The Lady Dons faced a solid opponent last night, as the sun set over a bucolic Piedmont lacrosse field. “Where are all the weeds?” asked a visiting spectator. I don’t think they’re allowed on those 15 square miles of earth.

Here are the quick stats:

·         Persephone (#76) – 4 saves

·         Chloe (#65) – 3 saves

·         Talia (#47) – 6 for 6 shots on goal (whaaa?!); 1 assist; 1 loose ball controlled

·         Cate (#16) – 5 for 5 shots on goal (also batting a thousand); 1 loose ball controlled

·         Svea (#52) – 1 shot on goal; 3 assists; 3 draw controls; 2 loose balls controlled

·         Allie (#46) – 2 shots on goal; 1 draw control; 4 loose balls controlled

·         Ella (#42) – 2 shots on goal; 2 draw controls; 1 loose ball controlled

·         Savannah (#29) – 1 shot on goal; 3 loose balls controlled

·         Stella (#27) – 3 shots on goal

·         Ruby (#51) – 3 loose balls controlled

·         Julia (#36) – 2 loose balls controlled

·         Maddie (#2) – 1 loose ball controlled

Though impressive, the numbers don’t tell close to the whole story. The Highlanders came to play and defend their house, but the Dons were ready for the challenge and rose to the occasion (despite giving Aca fans some heart palpitations in the process).

Accustomed to swiveling our heads about four times a game as we swap sides each quarter, this was more like a tennis match and we all have a tinge of whiplash. The pace was furious as Piedmont and Aca fought valiantly for every ball. Huge shout out to our hustling defense – Maddy, Mic (#14), Ruby (#51), Bea (#73), and Avila (#73) – whose efforts in the face of fast and aggressive opponents made way for the victory. We also had a diligent and passionate midfield and attack in the form of Chloe (#71), Molly (#48), Elosie (#39), Samantha (#34), and Lexi (#42). Their speed, field IQ, precision passing, and grace under pressure (especially in the face of abundant whistles) made a tough competitor come up short.

This last-minute single point victory was hard fought with important lessons learned. We’re excited to see what more these amazing athletes have in store as we finish up the season, now with an 11 and 1 record!

I think this win deserves a rewrite of a time-honored Piedmont High cheer (Amy Jones can reprise her role as a Highlander cheerleader if anyone needs a demonstration):

–          Blue! Blue! Blue! Blue! (single count)

–          White. White. White. White. White. White. White. (double count)

P.S. The entire JV Dons LAX community – players, parents, fans – are standing together with Amin and the Noroozi family and send our love, strength, and peace.