Wayne State University senior shortstop and All-GLIAC First Team selection Jaci Banton is providing daily blog entries to wsuathletics.com (with assistance and guidance from sophomore third baseman Rebecca Stanley) as the Warriors get set to play in the 2010 NCAA Division II Softball Championship tournament this week in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Day two in Missouri started with a well-balanced breakfast and a trip to a local softball complex to instruct some local nine and 10-year-old aspiring softball stars.

We were to split the camp with Hawaii Pacific and do the offensive portion. After some motivational words from (coach) Gary (Bryce) we proceeded to teach them hitting fundamentals and bunting tips.

Our "Olympic lifter" Rachel was also offering lessons in the fine art of hang cleaning. We spent time individually with players.

First was Alexis, who it turns out didn't need any help and will probably set records at a young age. (Rebecca) Stanley had Emily whose eager parent videotaped Stanley's every word for reference in the future. The kids seemed to enjoy their time with us and we all had a good laugh. We felt very special afterwards when they all wanted our autographs. 
 
Later we made our way to the nature center where there was a BBQ awaiting us. This would turn out to be a highlight of the day when they began a Karaoke contest. Dani (Williams), Brit (Omelanchuk), Sam (Cain) and Kassie (Snyder) got right up and belted out "the way you make me feel" by Michael Jackson. "I felt like Michael" was a direct quote from Dani, who it turns out can really move like Mike. Having Dani with the dance moves and Brit with the angelic voice, we should have charged admission to the performance.
 
Next we were off to practice at the main diamond. Reality set in that we would be playing some important games when we saw the stadium seating and the NCAA logos painted across the grass of the outfield. Practice went smoothly, although the humidity in Missouri was more than we were used to up North.

Stanley kept trying to pick up a beetle that I told her could be poisonous, but she did anyway and was bitten. We had to rush her to the emergency room... Not really, "it just stung a little." But more importantly, were able to get the feel of the weather as well as the diamond and the atmosphere of playing at such a level.
 
We are very privileged to be treated as well as we have been on our trip. We are blessed with some great hosts who have made us feel welcome. Same with the NCAA who has given us several comforts during our time here.

Our banquet was especially great. This evening, all of the teams were seated in long rows in the banquet hall at Missouri Western State University. Not only was the food good, but they had an ice sculpture that was carved to look like the blue circular NCAA logo.

One highlight of the night would be the seniors speech which had to follow up a Hawaiian dance and guitar solo, NICE.

Also, of course the several awards that were given to our team. Kristina (Susalla), who happens to be the smartest individual in the world, was recognized for it. She had the highest GPA of the national participants. Alison Allen (far left in picture below) was also given the honor of being Third Team NFCA All-American and Casey Hanes (far right) with First team NFCA All-American selection. Congrats girls!

 
That concluded the end of our day and tomorrow brings the first of our games here in Missouri. If you would like to follow the live feed for our game it will be linked to our schedule or on the championship site.
 
From Missouri,
Jaci and Stanley