The Acalanes Girls Frosh/Soph team started the new year off strong in their first game on Saturday, January 6th, against Clayton Valley at home. A few early highlights included a breakaway save from central defender Natalie Hamill (#21), a karate kick pull down from the air by full back Rory O’Farrell (#6) and a great pass from left wing Ella Meewes (#13) to forward Svea Staino (#14) that was almost a goal. Central midfielder Caroline Tumility (#15) scored the first goal from a powerful drive and shot from the mid-field. Keeper Amelia Riley (#3) shut down a potential equalizer with a big save. Solid 1-2s between holding midfielder Eloise Greeson (#11) and central midfielder Caroline Tumility (#15) tee’d up the second goal, where Caroline shot and scored from the edge of the box. Nice combo play between forward Svea Staino (#14) and central midfielder Cassidy Smith (#8) lead to several dangerous attacking crosses. The Eagles scored their first and only goal from a lucky rebound at the beginning of the second half. A few well-taken shots from forward Kate Beaver (#5) were ever so close and center back Molly Aldrich (#19) cleared up a dangerous attack, closing out the game 2 1 to the Dons.

Goals were harder to come by in the second game of the day at Bishop O’Dowd, but not without a lot of good chances from Acalanes and a few very close shots. The first half was feisty and evenly matched, thanks to solid defending from the entire back line, including Malory DeCredico (#7) and Stella Benbow (#24). A few highlights from the second half included epic saves from guest keeper Kate Mercier (#1) and a first-time shot from central midfielder Cassidy Smith (#8) that was almost a goal. O’Dowd scored the first goal of the game with only five minutes to go and the Dons equalized immediately with a goal from forward Svea Staino (#14). Then the Dragons were given a free kick that was so well-taken there was no saving it. The Dons almost equalized again in the last minute, but the game ended 2 1 to the Dragons.