North Carolina State University Athletics
2006 Road Warriors: Tess Corona
5/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 23, 2006
The only good part about leaving for the airport at 4:00 in the morning was the fact that we had the best cinnamon muffins to eat on our way, thanks to Gotti's mom. Gotti wasn't too excited about hauling three big Tupperwares around, but we all got a few laughs from it. Little did we know, we were about to experience the longest travel day possible. Due to some fog and lack of visibility, we were forced into some crazy detour. After flying from Raleigh to Louisville, to Cincinnati, to Atlanta, to New Orleans, and driving to Baton Rouge, we had traveled for 18 and a half hours straight and had been through 5 states. We were glad to finally be in Baton Rouge and all we wanted were our beds.
The next day after lunch we headed to Tiger Stadium and were allowed one hour of practice. The first thing I noticed was that there were no ACC signs; we were passed that. The signs said NCAA and I realized we had moved on to something bigger and better. But like coach told us, it was the same game that we had been playing all year. As long as we stuck to the basics and played our game, we'd be fine. We practiced as long as we were allowed, got a feel for the field, and went back to the hotel.
The next day we played our team song on the way to the field, "Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira, and we were ready to go. The stands were almost full and we were happy to have our die-hard fans there for support. Deep in center field was our logo painted on the grass, along with the other three teams, and we were proud to represent NC State.
After a tough loss to Lafayette, we headed to our rooms and had to prepare for the two games the next day. We played Princeton first and thanks to Jen's bomb in the first inning over the left field fence, we won 1-0. Directly following that, we faced Lafayette again. It was time for some payback. In between the two games, we drank plenty of water to stay hydrated and had a spitting competition. I know it sounds un-lady-like but it was on the softball field, so it's irrelevant. Jay was the winner with his impressive wad flying at least 4 to 5 strides long. I came in a close second and demanded a rematch. The game began and the weather was hot and humid as the sun stared us straight in the face. It was a close game and we fought hard. Megan came in to relieve Shaina in extra innings, but a Lafayette hit to right-center scored the winning run.
We walked off the field with our heads hanging as we realized the season had come to an end. Tears were in everyone's eyes as we shook their hands and wished them luck. Coach met us in right field for some final words. Navas was as emotional as we were and she told us to be proud. She told us we accomplished things no one thought we could and that we should never hang our heads. She called Jess, Caroline and I forward and hugged us, thanking us for a great year and telling us we'd be missed. As we gathered our things I realized this was it; I would never put these cleats on and play the game we all love with these girls ever again.
With a sort of empty feeling, I got on the bus and we went to dinner. On our way back to the hotel the bus ride seemed long and quiet...until "Hips Don't Lie" came on and we all started singing and dancing, which lightened the mood. Patrick gave us all the pleasure of doing his infamous dance through the aisle of the bus, as coach filmed every second of it. This time, he had a little competition. The next song came on and EJ got out of his seat and did his thing as well and more than gave Patrick a run for his money.
The next day we went to the championship game and watched LSU beat Lafayette to win the Regional Tournament. After that, we drove to New Orleans and went to dinner at a nice place downtown. When we were finished eating we were able to walk around and do some shopping. After we all got some memorabilia we went back to the hotel and met in the lobby. Coach reiterated that we couldn't have gotten where we did without every one of us and she reminded us of the end of the year duties like turning in uniforms and signing out bats for the summer. She also announced that Patrick would be working mostly with football next year, so this was our last trip with him. She turned the floor over to EJ as he told us he wouldn't be back next year either and he told us he loved us all. He said regardless of who comes to fill his shoes, he'll always consider NC State Softball HIS team. We all hugged him and called it a night...
The night of our last game against Lafayette, I hugged all of my teammates and they each said something I'll never forget. Some said thank you for a great year, some told me they loved me, and some told me the team won't be the same without the three of us that are leaving. The truth is, I will never be able to thank them enough for the experience I've had and everything they've taught me. I've learned more than I could have ever imagined from these girls and coaches (and Patrick and EJ). They were my family for two years and I spent more time with them than I did with anyone else. The experience is one that I I'll miss and remember for the rest of my life. Here's to the 2006 ACC Tournament and Regular Season Champions!!! Thanks for having me. Pack out!
