June 26, 2005 - First let me say that i just got back from russia...and it's great to be back!!

We ended up in 2nd place in the tournament (two russian teams and a Turkish team). We are the first Israeli National Team to beat a Russian National Team. Not only did we beat them but they are the reigning European Champions...a great team.

Russia was different....on the last day we got to walk around Moscow...it was very beautiful. We visited the Parliament and some huge, famous churches with golden roofs. The weather was freeeeezing the first day but then warmed up for us.

We got there and we were greeted by two Israeli bodyguards and two Russian ones. They were with us the whole time, followed us everywhere, checked our bus before we got on everytime, etc. So we felt very safe with them. Then we got on a bus...no, no. Not a bus lets say a mini van. We were 20 people with a whole lot of luggage. We ended up sitting on the luggage and putting some on us. It was a long hour and a half ride to Chekhov where we stayed. We did not stay in a hotel we stayed in their Olympic center - no phones, no TV, no internet, no NOTHING. Their weight room was outside and their facilities were far from what we have in Maryland. It was amazing to see how great every Russian team is even with the living and practice conditions they live with everyday. Also, the court was so small, when you sat on the bench you feet where on the court. Just makes you appreciate Comcast center sooooo much more.

We played a Turkish team. Some of the players on that team played against us at Maryland for our preseason games my freshman year and they remembered me and I remembered them. It was funny to play them again.

ok that's it from Russia...

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June 15 - I'm here in Israel having a great time. A lot of practicing with the National Team. Two practices a day. We are flying to Russia in about one week for scrimmages against a few of their National Teams. Russia is usually first or second best in all of Europe, so it will be tough games. We will stay in a city called "Chekhov." It's about 40 kilometers from Moscow (the capitol of Russia).From what i hear, our living conditions will be...umm.. different...to say the least. Definitely not what we are used to in Israel and definitely now what we are used to at Maryland...no Marriott hotels where we are going. I'm just hoping for flushing toilets and a good shower...but even that is a little much to hope for.

I'll write when I get back from russia.. shay

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Articles on the Under-20 Israeli National Team's win at the Division B European National Championship in Brno, Czech Republic.

Read game-by-game recaps:
U20 Women beat Portugal
2nd win for U-20 national team
3rd win for Women's U20 Team
Israel closing in on Class A
Doron lifts Israel to Division A
U20 Women won - finished first!

More Articles:

I'm patriotic to both, Jerusalem Post, July 7, 2005

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