June 29, 2008

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC -- Carolina women's lacrosse players Erica LaGrow (UNC Class of 2008) and Amber Falcone (Class of 2009) are representing the United States at the Prague Cup this month in preparation for the 2009 World Cup.

LaGrow and Falcone are members of the U.S. Touring Team, which includes 18 players and six alternates that were selected from the U.S. Elite and Developmental teams following the US Lacrosse Champions Challenge in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Training camp for the Prague Cup begins this week.

LaGrow and Falcone will provide TarHeelBlue.com with an exclusive blog describing their experiences in Prague. Check back often for updates on their progress with the team.

Monday, June 23, 2008 - 1:10 p.m. ET
Erica LaGrow
Today we arrived in the Czech Republic and we haven't really had time to do much but got a run in to shake out the 12 hour plane ride! We are staying in a beautiful hotel but it feels like we are back in the dorms of Parker Palace! We'll have more for you tomorrow when we start to play games!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 2:30 p.m. ET
Erica LaGrow
Yesterday we got a chance to tour the city and had a blast. Prague is so beautiful! This morning we played our first game against Wales and won 16-0. Tonight we have opening ceremonies and a game to follow against Germany. We have a great few days coming up that will include more games and a night boat tour around the city.

Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 11:10 a.m. ET
Erica LaGrow
Friday was our last of the friendly games and we beat England and shut out Wales. During our Wales game, Amber moved to midfield while I got to try my hand at a little line attack. Amber (or "Amby") showed her real colors as a midfielder by scoring three goals against Wales. Her last goal was perfectly placed in the upper left corner of the cage ... Jenny- maybe a last minute addition to next year's midfield line?

Saturday we had a little more time to tour around the city. We toured the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and some of the churches. The city is beautiful and we were so excited to get to see the sites! Well, we are now heading out on public transportation to our championship game against England so I have to cut this blog short! We'll keep you posted!

GO USA!

Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 6:32 p.m. ET
Erica LaGrow
Today we arrived home from Praha. It was the most amazing place I have ever seen and had such a great time. We played a total of 8 games...some "friendly" and some as part of the Prague Cup. Yesterday we played England in the Championship and won 13-1. There was a closing ceremony and banquet and then we finally got to experience Praha in a social setting.

On our walk we were a part of a French film that was being shot and we saw the castle and walked across the Charles Bridge at night. It was unreal. The team was awesome and we had such a blast.