You could cut the tension with a knife as the whistle blew to start the rematch of Acalanes vs. San Ramon Valley. Earlier in the season, the Dons lost to the Wolves by one goal, and Dons were ready for the rematch. SRV was ready as well and got right to work scoring the first two goals one right after another. Senior Olivia Whipple used her craft skills to steal the ball and sent it to sophomore Lily Briones who got the Dons on the scoreboard! On the next possession, Lily threw a great pass cross cage to Finley Graff who tipped it in to tie the game. The Wolves got back to work but birthday girl goalie, Adelyn Horciza, was having none of it and blocked the shot. The last few minutes of the quarter looked more like a swim meet as the ball headed from one side to the other with steals from Finley and Anika Rehn. The last play of the quarter included three blocks in a row to end the quarter with a tie game 2-2.
Quarter 2 started with another SRV goal right off the bat, but the Dons earned an exclusion that led to a power play and after several strong passes, sophomore Malin Stone sent it to Finley Graff who sent her second to the back of the net. On the next posession, Malin sent the ball to the back of the net to take the first lead of the game. Acalanes kept the ball rolling with a great field block by freshman Jayna Guiro followed by a steal from Anika Rehn who sent it down to Jayna who scored to expand the Dons’ lead. Olivia Whipple had another great steal and pass to senior Ella Del Rosario who scored her first goal of the game. The Wolves regrouped and scored two goals to bring the score within one, but Malin sent one to the high corner for her second of the game. The Wolves were hopping to get one more goal before the end of the half, but Malin had an epic field block to deny SRV and the quarter ended with the Dons leading 7-5
Quarter three was a quick one. SRV won the sprint, but the game turned into a swim meet again with steals by Sara Williams and Malin Stone. Acalanes did get the ball into set and Finley Graff shot a great backhand to earn her hat trick. The Wolves gained some momentum and scored the next three goals to lessen the lead and end the quarter 8-7.
The final whistle blew and Anika Rehn swam her heart out to win the sprint and gain the first posession. A 5 meter was earned and Ella Del Rosario made quick work of that to add another tally for the Dons. On the next play, SRV goalie was excluded and the Dons capitalized on the power play with great passing and nice teamwork from Malin to Finley who send the ball hurtling past all five girls in the cage to extend their lead 10-7. This fired up SRV who came back with two goals in a row to bring the game within one. Finley earned a 5-meter and Ella Del Rosario sent another in the twine. The Wolves weren’t giving up and had several attempted shots that Adelyn Horciza blocked no problem. Jayna had another great steal to regain possession which ended up in another power play and another great outside shot by Finley Graff. SRV fought to the end when they earned a power play, but Adelyn made a great block and the Dons took possession with 23 second left and took the 12-9 win against the Wolves.
What’s up Next for the Lady Dons?
Come cheer on the Dons tomorrow night when they face the Northgate Broncos for Senior Night!
Senior Ceremony 5:45pm
Varsity 6:00pm
JV 7:00pm