Spring Break
Triple Threat: Kaitlin Sullivan - Sports more than box scores
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: Sports
"You can't judge a book by its cover."
A simple, yet complex statement that can be utilized by anyone everyday.
In the world of sports, the phrase "You can't judge a team by their box score" should be just as prevalent.
While this concept could be applied to any team in the nation, it very specifically hits home with the Eastern's women's soccer team.
I say this due to the fact that the team has been a target of negative criticism lately after just a few games at the beginning of the season.
I have yet to hear of, or be a part of a team that goes without struggle, or that is perfect in every aspect of their season.
Our soccer team is no exception. We are not perfect. We make mistakes, and we experience scoring droughts.
While it is easy for journalists and fans to criticize obvious things like statistics and box scores, it is difficult for athletes to sit back and listen to these narrow-minded comments. No one can fully appreciate all the little details and obstacles a team goes through on and off the field unless they are a team member or coach in the program.
Fitness levels, mental exhaustion, injuries and personal conflicts - the list goes on and on.
There are 90 minutes of play in a game of soccer, and within the 90 minute "war", there are hundreds of "battles" that go unnoticed on the scoreboard.
A 1-0 loss that headlines the paper the next day means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things.
There are games in which a team may win every 50/50 ball, hold possession, out-shoot the opposing team 50-1 and still lose.
Anything can take place in 90 minutes time, whether it is an undeserving penalty kick awarded to the other team or a foul on the goalkeeper that results in a goal.
Unfortunately, the final score rarely reflects the truth, and the better team doesn't always come out on top. To judge a team, and the fate of their season, solely on the outcome of a few games is just plain ignorant.
As a proud member of a high school volleyball team that went into playoffs having won three games and then winning the state championship, I know that a team can start experiencing success at any point in the season.
"You can't judge a book by its cover."
A well-known quote that is perfect in its simplicity.
Kaitlin Sullivan is a sophomore on the Eastern women's soccer team and a journalism major. She can be reached at 581-7944 or at DENsportsdesk@gmail.com.
A simple, yet complex statement that can be utilized by anyone everyday.
In the world of sports, the phrase "You can't judge a team by their box score" should be just as prevalent.
While this concept could be applied to any team in the nation, it very specifically hits home with the Eastern's women's soccer team.
I say this due to the fact that the team has been a target of negative criticism lately after just a few games at the beginning of the season.
I have yet to hear of, or be a part of a team that goes without struggle, or that is perfect in every aspect of their season.
Our soccer team is no exception. We are not perfect. We make mistakes, and we experience scoring droughts.
While it is easy for journalists and fans to criticize obvious things like statistics and box scores, it is difficult for athletes to sit back and listen to these narrow-minded comments. No one can fully appreciate all the little details and obstacles a team goes through on and off the field unless they are a team member or coach in the program.
Fitness levels, mental exhaustion, injuries and personal conflicts - the list goes on and on.
There are 90 minutes of play in a game of soccer, and within the 90 minute "war", there are hundreds of "battles" that go unnoticed on the scoreboard.
A 1-0 loss that headlines the paper the next day means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things.
There are games in which a team may win every 50/50 ball, hold possession, out-shoot the opposing team 50-1 and still lose.
Anything can take place in 90 minutes time, whether it is an undeserving penalty kick awarded to the other team or a foul on the goalkeeper that results in a goal.
Unfortunately, the final score rarely reflects the truth, and the better team doesn't always come out on top. To judge a team, and the fate of their season, solely on the outcome of a few games is just plain ignorant.
As a proud member of a high school volleyball team that went into playoffs having won three games and then winning the state championship, I know that a team can start experiencing success at any point in the season.
"You can't judge a book by its cover."
A well-known quote that is perfect in its simplicity.
Kaitlin Sullivan is a sophomore on the Eastern women's soccer team and a journalism major. She can be reached at 581-7944 or at DENsportsdesk@gmail.com.
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