannel swag scarf swagger leggings swag”. The scriptures of our kingdom have been written such that swag is outlawed. We are writing to Lady Stern and Lady Kaul to beg that all swag hence forth be ceased.

For the first round of the NCAA tournament we play Notre Dame this Friday at 7pm at Notre Dame. We are really excited to play Notre Dame and looking forward to a good game!

Go Panthers!

Helen & Demi

Drama and conspiracy in Pantherland...

Hello Panther Fans!

We are a little upset at our readers right now because we had specifically requested either cookies or a check after our Senior Night and were presented with neither. We find this extremely disappointing after all the intimacies that we have shared about our season. Fortunately our teammates picked up the slack in a MAJOR way!

Our Senior Night began with our team decorating the locker room for us and making each of us a big poster that everyone signed. As if that wasn’t enough, we each got a goodie bag that all the girls loaded with candy and presents and cards. It was very touching to receive all of these thoughtful gifts. The coaches also gave us each an awesome framed photo and considerate card. As if that wasn’t enough, the senior parents bought each of us a sick nasty picture banner. To say the night was incredible is an understatement.

This game was our last regular season home game and it was for the Horizon League regular season title and hosting duties for the tournament. We were playing a tough Cleveland State team who was desperate for a win. Unfortunately for Cleveland State, there was no way we were going to lose this game. We ended with a 5-0 win, which was exactly the exclamation point we were looking for to end our regular season. Fellow senior Sammy Vovos got the scoring started early off a great finish from a Krissy Dorre cross. Then Krissy scored the next two goals in what can only be described as pure selfishness. The first goal, Demi was wide open on the back post for an easy tap in goal but instead Krissy had to beat three defenders and score an improbable goal. Needless to say Demi was a little hurt because it would have been a great ending to her senior night. Her next goal was extremely controversial because Helen was about to score when Krissy knocked her off the ball, in what would have been a PK if not for the fact that we were on the same team. She then scored and of course took all the credit. Again it would have been a great ending to Helen’s senior night, but I guess Krissy just couldn’t handle having the whole night be just about the seniors. The next goal was off a great 1v1 move and shot by Kelsey Holbert. The final goal was scored by Sara “I love Milwaukee” Zawacki [ed. note: If you pronounce Sara's last name right, that totally rhymes.] off a good battle in the box.

So, we earned our 13th straight Horizon League title and we are now hosting the Horizon League Tournament this coming weekend! Overall, it was a fantastic night in which we would like sincerely thank everyone who was a part of it and has made these last 4 years an unbelievable experience!

The Horizon League gave out their annual post season awards this week, with the Panthers being well represented! Kelsey Holbert, Kelly Lewers, and Helen Steinhauser all made first-team all-league. Krissy Dorre and Amy Kaufung made second-team all-league. Congrats to all the recipients, all are well deserved, but without the whole team none of these awards are possible!

The Horizon League gave out another award to which the credibly and integrity of an athlete is being questioned. Sadly this involves someone who may or may not being currently writing this blog. Since Helen’s lawyers have advised her to not discuss this topic at this time, I, Demi Price, will finish this blog post solo. The Horizon League gave its Player of the Year award to Helen and when looking at past winners of this once “prestigious” award the first thing that popped into everyone’s mind was “there must be some mistake.” Not that Helen hasn’t had a great year, but in comparing her with past winners things don’t add up. For instance Sarah Hagen, who won the award the last three years, had 93 career goals and Cynthia Morote-Ariza, who won the award in '07 and '08, had 45 career goals. Helen has 10 career goals. Also Hagen and Morote-Ariza had numerous national team appearances. Helen never even made the regional ODP team. Obviously this has brought up major concern with the selection process for the award. The Horizon League has launched an official investigation into this matter. As an insider on this issue I will only say I believe in innocent until proven guilty, but Helen did cook dinner for all the Horizon League coaches at our house last Thursday.

Helen is now rejoining us in the blog and we both hope to see everyone at our semifinal game this Friday at 7 pm vs. Loyola at Engelmann Stadium. We would love a big crowd and are really looking forward to finishing this season right with a Horizon League tourney win!

Go Panthers!

Helen & Demi