Baltimore Blast and myself were on our way to Monterrey Mexico this week where we were scheduled to play the first leg of the semi-final play-offs last night.

The second leg is back in Baltimore on Monday.

We ended up in second place in the regular season just behind Milwaukee Wave and we know Monterrey have a very good team and they love to counter attack.

They play well on their home field and have a great following from their fans.

The play-off atmosphere is intense and emotions will be very high in both games.

Every professional player plays the game to win a championship. Both games will be about limiting mistakes, playing well in defence and finishing chances when they present themselves.

If we can focus on these areas we will have a positive outcome.

Over the last seven years we have won five championships, so we have been in this position before and having played Monterrey in the finals last year, all the signs are for a great semi-final battle.

If the two legs end in a tie, we will play a 15 minute mini-game right after the second leg to decide who goes to the finals for the championship.

n This week I want to share with you the life of a young lady in Maryland. She is looking to work with Hope4Life and help other young people, urging them not be afraid of having a voice.

"My name is Alexandra Wolff. I am 19-years-old and I live in Maryland, and the newest addition to Hope4Life. I am an activist for anti-violence, bullying, racism, and abuse.

"I became an advocate for these causes because I experienced all the above when I was younger. I knew I had to start with this cause as I was afraid to talk about what had happened when I was younger.

"It was In school that I experienced the worst of the bullying and abuse. I would go to school and try to get an education but I couldn't concentrate on anything.

"I was so nervous about my fellow classmates picking on me that I got to the point where speaking out became difficult. When my mother went to talk to the administration, she got answers along the line of: 'All kids get bullied, or your daughter has to toughen up.'

"The harassment and bullying didn't stop there. In eighth grade I had to be taken out of school. I had to be home schooled by the county.

"I never got the experience from which my fellow classmates benefited.

"I felt hopeless, helpless and just downright depressed. Meanwhile, I was dealing with a problem at home. My mother and father got divorced when I was seven. This made me feel left out and estranged from my classmates.

"This wasn't the only issue, though. My father, to put it mildly, had some emotional sensitivities.

He was always on edge and was very anxious. I saw his temper and it sometimes came out on me. To be honest I was afraid of my dad when I was little.

"I sometimes thought he didn't love me but it was deeper than that. I believe that he was never helped out mentally.

"Still, his temper and rage that would come out on me looms in my mind. This didn't hurt me as much as my classmates' bullying though.

"On to a happier note, when I was 16, I decided to put my energy into something positive. I started speaking out at community groups, churches, and other organisations. I was determined I wasn't going to have others suffer the way I did.

"I started working with the boards of Education in Maryland and Virginia. I also was a part of House bill 199. I felt that was an honour.

"Right now at age 19, I am working to start Improve Acting groups in schools based around these subjects. I am working with my delegate and local universities on this project. Next, I hope to work with Hope 4 Life!

"This would truly be a dream to work with such a charitable programme. Thank you for letting share my story!"

Alexandra we wish you all the best and it would be a pleasure having you a part of Hope4Life as I see you will inspire many young people who may be going through similar struggles.

I do understand that you went through a lot of stress which at the time affected your mental state of mind.

Your speaking out and helping others is a tremendous goal you have set out to reach at such a young age. Many take much longer to speak out on their issues and many cannot find the courage.

I am hoping that your voice helps others share their stories and they will have the same courage you have shown. Thank you once again.

Always remember: "The start of something new brings the hope of something great. Anything is possible!

Until next time!