Decked out with new guernseys generously funded by donations from our major sponsor, Sandy Lawrence at Dorsey Alston Realtors, the new women of the Atlanta Kookaburras traveled to Nashville on May 4th to join forces with the Chicago Swans to face down an experienced Nashville side. Shortly before game time and exercising their powers as Hosts, Nashville secured the experienced Swans players to their side, and our intrepid newcomers to the sport faced their first trial by fire.

 

The combined Nashville-Chicago team started the game high-scoring and did not relent. Backline players Shaunna Chamlee (playing her first ever game) and Megan Hils worked tirelessly to keep them at bay. Gin Nugent (first game) and Kelsey Teets (first game) made superb efforts in the forward line with Kelsey pulling down multiple contested marks. But the clear standout of all players on the ground (Nash-Chi included) was our own Madison Longchamp (first game). Standing at a gargantuan 5 ft 2 inches, Madison dominated the center of the ground all game. Only skilled, experienced kicks away from her could reduce her thundering effectiveness.

 

Goal Kickers: Madison Longchamp 1, Kelsey Teets 1

 

The score did not turn out in favor of the Kookaburras, but Madison, Kelsey, Shaunna, Megan and Gin improved tremendously quarter after quarter. There is much to work with, and they'll get better. The coaches expect to see a big improvement when they turn out for the Eastern Regionals in Raleigh, NC on June 15th.

 

Many thanks to the supporters, especially club luminary Sandy Lawrence, who made the trek to Nashville to cheer on our burgeoning women’s team. A thank-you also goes out to the members of our men’s team who made the drive to serve as coach’s and water runners. Sponsors, supporters and volunteers are an integral part of our club’s success.