The JV girls soccer team returned to the pitch after a long layoff for the holidays. In fact, since the girls last played a game 18 days ago, billions of presents were delivered, the 49ers clinched the top seed in the NFC, we rang in the New Year, and Barbie won the Golden Globes’ inaugural Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award (meaning it made a LOT of money). Some of us also survived the visit from the family, went skiing, toured colleges, sat on the beach, or enjoyed a much needed holistay (aka staycation during the holidays).
Despite the long layoff, the team came out and battled from the opening kick against Clayton Valley, a Division 1 program whose Varsity team is ranked #19 in North Coast Section and whose JV team came into the contest 5-2 and riding a 3 game winning streak. Goalie Cate Mercier must have made a New Year’s resolution to stop everything shot anywhere near her as she made a great save right off the bat on a ball stuck hard enough to knock her over, and she continued to play outstanding over the course of the first half, surrendering only one goal on a ball well out of her reach that came following a corner kick. The defense continued to excel, with Helena McGinley, Michaela Barbano and others keeping the ball out of harm’s way. Ella Culbertson also played well until she went down with an injury (hope she gets better soon!).
Although Clayton Valley won the time of possession, the Dons offense did have opportunities. Grace Colaco got the first shot on goal early in the game. Elodie Jensen also had a shot in the first half that veered just wide. Grace Eppinger continued to play tough all over the field and had some nice passes and dribbles downfield. The Dons managed to convert on a goal late in the game on a shot from Elodie off an assist from Grace E (I had to leave before that goal, but from what I heard, it was a bicycle kick from about 30 yards out :). The Dons also had a corner kick opportunity at the end of the game to tie it up, but unfortunately couldn’t convert.
I wanted to give a shout out to Nina’s dad and team photographer Justin Bundy. Not only did he take pictures on his phone and send me his notes from the part of the game I missed, but he actually considered battling Ygnacio Valley traffic a second time to go home and get his other camera. Thank you Justin!
“Get to Know Coach”: Coach Alex has one younger sister
The team returns home to play Concord at 5pm on Thursday, January 11
