Region 1 Soccer Tournament

West Virginia hosted the Region 1 tournament this year, so it was quite the journey for us Rhode Islanders. There were some good times and some "not so good times". Some of the good times were discovering, the Barge called "Huck Finns". We stumbled (no pun intended) upon a great little place with an awesome Jazz band...which started out the week of "ups and downs". Here's our little Barge....The first day of games we were up against W.PA. Lost 1-2. Close, close game and it could have gone either way. Our girls are realizing that they finally come to these tournaments with a solid chance of winning.

The 4th of July it poured. We had big plans for the fireworks on top of a hill in Barboursville, W.Va. The entire Rays Club had its own barbecue complete with Down-Hill-Racing-in-Garbage-Bags. Our girls clearly won that Championship!

Our Champions!

The second day brought some unusual situations....Poor Nancy, took a digger while out for a jog, and ended up being stitched up under a tent on the sidelines. That a girl Nancy, way to take one for the Team! Hannah was issued a red card and ejected from the 2nd game in the 5th minute, against NJ, and made to sit out that game and the following...lots of tears, but lots of love and support from all our friends is what kept us going.. Thank you! Needless to say we lost to NJ, playing down a player against a team like that is no small feat. Girls did an awesome job though and rallied for Hannah B. (NJ went on to the finals but fell to NY)

The last game against MD, was a bit messy, and our Girls fought like hell for every ball, but ended up losing to MD 2-0. Alicia split open her knee, and had stiches, and the rest of them played with all they had! Never giving up! Great job Ladies, you played hard and kept your game on through all sorts of adverse conditions this week. I'm proud of you, but that's nothing new!

The highlight of the weekend was the grand finale for those of us who decided to take on the River Wild and brave some Class 4 rapids. West Virginia is known for its White Water and we were definatley NOT dissapointed. Thanks Deb, for dragging me kicking and screaming onto the river! It was an experience I will never forget. Even though I ended up being "sucked overboard and spit out" it wasn't so bad! Actually it was a blast!

Here's a shot of our Ladies in their raft!!

That's Hannah, Abby, (who both joined the "swim team"), Coach Sarah in front with the game face, and Brigid ( :)) and Cassie, who looks like she's literally outside the raft! And then following behind, The Parents!

Schneids, me, (screaming) Paul T, Chris, the "Governor", and our captain, Deb!
Check out more pictures on my website at http://www.sevengablesphotography.com/