Monday's blog from Abby Basler:
After a long day of travel on Sunday, Costa Rican weather was just what we needed! Day one was jam-packed with amazing views, great food, and a big win. We started the day by heading to Irazú Volcano, the tallest in Costa Rica! The views from 11,000 ft up were breathtaking. We learned that the locals like to be called ticos!
We then headed back into the city and went to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. It was an extremely peaceful and beautiful sight to see. Up next was lunch at a small local restaurant. We were served amazing food that everyone enjoyed. We even got dessert before our game, Coach Carter approved of course.
Game Recap:
The Redbirds took on the U20 Women's Costa Rican team at the Federación Costarricense de Fútbol. In the first half, Allison Baker scored in the 26th minute and Dakota Anderson tallied a score in the 44th minute, ending the half in a 2-0 lead for ISU. In the second half, the Costa Rican national team scored at the 54th minute to cut the lead in half at 2-1, before Baker scored again in the 62nd minute to widen the lead to 3-1. Costa Rica scored again in the 75th minute, but the Redbirds held on for the 3-2 victory on a breezy but warm 84-degree day. ISU will play its second game of the trip on Wednesday against Dimas Escazu (11 a.m. CST kickoff) at Garabito Municipal Stadium in Jaco.
We came away with a 3-2 win! The team's facilities were amazing, and the weather was great. After the game, we exchanged jerseys with the other team, and they had fresh tropical fruit for us. Once we got back to the hotel for the night, we went to a small local restaurant across the street. I think it is safe to say that our team loves Costa Rican food. Day one was one for the books, next up the Pacific Ocean.
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