The Dons weren’t quite sure what quality of team they would be facing with San Marin on Tuesday night, but they were fairly certain it would be a tough, competitive game. It turns out that the Mustangs were athletic and tenacious, but the Dons were ready for the challenge. San Marin started strong, winning the first draw and putting the pressure on early. Dons Goalie Addie Martin made a great save on the Mustang’s first shot of the game. The Dons brought the ball up the field, settling into offensive possession, with senior middie Grace Imrie finding the back of the net on her first shot of the game. Imrie kept the momentum going by winning the following draw. Freshman attacker Emily Roberts kept the ball rolling, scoring a quick goal, bringing the score to 2-0. San Marin won the next draw and took a quick shot, but Martin reacted just as quickly and made the save. Senior defender Kelly Todhunter also displayed defensive strength against aggressive Mustang pressure. The Dons were once again able to settle into offense, with junior middie Lucca DeBiasse scoring the third goal of the game, forcing the Mustang coaches to take a timeout to reorganize. Unfortunately the timeout was effective with San Marin scoring two quick ones to bring the score to 3-2. The Dons’ defense held the line for the remainder of the quarter to maintain the one goal lead.

Acalanes went on a long offensive stretch in the second quarter, stringing passes together, with freshman middie Grace Colaco and Imrie both scoring goals in the ninth minute, bringing the score to 5-2. Imrie wasn’t done though, scoring yet another goal with just over two minutes left in the half. The Dons fouled off the following draw, giving San Marin the ball. The Dons’ defense was able to repossess, but then turned the ball back over to the Mustangs who took advantage and scored. San Marin continued to press, but Martin yet again made a huge save with less than a minute left in the half. The Dons worked the ball quickly up the field with senior attacker Ella Thomason scoring with just 13 seconds left in the half. The score was 7-3 in favor of the Dons going into halftime. 

San Marin started the second half with a vengeance, winning the draw and scoring a quick goal. Even though the Mustangs won the next draw, the Dons were able to regain possession, with Roberts scoring her second of the game, bringing the score to 8-4. Acalanes fouled on defense, giving the Mustangs an 8 meter, but the shot ricocheted off the sidebar. San Marin’s defense was pressuring the Dons’ offense, but amazing Imrie found a way to score her fourth goal of the game. The Dons went back on defense with Martin making another timely save. San Marin got the ball back and drew another 8 meter, but luckily the Mustangs violated the crease during the shot, nullifying a potential goal. Unfortunately the Dons turned the ball over a few times late in the quarter, giving San Marin the opportunity to score two and close the gap. Going into the final quarter, the score was 9-6 in Acalanes’ favor. 

Possession changed hands multiple times at the beginning of the final quarter, with San Marin striking first, bringing the Mustangs within two. The Dons had some chances, but the Mustangs scored yet again; the Dons held a slim one-goal lead. Ball possession went back and forth, with Martin saving another Mustang shot. Thomason was able to take advantage of a great pass by Colaco, scoring her second goal of the game. San Marin wouldn’t roll over, winning the draw and compelling Martin to make another important save. Martin distributed the ball to senior attacker Tea Smith who wisely held onto the ball for a bit. Acalanes worked the ball around on offense, shot and missed, but were able to regain possession with Roberts scoring her hat trick goal, bringing the score to 11-8, forcing San Marin to take their second timeout of the game. The Dons played great team defense, taking time off the clock. The Mustangs scored a late goal, but ultimately the Dons prevailed with Martin finishing the game the same way she started it, making her final save of the game with just 22 seconds left. Coach Mark Rurka said that it was a great team win for the Dons and that he “couldn’t be more proud of the girls after a rough Monday practice.” We love to see that Acalanes resilience! 

Next up for the Dons is a road game against Granada on Friday night at 7pm. Go Dons!