Brigid's survives first home game of season

	That's right. Brigid has her own trading card. Photo Courtesy of WPFL
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By Brigid Mullen

Alright, you guys wanted an inside look into women's football. Well here it is. Our first home game, ever, was on Saturday, August 5.

4:30 p.m.: All the ladies arrive at Lussier Stadium in Madison and are directed to the locker rooms by security staff. It was pretty impressive having nameplates above our lockers, inspirational quotes everywhere, tables of Gatorade and food, plus a volunteer chiropractor and training staff ready to get us going.

5 p.m.: Time to suit up for pre-game warm-ups. The under-eye strips go on along with the black armbands to match our sweet black uniforms. After going over a few plays in my head, I pull on my brand new No. 24 jersey and hurry out of the locker room because it starts to stink of Icy Hot.

7 p.m.: After a solid pep talk in the locker room, we head out to the field. It looks awesome. The lights have been turned on, the music is blaring, and the stands are packed with fans who had been tailgating in the parking lots for the last couple hours. Our team mascot, Wolfy, leads us through the tunnel of players and coaches. When my name and number are announced, and the crowd cheers as each of us runs onto the field, it is one of the coolest and "this is so worth it" feelings ever!

7:05 - 10 p.m.:  Wisconsin 20, Minnesota 0. Our second shut-out in 2 games. Here's the recap:

On the second play of our first offensive series, running back McGee Steffes  broke a 70-yard touchdown run down the sideline to give us a 7-0 lead. The entire game was mostly running plays that went back and forth for a while. Then, on a trick play in the third quarter, Steffes caught a pass thrown by our other running back, Stacy Dodge, in the end zone to put the score at 14-0.

Our final TD was scored with less than two minutes left in the fourth when backup QB Carey Lereek found tight end Karla Meinholz in the end zone.

There were four turnovers in the game (all forced by our team) - two fumbles and two interceptions. Cornerback Tiffany Loomis recovered a fumble in the third quarter and intercepted a pass in the fourth. Wow. What a stud!

Of course, there was the usual trash-talking and cheap shots that no one likes to mention. There were also some huge layout tackles where the crowd goes "Oooh!" and you wonder if the girl is going to get up. Mistakes were made and clipboards were slammed to the ground, people were screamed at, fans yelled at the referees ... a great game.

10 p.m.: The game ends, and the fans -- who were incredibly loud the whole game -- were allowed on the field to meet the players and get autographs and player cards. Then we (about 50 on our team) headed to the locker room to shower under only four showerheads...it was interesting.

11 p.m.: The after-party at a huge sports bar! Both teams, coaches, fans, a huge buffet, two large bars and a dance floor for those who had a few too many made for an awesome night. After two Long Islands, my roommate, boyfriend and I head back to campus to party at the KK and cause some trouble. I'll just leave it at that.

You can check out how all the teams did at the Women's Pro Football website, and check back for the results of our next game. I can't wait!

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