It’s a busy schedule for the girls varsity lacrosse team this week, with three games packed into their schedule. Monday they started with a “fizzle,” last night brought a “bang!” and today? Well… we’ll have to wait and see(!).
Monday they faced Pleasanton’s often strong Amador Valley – – it’s a big school and their athletes leapt to an early 4 goal lead within the first 5 minutes of play. After a time out call, the Acalanes Dons strung together some good teamwork and spunky attack rides to close out the first half down only 2-6. #15 Megan Churchill chalked up a goal as did #18 Maya Wang, with a nice inside roll. The second half proved less fruitful, despite good defense and solid goalkeeping by #65 Addie Martin. Girls’ lacrosse favors the feisty, and Amador’s Dons just plain outfeisted our Acalanes Dons by scoring another 8 in the second half.
Monday’s fizzle led to a “bang” last night as the girls regained their composure in an evenly matched game against Las Lomas. For a second night, #24 Grace Imrie did a formidable job facing off against the opponent’s hotshot and high scorer: this time #14 “Lexy.” After only 6 minutes of play, the game was tied at 2-2 and we settled in for what looked like a tight game. Shortly thereafter, the Dons executed a textbook clear, distributing to the attack then a perfect assist to #12 Maya Stelzer who scored near the top of the crease. Lacrosse is beautiful when the team comes together in transition, and those stellar efforts result in goals: Acalanes continued the momentum through half-time, this time leading 6-2! #18 Maya Wang had two of the goals, #24 Grace Imrie had one, #17 Haley Rurka had one, #15 Megan Churchill had one, adding to Maya Stelzer’s beauty makes 6.
I’m not sure how to describe the second half, but a couple of yellow cards didn’t help, and the Knights took full advantage, adding 4 goals to our zero. (Maybe we need to change up the halftime rituals & bring in Will Ferrell or something? 🙂 The final 3 minutes were something for the annals of “bizzare girls lacrosse” as we sat tied at 6-6, the Don’s had just received a yellow card so were playing “man-down” for the next 2 minutes. Not good. Their star #14 Lexi had the ball,,, not good. But rather than leading the team to some man-up plays, she just held the ball and strolled around 25 yard line burning the clock for the full 2 minutes.
Usually this is when we’d all complain about the lack of a shot-clock: if you’re in the lead, you can just burn time without consequence. And that was their Coaches’ play call for the next 3 minutes: but this time not to squat on a win, but a “tie” – with one shot to make it a Win. Interesting, but definitely lacking in spirit. Well,,, in that last minute, the Don’s penalty was released, becoming “all-even,” and they built a human defense moat around goalie Addie Martin, guarding and parrying the Knights’ singular offensive effort, forcing the TIE!
The Las Lomas fans cheered for their “win-win” outcome and packed up proudly to leave with a 6-6 final score, , , the Acalanes fans grumbled and scratched their heads, bewildered by the missed opportunities in the second half and the truly uninspiring ending.
That’s when the refs showed up again: this time without their colored cards, but instead offering a final joust against the Knights: 6 minutes of overtime…switch sides after 3…golden goal (first to score wins).
They set the draw, Grace faces off, Dons win possession, a pass to #17 Haley Rurka, she charges, cuts and SCORES!
GAME OVER!! Acalanes wins another league game 7-6!!
The girls will continue their competitive week against Ygnacio Valley today, offering the Dons an opportunity to rise above their breakeven record that now stands at 3 wins & 3 losses. After a long week, they’ll surely earn some team bonding time that could lead them into another well-earned OT!😊