Huskers Enjoy First Full Day in Hawaii

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Honolulu, Hawaii ? After a 15-hour travel day on Tuesday that took the team from Bowlin Stadium to the Sheraton Princess Kailuani hotel in Honolulu, the Husker softball team spent its first full day in Hawaii on Wednesday.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

Nebraska practiced for two hours at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium this morning, the home field of Hawaii, the host institution for the season-opening Paradise Classic which begins play on Thursday.

 

With temperatures in the 70s, the practice marked the Huskers first venture outside this season. The practice marked a nice change for the team, who had been practicing exclusive indoors at the HawksChampionshipCenter for the past three weeks.

 

Head Coach Rhonda Revelle was excited about the opportunity to get in an outdoor practice prior to 15th-ranked Nebraska’s season opener against No. 24 Auburn tomorrow.

 

“I think we were like little kids out there today running around," Revelle said. "It waws great to get on the dirt. Once we got on the dirt, I realized how well we trained because it didn’t feel like we were on the dirt for the first time and that was exciting. It was great to be outside and sweat and be ready to go tomorrow."

 

Following lunch, the team had a free afternoon to explore the island of Oahu. Many players chose to attend a swap meet, while others chose to explore the surroundings near the hotel, which is a short walk from world-famous WaikikiBeach.

 

The Huskers were scheduled to attend a traditional Hawaiian luau on Wednesday evening, however rain forced the cancellation of the event giving the team more free time. The luau was arranged by Gail and Gary Fuller, the parents of sophomore infielder Kimberly Fuller, NU's first letterwinner from Hawaii. Although the luau was cancelled, the Fuller family has been very welcoming while showing the team some of the Hawaiian culture. The family greeted the team at the airport early Tuesday evening and presented each person with a customary Hawaiian greeting, including a traditional Hawaiian lei.

 

The Fullers have also introduced the team to many new food choices, including native fresh fruits, sweet potato chips, macadamia nuts and many other Hawaiian delicacies.

 

 

Nebraska will play in the third game of the day on Thursday, facing No. 24 Auburn at 6 p.m. (Central). The contest will mark the second game for the Tigers, who open the tournament facing DePaul in Thursday’s first game.

 

NU then faces host Hawaii in Thursday’s final game at 10 p.m. (Central).

 

While the Huskers have enjoyed their free time in Hawaii and look forward to the remainder of the trip, the team is even more excited to run out onto the field for the first time in what each player hopes will mark the start to a special season.

 

“(The fact that we're here to play softball) was evidence by practice this morning," Revelle s aid. "We are very much ready to hit the field. It's very nice to be here and to go to the beach and the luau, but you can tell that the team is on a mission to play softball. This is a business trip first and foremost.”