The Dons continued their winning ways by defeating a physical Rodriguez High School 4-2 in the brisk night air on Friday. The Mustangs scored first, but the Dons responded well with a goal by senior Natalie Means, assisted by junior Addie Bailey. The Dons scored again, this time by freshman Taylor Mikalis, assisted by junior Tatum Zuber. The score was 2-1 at halftime, but it was clear that the Dons were not done putting the ball in the back of the net. In the second half, Tatum Zuber scored on a beautiful free kick from the 30 yard line. The Dons added a final point to the scoreboard when Natalie Means added another goal, this time surprising everyone by scoring from a distance off of a throw in. Goalie Catherine Judson was solid throughout the game and made an incredible save with 5 minutes left in the second half. Rodriguez HS scored a second goal late in the game, but the Dons retained control despite the increasing physicality of the Mustangs.

After the game, Coach Nick Barbarino highlighted the play of juniors Chloe Quintella, Jacque Peacock and Taylor Carlin on the back line and junior Camryn Salazar, senior Lauren Yee and sophomore Ella Thomason in the midfield. The win versus the Mustangs was the cherry on top of finals week, the perfect way to kick off Winter Break, and seemed to give all Dons supporters in attendance a taste of the skilled style of play that the Dons will display throughout the season.

Acalanes Girls Junior Varsity also added another win to their resume by beating the Rodriguez Mustangs 2-0. Freshmen Sienna Houston and Reiney Fish both scored for the Dons in the first half. The JV Dons posted a shutout with the excellent defense of goalie Mya Dunne, sophomore Shannon Crane, and juniors Kaitlyn Keely and Makena Chelemedos.

Acalanes Girls Soccer looks to ramp up their season after Winter Break on Tuesday, January 4th at Benicia at 7:00 for Varsity and 5:00 for JV and at home against Concord High on Thursday, January 6th at 7:00 and 5:00 as well.