8 AM. Alarm off. Nerves on. Checklist ready. It was the first match of the season for Cardiff University Women’s Lacrosse 2s, and as captain, I was determined to have everything under control. Sticks? Check. Water? Check. Team? Check. Shoes? Sitting by the front door, apparently enjoying a day off.

With my mind occupied on getting everyone to Llanrumney and gathering all the essential necessities for the game, I was feeling rather pleased with myself that everything was going so smoothly. That was until I arrived at the pitch and realised I had forgotten my own shoes. Cue flatmate hero mode: spending £15 on emergency insurance for thirty minutes came in handy as she could collect those lazy shoes while I attempted to warm up the team. Nothing quite prepares you for the reality of Crocs on wet AstroTurf… absolutely would not recommend.

Thankfully, the rest of the team had their act together. Warm up done, red ribbons in place and sticks in hand, we stepped onto the pitch ready to conquer the match.

We needed a strong result to place us at the top of the league, even with the fact that we were facing our own clubmates, the wonderful 3s. Before kick-off, I reminded the girls to trust one another, and above all, to not be scared and just try to fight for every ball. We improve by trying, and I was already proud of every single one of them, win or lose.

The first quarter brought confidence, goals were flying in, and we were having fun. It’s worth mentioning that a beloved teammate, determined to score, somehow tripped over herself and landed flat on the ground — also would not recommend. Safe to say that that particular attempt did not end in a goal.

The second quarter brought some beautiful lacrosse, including a ladder of passes from midfield into attack. Our defense and goalkeeper kept Cardiff 3s from scoring, even though they were persistent and amazing for their first ever match as a brand new team.

By the second half, nerves had disappeared. I encouraged the girls to experiment, and one produced an outrageous goal with her back to the goal. After a few goals from myself and my great teammates, we finished with a 28-0 victory, putting us top of the league for the opening round.

With spirits running high, the score wasn’t what made me the proudest. It was watching the girls grow in confidence, encourage one another and trust their teammates. Captaincy feels easy this way.

Back in the changing room, we enjoyed complimentary Poppi drinks from one of our VCs and shared how amazing that first match was. Naturally, the captain’s footwear disaster received attention, gaining my DOTD. Cardiff 1s and the men’s team had also won, giving the entire club plenty to celebrate.

CULC certainly knows how to have a good time. The women’s 1s, 2s, and 3s joined the men’s team for an enormous social. Seniors became princesses, freshers became peas, and mixed teams travelled up and down Cathays completing c h a l l e n g e s, including a human pyramid that was every bit as hilarious and structurally questionable as it sounds.

By the time we reached Misfits, the weather was miserable, but the rain wasn’t stopping us. We danced the night away, celebrating three winning teams and a society where friendships extend far beyond the pitch. The hangover was absolutely worth it.

YOLO may have missed us this time, but there’s always next Wednesday. From the first whistle to the last dance, this is exactly why I love being a part of CULC.