Our Weekend In Texas

by Monica Frede

Our trip to Texas did not go as planned, and unfortunately we came back to Wisconsin 0-2. TCU and Houston are both very talented teams that help make our conference one of the best in the nation, and this weekend was a little reminder to all of us that Marquette also makes this conference one of the best. We see our potential and because we know how much better we can be before this season is over!

We are not done. We have one more home game this Sunday against DePaul. After our Houston game, our focus instantly shifted to this upcoming match-up with DePaul not only because it is on our home court, but because it is senior night for Crystal, Kelly, and Katie. Our seniors have made such an incredible impact on this team, and their impact is seen in every game. On road trips such as this last one, they are able to keep everyone focused ahead on the next obstacle with their pearls of wisdom. For instance, in a silent and somber locker room after the Houston game, Kelly gently reminded all of us that her performance was not top-notch after her near fatal encounter with a pen cap that she swallowed weeks prior. (Thank you for clearing that one up.)

And of course, I have to mention Katie's way of lightening the mood with her "makeover" lessons in the back of the bus on the way to the airport. Lastly, there is Crystal. As serious as she can be in some moments, Crystal has a way of showing her leadership ability by reminding Terri that although we are a team, there is IR. (I honestly think that IR, or "Individual Responsibility," is one of Crystal's favorite phrases.) Just as soon as Terri asks the seniors what punishment should be carried out to the team at any given moment in practice, Crystal is the first to say, "IR. Whoever messes up, THEY should be the ones running for it!"

Ah, we love our seniors, and don't mistake this as a farewell diary entry devoted to them. The way I, excuse me, we all, see it... they've got plenty more games to play and memories to make before we are done!

Come out to support your MU team this Sunday against DePaul!

This is the 14th in a series of diary entries by junior forward Monica Frede. Her diary will appear every Tuesday on www.gomarquette.com.