The field hockey team's second day in Northern California was one of preparation, relaxation and anticipation. The Terps held their final practice before the opening of the 2001 season, spent some time with team consultant Dr. Jerry Lynch, and wrapped up day two tired from the day but excited for the match on Saturday.

After putting a total team effort into watering the turf at Stanford, which included a few complimentary showers for certain players and staff members, the Terps rehearsed their pregame exercises and executed some drills.

The Terrapins then washed up and grabbed a snack on campus before making the 40-minute drive south to Santa Cruz for dinner at "Jerry's house." Dr. Lynch and the team had a quick meeting before enjoying a relaxing walk on the beach and dinner with the Lynch family. Ceci, the youngest daughter in the family, joined senior Dina Rizzo in providing the after-meal entertainment and freshman Lucy Morris and the team sang the song they learned yesterday in the airport. The team wishes to thank Jerry, his wife, Jan, and the whole family for letting us stop by.

Here are tonight's Postcards from Cali. The Terps can't wait to play tomorrow!

Senior Rachel Hiskins (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia): G'day all. Things here are cool and relaxed at the moment. We had our second practice today but we cannot wait to actually start to play again - I'm sick of training all the time! It's beautiful around here. It would be fantastic if we could hang out a little more but you do what you have to do. Anyway here is Dina, she can tell you the rest of our day.

Senior Dina Rizzo (Walpole, Mass.): Hi mom and dad, I made it here safely!!! Hi Terp fans! Today was a beautiful sunny day in Cali. We started off with a great sleep-in until 9:45, but of course I was up at 6:30. We had a great practice and are ready to start our journey. We went to Jerry's house today, how amazing -- mom and dad I am moving out here to Santa Cruz. Well I am off to get my ZZZZ'SSSSS. I miss you all, cheer us on at 4:00 Eastern. Oh yeah, Jerry's little girl Ceci is my new best friend. Hi Molly!!!!! Miss ya.

Senior Ashley Hohnstine (Oak Hill, Va.): Hello East Coast! It was nice to have five long hours of plane ride to just sit and rest. Now we are here and the weather is amazing -- no humidity. Practice was fun today, watering the turf was a chore and some people got soaked (Carol and I), and Andrew tried to score on Kerry and I from his little chair but he was not successful. Our season starts tomorrow and everyone is so excited and pumped to play. Jerry's house was nice and so was the beautiful view on the way out there. Yeah I am thinking about moving here. Well, wish us luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Freshman Emily Boyer (Oak Park, Ill.): Hi Mom, Dad, Pete, Laura... Cali so far has been great. The weather here is amazing and it is never too hot or too cold -- just right. The fields are about 30 min from our hotel so it's a bit of a hike, but the Stanford campus is worth the trip, the field is good, but it will bite if you're not careful. So far we have had two practices and Saturday is our first game. We went to Jerry's house today and spent time with his family, and walked down by the beach for a bit. Jerry by the way is the team sport psychologist, and wrote that book that I have "Thinking body, Dancing mind." Other than that, things are well and our team is healthy and ready for the season to begin. You can email me if you want. :), em.