[NU Sports] National Champions!!

[DPENDERG at aol.com]

They say the attendance was just 4600 but seemed like much more (especially  
trying to escape the stadium parking lot later) sitting in that exuberant, 
vocal  NU crowd (purple-painted faces and all!).  In fact, even though just the  
first time I've seen a women's lacrosse game, I found it a genuinely  tribal 
experience -- smaller scale -- not unlike Pasadena a decade ago.  A  Cinderella 
story coming from club sport to NCAA champs in five years.  And,  it is a 
special tribute to Coach Amonte Hiller.  Although not knowing much  about 
lacrosse, this team is indisputably well coached and  completely dedicated to her.  
Even when UVa put on the pressure in the  first half, the Cats did not falter 
and just kept  roaring back.  These young women have a physical stamina,  
mental toughness and motivation I hope we will see on the gridiron next  fall.   RW 
and staff, I think, can learn a few lessons  here.
 
I am absolutely amazed that women do not have the same protective head  gear 
worn by men's teams. Yes, supposedly, different rules "protect" them,  but 
those sticks are in fact swinging around and hitting people constantly  
(including a few head shots that could have tragic results).  You will  not see tougher 
NU student-athletes in ANY sport.