The Lady Dons confirmed that they would be back to back DAL champions as they continued their unbeaten streak with a hard fought victory away to local rival Miramonte and extended their season record to 16-0. The game started slowly with both teams struggling to work an opening and defenses on top. Chances were limited and when an opportunity arose Ava Donleavy made a good save in the Acalanes goal. It took until the fourth minute to break the deadlock when after a crisp exchange of passes Jewel Roemer scored the first goal for the Dons. Acalanes continued to press and further chances were converted by Mary Beth Heffelfinger and Roemer to make it 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter continued in the same vein with the Dons just on top but chances in short supply. After more strong defense from the Dons, a quick pass out from Donleavy found Roemer and Alana McCartney breaking fast to create a two on one and, after a rapid exchange of passes, McCartney scored for the Dons. In attack, Claire Rowell continued to work hard for the Dons and was rewarded with a score to make it 5-0 at the half.
The third quarter started with an early goal from Miramonte but that only inspired the Dons to kick on and two goals from Roemer and one from McCartney took the score to 8-2. However, if the Dons thought the game was over they had to think again as Miramonte dug deep to pull the score back to 10-6 at the end of the third despite Rowell and Roemer scoring further goals for the Dons. The fourth quarter proved to be scoreless as both sides tired and defenses continued to dominate. A final score of 10-6 meant the Dons remain undefeated and have secured back to back DAL championships. Roemer scored 5 goals with further goals from McCartney(2), Rowell (2) and Mary Beth Heffelfinger.
The JV team looked to come back from a loss to Miramonte the finals of last weekend’s NorCal Championship, where they fell to the Mats 14-2. After a hard fought game they fell again to the Mats, but this time the score was much closer, 6-4.
Next up for the Varsity team is the NorCal Invitational this weekend in Menlo Park where they will face fierce competition from the best that Northern California has to offer.