Oct. 27, 2004

Welcome to BaylorBears.com's fifth entry of "The 91st Minute with April Robertson," a weekly journal throughout the soccer conference season by the senior midfielder. Join Robertson each week as she takes fans behind the scenes of the 2004 Baylor soccer team and shares her take on last week's game, this week's opponent and more.

Robertson, a senior from Round Rock, Texas, has played in every game for Baylor throughout her career and is a two-time academic all-conference selection. During her career, she has scored nine goals, three for game-winners and has also added seven assists.

Check back often on BaylorBears.com for all of the latest news and stats on Baylor soccer and look for "The 91st Minute with April Robertson."

NORTHERN COLORADO AND MISSOURI

This Friday's game was memorable for two reasons: the spontaneous torrential downpour, and the fact that it was senior night. I've been through three senior nights, each time graduating a new set of players completely through the Baylor soccer program, through four years of sweat and tears.

It was shocking to find myself flanked by my parents, bouquet in hand, taking that long walk from the sideline to the half line. It was definitely a memorable moment standing there in front of the crowd with my fellow seniors, with which I have shared some of the most challenging, thrilling, character-defining moments of my collegiate career. The lights were on and I stepped onto that field for my final Friday night home game. There is nothing like the feeling that you get, the unique energy that spawns from the national anthem playing, and your home crowd cheering as your name is called over the loud-speaker.

Though it was a non-conference game, we played well against Northern Colorado. Winning the game 4-1 we were able to put in a team effort with almost every player playing that night. The memory was suspended in time for a bit as we were delayed late in the second half due to nearby lightening. We huddled in our locker room, cold, but ready to return and finish out the game. fter about 20 minutes we were able to take that field one more time and finish off with a victory.

Though Friday nights' game was a success, it was Sunday that we had been focusing on all week. This game against the Missouri Tigers was one that would make or break our postseason. Saturday morning we had the normal practice to prepare, and showed up Sunday for the seniors' very last home game ever. The rankings and records were all tight, and the win here was essential to barely sneak in above three teams to make the Big 12 tournament. I lead my last pre-game prayer and "Sic `em bears" on Betty Lou Mays Field.

We were back and forth with the Tigers as demonstrated by the fact that less than 30 seconds after Tiffany (Boshers) scored a great goal, a Missouri forward answered right back. Anna (Schuch) was able to score another goal before the half ended to put us up 2-1 at half time. The second half would not go as well for us. Missouri came out attacking hard, and we just could not hold them as they scored two more in the second half to take the win.

There were tears after the game. As I looked into my teammates eyes, there were no words. So many emotions were surging, the hopes that had come just within grasp last weekend after we had won a great game over Nebraska, had just as quickly been completely taken away. That was it. My soccer career of seventeen years had now only one week of life. We are traveling to Lubbock one last time to take on Texas Tech this coming Friday.

Though the wound is still a little tender, my friends and family have been a great support in helping it heal. Soccer has been a huge portion of who I have been for almost my entire life, and I think that I might be suffering from some sort of identity crisis in the next few months if I didn't have a strong belief that my true identity is found in Christ. I've known for sometime that God has plans for my life that are bigger than simply to be a soccer player. He has been so gracious as to use this sport as a tool through which I can learn lessons and share His love and I am excited to see what new platforms He will provide for me. Who knows how long I will last before I become a coach myself.

Thank you all so much for following us throughout this emotional season, and throughout my, and all of the seniors' careers here at Baylor. Your support is irreplaceable. Cheer us on one last time this fall season as we play Tech, and stay with the program as it continues to grow and find success.