This season, very few teams have been able to slow down the Frosh and the Furious. Even in their close losses, often the young Dons have outpaced their opponents.

But on Saturday, Acalanes ran into a very tough, very skilled Carondelet Cougars team. After a delayed start of more than 20 minutes awaiting the referees’ arrival, the Dons got things going with an organized run finished by a nice shot on goal by Avery Titus.

The momentum shifted as the Cougars were able to mount furious attacks of their own, but the defense held in the first half marked by a few nice saves from keeper Alexa Bantique.

In the second half, locked in a scoreless tie, Piper Anderson took over as keeper and made a few great saves of her own. Unfortunately, a hand ball awarded Carondelet a free kick, which they converted.

It was followed by a second goal shortly thereafter.

But the Dons continued to rally, highlighted by effective runs from Allie Schofield down the right side. Key moments included a great ball from Allie handled by Sophie Kemper, as well as a nice pass to Avery who left it for Livvy Lewis, who tried her luck with a left-footer.

Still down 2-0, the defense continued to provide hope as Courtney Hamill ran their striker off the ball on one occasion and Shelley Khan had a number of key stops. Piper continued to fend off shot after shot, but a relentless Carondelet attack ultimately resulted in a third goal—and essentially, the game.

The Dons were not finished, however, as an afternoon match at Bishop O’Dowd loomed.