It was a gorgeous evening on Tuesday when the Lady Dons rolled into the Presidio in San Francisco to pay against University High. The field there is wonderful with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the fans were not watching the view as they were watching the Dons dismantle the University Devils 19 to 4. Once again it truly was not that close. All 31 players in attendance played significant minutes in this game as the team rolled out to a 14 to 1 lead and never looked back. Often I just watch this team and marvel at their athleticism and skill. This is a JV team that would defeat many Varsity Teams. They move the ball up field like a seasoned veteran team, their passing, their offensive plays and sets, their defensive help defense and sliding and their goal tending are off the charts for this level. However, the best thing about this is that they truly play well as a team and all get along extremely well. The team chemistry between these women is off the charts with the experienced players and the new players competing together as one incredible unit. One play that truly stands out was at the end of the first half with 18 seconds to go the Dons got the ball at the Devils end of the field but with three incredible passes they put themselves in position to take an excellent shot all before the half ended. The athleticism and beauty of a play like that cannot be adequately described in print!
While the teams were warming up I walked by the University team and I overheard them talking and say, “Wow they look really good”; referring to the Lady Dons. Well they were Acalanes was “really good”.
The interesting thing about Lacrosse is that how well you play does not always show up on the Stat sheet. For example Maya Stafford (almost every draw control), Edie Berzanski (several ground balls) and Grace Eppinger (three goals also) completely controlled the field both offensively and defensively yet all did register and an assist but their play was exemplified by their complete domination of the game. Though some stats truly matter as Kate Uffelman scored five goals on five shots and grabbed five ground balls, Christina had a couple of assists, goals and ground balls, Kate Beaver with two goals and three ground balls, Ella Culbertson with two goals (one of them was left handed!), Svea Staino had a beautiful assist, Stella Pacheco had goal and the “Rookie” Cate Mercier had two goals and an assist and played like a seasoned veteran!
Other players on offense that truly have stepped up their game included: Grace Hayes, Yali Avrahami, Willa Wolcott, Kinneri Vivek, and Stella DeGroot. All new player who played great!
Our Defense was led by another terrific performance by Goalie Sarah Hession. Our formidable top defenders Emme Martin, Maddie Obertello, Reese Westphal, Julia Lyons along with new players Katelyn Weiss, Molly Jones, Taryn Stevenson and Persphone Quine all created an incredible front line and
truly were a significant part of this game. I would be remiss not to mention the incredible takeaway and move down the by Julia Lyons-with speed like that she should be called Julia Lightning!
After the game the team relaxed and the parents took a picture of them which had the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. A wonderful ending to an wonderful game played by a simply amazing and talented group of young women who never cease to amaze me on and off the field.
Next week the Dons play Berkeley and it is Senior Night. Come out and watch the JV and Varsity starting at 5:30 you wont be disappointed.
GOOOOOOOOO DOOOOOOOONS!
