"Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air."

-John Quincy Adams

The "California Curse" has ended. As Lacie says, "We can win in California."

It seemed our first jaunt to California was cursed with unfortunate events, especially losing. We had a bad go earlier this month in southern California, but had a second go around this past weekend at the Menlo College Thanksgiving tournament. We walked away with two wins and two players with all-tournament honors. Mandy was MVP for the second time this year, and Brei made the all tournament team as well. It was a relief that California was not cursed after all, so we spent our last night there in San Francisco at the wharf. Salt water, salt water taffy, seals barking at the passing boats, huge ships, the lights of Alcatraz suspended in the sea, the Bay bridge.

Following the dreadful trip to southern California. I shouldn't say dreadful. We learned a few things about ourselves as a team and figured out the kinks that need to be unkinked, flattened, stomped on. I like to think we took something positive from the trip and it has made us a better team. Since then, we have racked up a couple wins at our home tournament and a win on the road at Whitworth. A couple of my teammates had some notable performances at the Staples Classic. Sadie and Jade were named to the all-tournament team and Mandy was again the MVP. That is one very unique aspect of this program/team. Every player is capable of having a big night at any time. There's no telling, one can only watch and enjoy.

This weekend we are "on the road again." We head to Portland. The Oregonians on our team are elated to be heading to their home turf. Madison's mom is going to treat us to some home cooking. No Mc Donald's that night. We have been away from home and our real homes for a while now. The road is tough but it has made this team stronger, tougher, more resilient and flexible.

We have some exciting games ahead. We get a second chance against Azusa Pacific next weekend. Not to mention it's that time of year. We just picked names for secret santa's. Always such a fun and suspenseful little game. The coaches play as well. Oh the holidays!