Fresno State Athletics
January 24- Life on the Island
Jan. 23, 2005
It was like Christmas never ended for the Fresno State women's basketball team. After returning from a short holiday break with family and friends, we headed off to the Aloha State - Hawaii.
After checking into our hotel located on the main strip of Oahu, we quickly took to the streets to explore the surroundings. We spent much of our time shopping and checking out the beach.
After basking in the golden sun and sifting through the soft sand, we headed to an outdoor basketball court for practice. The change of atmosphere was a fun and different change to our normal routine and helped us prepare well for our game. We all left the court a few shades darker and with some nice sock tans!!!
Following practice we had a delicious dinner while being surrounded by a huge aquarium. During our meal, we were closely watched by hundreds of fish and a few sharks, too. After dinner, the roles were reversed and we found ourselves glued to the window as a diver came into the tank and fed the fish their dinner.
The next day we relaxed in preparation for our game but later that night we headed off to a luau. On the way, Ren and Sierra borrowed a ride in the "love bug" (a modified version of a golf cart), which just happened to be in use by the son of our official for the following night's game! Quite a coincidence!!! The laughs didn't stop there, as the luau comedy was quite entertaining too. Coach Champagne and Cophie participated in an introductory hula dance. They amused us as they shook their stuff in long grass skirts along the beach in front of hundreds of people. We also watched some Hawaiian traditions including lots of interesting dancing. The whole evening was a great experience and lots and lots of fun.
In between all the fun, we were preparing for our encounter with Hawaii. We went in focused and excited to play our first WAC game. We had much to prove and we were motivated even more because it was our senior Aritta's last game on her home island and also her 21st birthday. Our determination paid off and we gave her a fitting finish with a 22-point victory.
Following our success and fun in Hawaii we headed to San Jose to finish off business and complete the road sweep. Things came together well and we pieced together another victory making us 10-1.
It was a great finish to another great Bulldog trip and hopefully a sign for things to come.
- TellaÂ