Coming off their win in their first match, the Varsity Boys were looking to keep the momentum alive.  They did just that as they secured a decisive victory in their home opener against the Stuart Hall Knights, 16-2.

Comparing the Dons’ first two games illustrates what one can assume was an emphasis on decision making and increasing the team’s efficiency.  In their first match, the Dons had 43 shots and 14 goals, for a success rate of 33%.  In Friday night’s game, the Dons had 23 shots and 16 goals, for a success rate of 70% – an amazing increase for the team.

The Dons had plenty of fans in the stands for their first home match and plenty of sideline cheering to keep the players hyped.  The Acalanes Boys moved the ball well from the get-go, searching for smart opportunities to get shots off.  Once again, the team played well as an overall unit, with strong work and subbing in the midfield and very dominant work in the backfield by the defense.

The Dons matched any physicality and speed that Stuart Hall tried to muster up, not allowing much momentum to build.  The Dons limited the Knights to only 9 shots for their 2 goals.  Goalie Val Grossi had 5 saves and goalie Kyle Sanftner had 2 saves. 

The Dons were quick all over the field to get into positions, defend runs, and control loose balls.  Luke Dafferner led the pack with 3 loose balls controlled on his own, while Brody Darin, Simon Appel, Griffin Rotundo, Jan Korzeniowski, Logan Houston, Sam Bishop, Henry Finegold, and Corbin Gallegos also controlled loose balls for the Dons. Ian Sanftner had another great game at faceoff, winning 16 of them.

On attack, the Dons had 4 players who had a 100% success rate – Appel had 4 shots for 4 goals, Darin had 1 shot for 1 goal, Dafferner had 1 shot for 1 goal, and Finegold got in on the action with 1 shot and 1 goal.  Rounding off the shooting were Rotundo with 4 shots for 2 goals, Korzeniowski with 5 shots for 3 goals, Caleb Mason with 5 shots for 4 goals, and Houston with 2 shots.  Appel, Rotundo, Houston, Mason, and Dafferner all added 1 assist each as well.

Come cheer on the Dons on Wednesday 3/5 as they host Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep – JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.  Both teams will travel to Bishop O’Dowd on Friday night.