The Prague Blague - Lakeshore Lacrosse

Castles and Golems and Boats, Oh My!

2009-07-03T23:10:00.000-07:00

3.7.09

Our last day in Prague. The time has gone by so quickly, it's hard to believe we've come so far and seen so much!

Today we gathered early and took a 45-minute bus ride to the outskirts of Prague for a tour of Karlstein Castle. After an energy-sapping climb to the hilltop complex, we enjoyed an hour-long, guided glimpse through the halls, towers, and royal chambers before heading back down for some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Once we were back in Prague proper, we rallied for a quick trip through the Jewish Quarter, which included a tour of the Old New Synagogue, Jewish cemetery, and a number of other sights. That evening, we were treated to a cruise on the Vltava River, complete with live jazz, free buffet, and incredible views of the city (below, left). Photo opps were seized, last moments shared, and awards handed out amongst the participants as the inaugural Prague Challenge came to a close. Lakeshore leapt to applause as our own Krysti Kiesel was named defensive player of the tournament! All wore winning smiles as we docked past the Charles Bridge and headed back on our last night in Prague.

We're all packed up now and ready to fly home.

It's been an incredible trip and certainly a one-of-a-kind lacrosse venture...one that will not soon be forgotten.

Special thanks to Bridget Olp and Josie Broussard for having the vision and drive to help make this trip a reality.

Prague, we will miss you! Up, up Lakeshore!

(Un)official Champions of the Prague Challenge!

2009-07-03T22:58:00.000-07:00

2.7.09

On Thursday, participants of the inaugural Prague Challenge gathered at the Slavia Sports Complex to partake in an afternoon-long 5v5 tournament. This was an opportunity for coaches to join in on some competitive fun with their players before the teams united for an early evening matchup against the Czech National team. It was a blazing, sunny day in Prague, but with sunscreen, water, and popsicles in no short supply, we were more than prepared for a full day of lacrosse. Unfortunately, in the final championship round of the 5v5, our Lakeshore constituents swallowed a bitter loss to California/BearLax in a braveheart tie-breaker. Special props to Megan Moore for attempting to take down one of California's better (and bigger) attackers that afternoon. It was a valiant effort by all, especially after the Roonies (led by Annie Bonnacorsi and Ella Clough) faced an early and disappointing exit.

After the 5v5, players and coaches took some brief respite in the shade of a nearby cafe, before taking the field once more for a rescheduled match against the Czech National team. For this contest, we combined teams for an American U-19 powerhouse composed of players from Chicago, Portland, Florida AND California. We extradited a few US players to help the Czechs fill out their roster, which was foreshortened due to the late-scheduled match. The game was a resounding success, finishing in a 12-5 win for the Americans.

Congrats to the players and coaches of Lakeshore Lacrosse, who boasted a 2-0-1 record, making them the unofficial champs of the Prague Challenge!

"When I Say Lake, You Say Shore!"

2009-07-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

28.6.09 - 1.7.09

Three days have gone by in a flurry of lacrosse as Lakeshore took the field for its first set of games against BearLax, Czech U-19, and the Czech National Team.

Our first test came early on Monday versus the BearLax Club, a talented group of players hailing from San Francisco, California. This was a great opportunity to showcase our talent and prove our worth to the west-coasters. Although we were slow to start, Lakeshore quickly rallied from behind to bring the match to a tie at halftime. The offense was led by Ella Clough, who put up a stunning 6 goals against the California defense. Megan Jordan (of Portland, Oregon) notched a hat trick for the day. Megan Moore, Annie Bonnacorsi and Shelby Anderson (also from Portland) padded the offensive stats in the second half with two goals apiece, while DeeDee Delaportes rounded out the scoring with another goal. Krysti Kiesel led the defense with 5 ground ball possessions, followed by Megan Moore (4) and Ella Clough (3). Special shout-out to Grecia Corredor and Blaire Hancock (Florida) for jumping in and adding to the team effort. Goalkeeper Michelle Zei boasted 9 saves and 2 ground ball controls, rounding out a groundbreaking performance for this rag-tag team composed of Chi-Town, Portland, and Florida's finest. Lakeshore dominated in the second half, carrying the ball with confidence and earning their first win of the 2009 Prague Challenge by a score of 15 -12.

Charged up by our first win, we were ready to hit the streets for some more sightseeing. Tickets were included for an afternoon at the Museum of Communism, where we rubbed shoulders with historic sculptures of Karl Marx, V.I. Lenin, while catching video-images of the Prague Spring and Velvet Revolution. Noting the tumultuous moment of 1989, we stepped onto a much more settled, shopper-friendly version of Wenceslas Square (see left), where we dallyed away the afternoon, picking up souvenirs and McFlurries (sorry, we couldn't resist) before heading back to the hotel for a late afternoon siesta. For dinner that night, we dined as a team at a local underground tavern, complete with candlelit setting and a worldly music soundtrack. The group enjoyed an inventive array of couscous dishes while the coaches provided a some syncopated entertainment with a nearby set of coasters.

Tuesday provided for a unique playing opportunity against the Czech National U-19 Team. This was scheduled for a late, 6 pm start, and so we were granted a full day of venturing through the city. Our trip coordinator pre-scheduled a visit to the Hradcany Castle complex, which included St. Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Castle. Sites included the windows of the famous 1618 Defenestration of Prague, the Golden Lane (which Franz Kafka once called home), the Palace Dungeon, Knights' Hall, and countless other reknowned spots. That's our team at the entrance gates in the above photo. Overwhelmed by this array of art history, our group split in the mid-afternoon; most headed back to the hotel to rest up for the game, while a brave few carried on through Mattias Gate, and down to St. Nicholas Church (above, right) for a breathtaking glimpse at this famous example of Baroque art/architecture. We stopped on the way to snap some photos of the view from above (top, right) and to snack on the Czechs' take on an American classic (see left).

Post-power naps, we regrouped at the hotel and disembarked to the sports complex for our evening game against the Czech U-19 team. The competition was tough, but our stick skills proved superior as we again climbed back to bring the game to an even score at the half. Megan Moore and Ella Clough led the attack with two goals apiece, with Blair (Florida) adding a fifth goal to our tally. Lauren Mcguire and Shelby (Portland) led the defensive effort with 5 groundball controls each. Goalkeeper Michelle Zei notched 8 saves on 15 shots for the day. It was a close game throughout, with the lead slipping in and out of Lakeshore's hands. Coaches attempted to lead the small crowd in a series of cheers from the sideline, to which one exasperated midfielder from Cali replied, "how are we supposed to cheer and play at the same time?!" Despite our best efforts, we remained tied at the end of the game, 6-6, before heading into a sudden death, 5 minute overtime against the Czechs. Again, we seized control early, but an offensive charge was called against us. The Czechs transitioned quickly and took advantage, dealing an overtime loss to Lakeshore. Before shaking hands, we partook in an FIL tradition of three cheers along the midfield of, "hip-hip, hooray" (pictured right). Our group was not dismayed by the OT loss; we jumped back on the bus smiling as always, feeling as if we had won, mentally preparing ourselves for another full day of lacrosse.

Wednesday provided two sessions of practice and play. In the morning, our team participated in a 3-hour clinic led by the head coach of CalBerkeley, Theresa Sherry. This was to be followed by a game against the Czech National team that evening. The clinic was well-managed and ended in a fun, full-field scrimmage incorporating players and coaches. We had a brief bit of reprieve at the hotel before heading back out to the sports complex to take on the Czech National team. A few quick strikes of lightening quickly changed our plans, though, and we had to postpone our match to Thursday.

Details, photos, and a full recap of Thursday's action are coming soon! Today we are headed to Karlstein Castle to be followed by a riverboat dinner-tour on the Vltava River. Hard to believe our time is coming to a close; we'll certainly live up these last few moments.

And then there were 11...

2009-06-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

28.6.09

After a boisterous day of World Cup-watching at the Slavia Sports Complex, our group enjoyed some much needed rest on Sunday morning, sleeping in until our scheduled practice time back at the playing fields. It was at this point that we were formally joined by our newest teammates: two hailing from Florida, and a second pair of players from Portland, Oregon. With these talented additions, our roster was brought to 11; we finally had a team!

After a jam-packed practice session, coaches and players parted ways for the afternoon as the tour group devised a city-wide scavenger hunt for the youngsters. While they trammeled through the streets in a competitive, citywide search, the coaches opted for a more laid-back, high-brow venture into the literary history of Prague at the Franz Kafka Museum. Once they had thoroughly pondered existence, Cindy and Lindsay headed south to catch up with the rest of the group. Our rendezvous was a small, Czech restaurant in the Mala Strana district, where we were treated to a traditional banquet complete with locally inspired entertainment (see right).

It was a great way to kick off our tournament, and we wasted no time in devouring the preparations laid before us. Players and coaches enjoyed traditional potato and mushroom soup, beef goulash with dumplings (below, left), fried cheese, and sweet caramel and nut crepes, to name a few of the delectable items made available for us that evening.

After loading up on local fare, we strolled back through the Mala Strana, keeping our eyes peeled for a statue of particular interest by the famed Czech artist David Cerny. From there we headed back home to rest before our first day of action in the Prague Challenge. Wish us luck--we'll keep you posted on all of the games and future travels that are still in sight!

"U.S.A., What is Your Profession?!"

2009-06-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

27.6.2009

Saturday, the 27th, provided a day of full-on World Cup action. The early match saw a contest for 3rd place between Canada and England. We scored some solid seats up front and witnessed a great game between the trans-atlantic rivals. England kept up a good fight throughout the game, but they could not break Canada's stolid defense (right) and stealthy attack.

There was a two-hour break before the championship match that afternoon between the U.S. and Australia, and we wasted no time in getting our game faces on (literally), packing signs, posters, and plenty of face paint. Lauren McGuire deserves a special shout-out here for making excellent use of her artistic abilities on the page (left) and on her person, which was emblazoned with the flag from head to hips.

The Lakeshore squad easily stood out as the loudest hooligans in the stands that afternoon at the Slavia Sports Complex. The coaches donned some audacious, Bowie-inspired faces while our players led the cheering section. We gave some particularly big shout-outs to those familiar names on the field, including Kristen Kjellman, Lindsey Munday, and Acacia Walker, to name just a few. From our side of the stadium, Lauren McGuire spawned a raucous rollercoaster cheer, while Ella Clough and Michelle Zei led the crowd in a celebratory "USA; what is your profession?" chant, quickly catching on and bringing a storm of thunderous "Ah-OOH's" from the audience after each goal. Caroline Cryer certainly heard our call from the stands to make it rain, notching a hat trick and leading the US on to their 6th World Cup title in FIL history. Inspired by the Americans' reign of talent, a few Lakeshore Laxers were seen tossing the ball in a nearby park back in Prague proper, to the dismay and confusion of many locals.

Tired, voiceless, but still elated, we headed back to our neighborhood where we enjoyed some authentic Italian food and rehashed the marvelous victory that day. Way to go, Team USA!

''Are you the US World Cup Team?''

2009-06-28T02:40:00.000-07:00

26.6.2009

Our first full day was well spent in the City of a Hundred Spires. Despite some jet-lagged late risers, we all enjoyed a hearty breakfast together at the hotel before setting out on some ambitious plans to tour the city.

We hopped the underground train (located conveniently across the street) and headed north to Stare Mesto (Old Town), the historic heart of Praha. There are some stunning views here of Tyn and St. Nicholas' Churches (left), as well as the famed Astronomical Clock on Old Town Hall. After touring through these sites, munching on some delicious cinnamon-pretzel-bread (right), and delightfully witnessing the chiming of the clocktower, we headed north, towards the Vltava River.

Winding up Karlova street, we took an opportune moment at a store filled with Russian dolls (representing everything from the Chicago Cubs to the Czech national soccer team) to take some photos before continuing onto the Charles Bridge. It was at this point that we were stopped by the first of many admirers inquiring about our presence; these particular Americans happened to assume that we were a part of the US National Team. Flattered by the comments, we provided our backstory before trekking down the bridge, feeling a bit more legit each step of the way.

From here, we paused for a picturesque lunch on the Vltava River (left) before heading back towards our hotel. We met up with our group and headed to the Slavia Sports Complex to check out that afternoon's World Cup action between Ireland and Wales. Europe's gathering of lacrosse hooligans provided a particularly entertaining backdrop to the match. Unfortunately, rain hit in the second half and we headed home early for some sign-making and creative preparation for Saturday's championship match between the US and Australia... More on that story soon!

"You sound like you're from Lon-Don!"

2009-06-27T03:59:00.000-07:00

25.6.2009

"When did we switch sides?", queried a disoriented Megan Moore on a busride through London's Heathrow airport.
"While you were sleeping," quipped a snide Frezzo.

It was a long, tiresome journey, burdened by stateside delays (O'hare airport... you never fail to deliver on these), a missed connection, endless lines, free "cheese climbers,"and countless coach rides across the seemingly endless realms of Heathrow. Lindsay Morgan and Michelle Zei enjoyed an early and prompt arrival; they fortunatley were able to remain absent from the throes of the BritishAirways customer service queue (a sort of Anglicized version of the IL DMV). As a result, they caught some early FIL World Cup games (Japan, S. Korea, and other notable competitors were seen on the pitch that day) before the rest of us ambled in.

Despite all of the hitches, our gals stayed bright and cheery (props to Ella Clough for donning a comendable British accent for the duration of the journey). All luggage was delivered, sticks were not claimed as weapons at customs (although some stealthy attackers may still argue otherwise), and blue passports stayed glued to their respective travelers. With all of our gear in hand, we happily greeted our chauffeur and trip coordinator at the arrivals gate. Summoning our last bouts of energy, jumps and shouts of glee permeated the parking lot as we headed into town with our driver. PRAGUE... we made it!

It was a quick and stunning ride to the hotel; we were all speechless at the early sights and sounds of our destination. Well, maybe it was the lack of sleep and overuse of Dramamine, but we were dazed by Prague, and all of the expectations for our days ahead. After some much-needed downtime, we headed to a nearby mall (a little slice of Skokie's Old Orchard in the Czech Rep., perhaps?) for some Ameri-friendly fare ("do you think KFC is still open?") and late-hour strategizing. We hit the hay with high hopes for all of the sightseeing, touring, and lax-ing that lay ahead.

Meet the Team!

2009-06-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Our 7 players will be joined by constituents from around the globe to partake in a 4-day tournament, lacrosse clinic, and scrimmage with coaches and instructors. Read on to check out all of the talent we'll be boasting from the Midwest!

Annie Bonnacorsi
Position: Attack
Playing Experience: Montini Catholic HS Varsity Lacrosse, Lakeshore Lacrosse
Favorite Career Moment:Scoring 4 goals in this year's Conference Championship against our rivals, Marian Catholic
Looking Forward To: I can't wait to experience Prague and watch the World Cup!

Ella Clough
Position: Attack
Playing Experience: St. Ignatius College Prep Varsity Lacrosse, Wildcats' Elite Lacrosse, Lakeshore Travel, Dickinson College Women's Lacrosse
Favorite Career Moment: Finding out that I was going to be playing college lacrosse with a friend of mine from the Lakeshore Travel team.
Looking Forward To: Seeing the city of Prague along with playing some great summer lacrosse.

DeeDee Delaportes
Position: Attack
Playing Experience: Montini Catholic HS Varsity Lacrosse, Lakeshore Lacrosse, Butler University
Favorite Career Moment: Coming back from a knee injury.
Looking Forward To: Seeing us play!

Krysti Kiesel
Position: Defense
Playing Experience: Lake Forest HS Varsity Lacrosse, Wildcats' Elite Lacrosse
Favorite Career Moment: Beating undefeated Loyola this season.
Looking Forward To: Seeing how the teams from other countries play and watching the World Cup!

Lauren McGuire
Position: Midfield/defense
Playing Experience: Libertyville HS Varsity Lacrosse, Lakeshore Travel
Favorite Career Moment: Coming back from a 3-0 score at halftime to win 8-3 during this year's season.
Looking Forward To: Playing lacrosse in a beautiful city.

Megan Moore
Position: Midfield
Playing Experience: Lake Forest HS Varsity Lacrosse, Lakeshore Lacrosse, Wildcats' Elite Lacrosse
Favorite Career Moment: Beating Loyola at the buzzer.
Looking Forward To: Traveling outside the U.S. for the first time.

Michelle Zei
Position: Goalkeeper
Playing Experience: Barrington HS Varsity Lacrosse, Lakeshore Lacrosse, Amonte Sports
Favorite Career Moment: Blocking Gummersall's only free position shot in my sophomore season.
Looking Forward To: Watching the Championship game between USA and Australia.

Cynthia Frezzo
Position: Coach
Coaching Experience: St. Ignatius College Prep Girls' Lacrosse, Lakeshore Lacrosse, Illinois Girls Lacrosse Association
Favorite Coaching Moment: Notching back-to-back upsets in the 2009 IHSWLA playoffs.
Looking Forward To: Trekking through Wenceslas Square, learning how to coach in Czech!

Lindsay Morgan
Position: Coach
Coaching Experience: Naperville Central High School Varsity Coach, Lakeshore Lacrosse Select and Travel Coach
Favorite Coaching Moment: Moving Naperville Central's ranking from one of the worst in state to #7 in two seasons by getting their first play-off wins and their best record to date!
Looking Forward To: Cheering on the U.S. in the World Cup, European-style (i.e. going all-out)

Gearing Up!

2009-06-17T13:20:00.001-07:00

With one more week before departure to Prague, we gear up and get ready to watch the Women's Lacrosse World Cup! This event only occurs once every four years, and it will be truly special for the us to be able to root on some of our hometown Northwestern players and the U.S. team! We will also be participating in a mini-tournament, competing against other teams from the U.S., the Czech Republic, and Australia. Wish us luck! Czech back frequently!