We took some solid strides forward as a team in Game 3, as we won 59-43. We played aggressive defense that forced tough shots and lead to turnovers by Ecuador. Barbara, Cata, and Ziomara dished out some great passes for easy layups. We don't keep stats in these games, but I'd guess this game had the most team assists. The fans chanted and cheered, which gave the game an upbeat feel. The gym wasn't very big, but it was mostly full with several hundred people. It's always fun to play in a small gym that's packed and loud! After the game, it felt like most everyone in the gym came up and asked for a photo and/or an autograph (this also happened after our first game in San Fernando and our last game in Valparaiso). Many asked for "selfies." Some of the younger fans said "Eres seca para jugar," which directly translates as "you are dry to play" but it's their way of saying you're a good player. Overall, playing in the south was a great experience! Below is a video from a news crew in Talca that interviews me, Ziomara, Cata, and Barbara.
Team dinner after our 59-43 win in Talca
Game 4 in Valparaiso, 4-0 in Chile!
We won our final game in Chile by about 10 points in Valparaiso. We started out strong and at one point had a 20 point lead, but then we had some inconsistency. Ziomara had a great game and carried us in the second half of the game! The gym was about half full with a couple hundred fans, partially because it's winter break for the schools here and families are on vacation!
We won all 4 of our games in Chile here vs Ecuador, which is a good building block. We have a tougher road ahead with the teams in our group in Canada. Playing against Brazil next week (we leave Saturday) will be a good test and opportunity to refine us even more!
Fortin Prat Gymnasium in Valparaiso (kids game before our game)
When the outlet is far from the floor and there's no place to set your cell phone, you get creative
Post-game dinner in Valparaiso
Very typical Chilean lunch/dinner: Chicken, rice, veggies, bread, and juice!
You know it's cold when you use your practice gear as a scarf and hat lol!
Our home gym in Santiago was super cold before our game!
Ziomara and others were bundled up for shoot around
Bus ride before our first game with Ecuador
Angella, Dafne, and Pancha
National anthem before the game in San Fernando
With great friends, Pito and Veronica Justiniano
Eating empanadas...my FAVORITE!!
I went to see the University of Chile play against Curico at the national stadium. Fans chanted the ENTIRE game,
and some had fireworks too! #Nuts
View from my floor of CAR. The building on the left is where we lift weights/train
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