Making it to the semi-finals of NCS is no small feat. After beating Petaluma and Piedmont in decisive victories, the Dons advanced to the semi-final game against #1 seed San Marin on Tuesday evening in Novato. From the start of the game, you could tell that the Dons were playing with grit and determination and making the most of this final game. They faced a relentless offense from the Mustangs, which our defense battled fiercely, led once again by Kelly Todhunter, Avery Ives, Reese Tierney and Claire Zimmerman. Star goalie, Addie Martin left the crowd speechless with her goal stopping super powers. Meanwhile, our midfield and attack kept the team on the scoreboard. By the end of the first half, the Dons were down 9-5. They continued to battle through the third and fourth quarters, and while it wouldn’t be enough to take home the win, they played with heart and certainly gave it their all. The final score was 11-7 in favor of San Marin. 

Scoring for the Dons were Ella Thomason and Catalina Liu with two goals a piece and Tea Smith, Gracie Imrie and Emily Roberts with one each. Smith and Thomason each had one assist on the night. Grace Imrie had 2 draw controls while Ella Thomason, Grace Colaco, Avery Ives and Jenna Steele all had one. Addie Martin had an unbelievable 21 saves in goal! Coach Mark Rurka summed up Martin’s goal scoring best with his comment “Holy Cow!”. 

The Dons showed tremendous spirit and heart all season long and last night was no exception. After the quarter final game against Piedmont, the opposing team commented on how they had never seen a team with such camaraderie and spirit as they saw in the Dons. This can be attributed to the leadership of the 11 fabulous seniors (Grace Imrie, Avery Ives, Tea Smith, Addie Martin, Ella Thomason, Jenna Steele, Kelly Todhunter, Jasmine Frost, Jacqueline Kuhner, Maia Upp, and Elsa Braunstein), the wonderful coaching staff of Giles Imrie, Mark Rurka, Sydney Louie and Cate Goodman as well as our two phenomenal team parents, Kristi Ives and Krista Imrie. Together, these leaders created the foundation for great lacrosse, lots of fun and laughter, lifelong memories and close friendships. Definitely a season worth celebrating!