In the Life of a Fish: Emily Ryerson

Emily Ryerson

Emily Ryerson (Pictured) Fills Sailfish Fans In on the Team's Current Trip to Colorado at the Fort Lewis College Tournament

DURANGO, Colo.- Emily Ryerson is the latest Palm Beach Atlantic University student-athlete to issue her thoughts about the season in a Sailfish blog. Read how Ryerson and her teammates are fairing in Colorado as they participate in their second tournament of the season.

"Can I have a knife please?" In return Brittany gets a blank stare from the airport attendant; "...to spread cream cheese." Sitting at the airport at 5:45 am, the ten of us, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, wait to begin our journey to Durango, Colorado.
 
Two flights, a four hour van ride, and what seems like 24 hours later, we arrive to the Erickson's house greeted by family and lots of hugs! The only thing on our mind...food!  We enjoy a wonderful home made meal as a team, or more like a huge family; lots of jokes, laughs, and smiles.  We all are amazed at the beauty of the mountain ranges surrounding us.   The tall mountains covered with blue spruce trees, the low 80s during the day and low 50s at night, is a nice change from West Palm Beach for a weekend. 
 
After a long day of travel, it's time to jump on the court.  The nerves, anxiety, and jitters of each of us is growing by the minute.  After two close sets against Montana State University at Billings, we prepare to win the third one to finish the match.  Jessica serves for several points to give us a lead and to push to the end.  Inspite of the thin air and how hard it is to breath, and the fact that our shoes feel like, lead, we pulled out our first win of the tournament.
 
One match, one win, one match to go.  We knew mentally it wouldn't be as easy a win as the first; we knew we would have to fight against Abiline Christian University.  A close first set, 25-22 loss, gave us fire to push the match to four sets.  After a physically and mentally draining match, the loss to ACU, taught us a lot about our team.
 
We all realized today that not every match will be as "mentally easy" as previous games.  This loss taught us a lot about how we act under pressure, and what we need to do as a team to push through to the end.  Yes, a loss like that is very disappointing, but it is also a learning experience.  We are heaving a great time here in Colorado, and are so excited to play two great matches on Saturday, Go Fish!

Emily