In a match up that would clinch the league title, the Acalanes Dons withstood a ferocious second-half comeback from the Miramonte Matadors to secure a gritty 8-7 victory. 

Behind it all was an all-league performance from junior attacker Caleb Mason and a defensive unit that refused to break under pressure. 

At the start, Miramonte scored first with an early goal. But the rest of the half belonged to the blue and white. After falling behind 1-0, Acalanes ignited a offensive clinic. Caleb Mason began his assault on the net, followed by a strike from Grant Condy. Mason found the back of the net again before Jackson Tseng capped off a dominant first quarter, leaving the Matadors stunned and trailing 4-1.

In the second quarter, Mason added two more quick-fire goals to his tally. While Miramonte managed to briefly stem the bleeding with a lone goal, Mason quickly responded with his fifth goal of the half, sending the Dons into the locker room with a commanding 7-2 lead.

This was perhaps the best half of lacrosse the Dons played all year, anchored, of course, by the stellar play of Mason, And exceptional all-around defense from the Dons, including goalkeeper Kyle Sanftner who smothered a Matador offense that usually scores at will. Mason Lanphere also did a great job of battling for every inch at the faceoff in that first half. 

If the first half was a showcase of offensive brilliance, the second half was a test of character for both teams. The Matadors showed a lot of grit emerging from the break with renewed life and chipping away at the lead with two quick scores. Caleb Mason managed to find the net one final time for the Dons to briefly halt the momentum, but the Mats were far from finished.

Trailing 8-5 heading into the final period, Miramonte turned up the pressure. Miramonte notched two more goals in the final minutes, narrowing the gap to a single goal with just two minutes remaining on the clock.

With the momentum entirely in Miramonte’s favor and the league title hanging in the balance, the Dons’ defense retreated to the trenches. As the clock ticked down, Acalanes turned away a strong Matador attack, surviving the final surge to preserve the 8-7 win, remain undefeated in league and likely take home the league title this week. Kudos to both teams and coaching staffs for a terrific effort. 

Way to go Dons. Fear the blue!!