Desiree Guenther chronicles the final day of the Florida trip for the New Haven women???s soccer team.

Another 7:45 a.m. breakfast, this time with Gatorade! (Eileen is banned from OJ) My first notion: A new day, new opponent, and most importantly a better game???

Before boarding the vans, each engaged in their own pre-game checklist. Some were taped by our trainer: ankles, blisters, Achilles, hamstrings, quads, the typical nagging challenges. The hydration continued, we met in the lobby, and headed out. Another clear morning, this time not as hot and a slight breeze made it more comfortable. Things continued with a coach and team talk and our guest speaker Eileen O???Brien stepped up to share a bit of her enthusiasm on pride and team unity.

Today was more time in the air conditioning and a lighter warm up. At half it was 0-0, both teams having chances. Second half we went up 2-0. Then it was 2-1, 2-2. Not tied for long as we again went up 3-2.

And from there I think I can speak for us all - we???d rather not talk about it. End result 3-3. We screwed up, and 2 OTs did nothing more. A tie is a tie, but in this case it definitely felt like a loss. You can check the box score if you want to know more.

Anyways???moving on???another quiet van ride to the hotel, showers, and packing. It???s ALWAYS better when you win???

We caught some of the Dolphins game with a glare on the big screen in the lobby. Of course they wouldn???t be showing the Padres vs. Dodgers game or the Chargers game (a good day in SD), so I???ve learned to be satisfied with highlights, and updates from dad while I???m on the East Coast.

In the vans one last time, and if you forgot anything now you really thought seriously to yourself, ???Could I live without it???? because you didn???t want to be that ONE who made the driver turn around. Nevertheless, continuing to confirm the freshmen forgetfulness and youth, we had to stop for one to retrieve her cell phone left in the hotel lobby.

To the airport, all 23 check in, get a wheelchair for Mackenzie, through security, boom box back in action, food (including me spilling a salad all over myself), lounging, NFL spectating, laptopping, and in the air before long.

The flight television consisted mainly of the New England vs. New York Jets game with a mix of fans among the team. Additionally, we pulled out the books to catch up on studying as we would not arrive back to campus until late.

After we landed the boom box made a surprise appearance while we gathered to exit the plane (music always seems to aid the mood). Eileen proudly and happily hoisted it on her shoulder while the surrounding fellow fliers seemed to crack a few smiles. I???m sure they all enjoyed our accompanying singing voices too. Lets be honest here, they all wanted to go back to their college days to re-live the best of times!!

We mobbed to baggage claim not forgetting to admire the man with the 80???s cut off jean shorts, and boots???NY brings ???em to you in all shapes, sizes and colors! We continued to acquire all bags to appropriate owners and pray that the bus was there to pick us up. Finally our bus driver with dreadlocks found us and we made the last stretch back to UNH - back to slightly cooler temperatures, back to our dorms, back to classes, and back to more faces we know. Finish up studying for Monday classes, check e-mails, and unpack if you had any energy. It is time to re-group, re-focus, and make progress in the right direction???aka???winning???Capice? Capice!!!