Sept. 30, 2004

Dear Diary-

So McNeese ended our winning streak, but we're over it now and back in the gym working hard. The road trip out there was really long and by the end everyone was ready to go home. But despite a cramped bus and a bathroom few were brave enough to use, we all managed to make it home in one piece. Friday is going to be big against SFA. I'm sure they will come ready to play and I hope a lot of people come out to see the match -- it should be a good one.

I got really excited because I got another email question this week. Kelly wrote to me asking what it is like playing with Dani, Torie, and Laurie since I played against all of them in high school. Well, Dani and I played on the same team at North Dallas our senior year so we have played together before. Dani and I decided that we are completely opposite -- :) -- but we are really good friends. It was also really nice going in as a freshman already knowing someone well. It is crazy that I am playing with Laurie and Torie though because we always hated playing Red Oak and I KNOW after our last match against them my senior year that they definitely hated us back. Our games against them were always really close and both of our coaches are the crazy, yelling type so it always ended up being an intense game. The irony is in the fact that Laurie especially had deep resentment for Arlington High after tearing her ACL in the match against us last season. So needless to say, there was animosity and rivalry between our schools. I'm happy to say, however, that we all get along really well and I love them. Torie and I room together and get along great while Laurie and I crack each other up all the time. The best part about this team is how much we all like each other. I really think our great chemistry pulled us through some tough matches this season. Kelly also asked how I like playing with Heather Dunn since we both come from "Colt Country." Well, I'm very glad that I get to share one year with Heather because I was on JV her senior year at Arlington High and this has been my first opportunity to actually play with her. We do often share Coach Cauley stories and similar memories we both have of high school. I remember talking to her quite a bit about not leaving Arlington and coming to UTA and how I would still be able to have a life away from home. I knew then that I really wanted to come here and with that we come to the present. Thanks for the question and I hope I answered it fully. The team still "loves to buck `em" and we are striving to stay at the top of the conference. Keep thinking of questions and I'll be back with a new diary next Thursday.

- #6 Ellen Murray GO MAVS!

Questions for Ellen can be emailed to mcduffie@uta.edu, please put "questions for Ellen" in the subject line.