On Tuesday evening, the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team hosted the cross-town rival Miramonte Matadors. Although the Dons came into the contest with an impressive 11-4 record and #56 ranking in California, the Matadors had an 11-3 record, #32 ranking in California, and had beaten a short-handed Dons squad 15-6 just over a month ago. Despite the tough match-up, the game was a thrilling back and forth affair, culminating with a golden goal by Dons attacker Cate Mercier in overtime following a great run downfield by Julia Lyons. Pandemonium ensued as the girls rushed to congratulate her and celebrate the win.
On offense, the Dons scored 8 goals on 20 shots against a very tough Matador goalie. Emily Roberts scored 4 of the 8 goals for the Dons, with the others coming courtesy of Christina Hageboeck, Kelly Reidenbach, Kate Beaver, and the aformentioned Cate Mercier. One of the Dons goals came courtesy of a amazing full field sequence where Reese Tierney passed to Grace Colaco, who passed to Kelly, who passed to Emily for the goal. Grace led the team with two assists, while Reese Imrie and Kelly dished out the other ones. Grace and Kelly had the only 2 draw controls for the Dons.
The Dons defense was spectacular, playing tough against the skilled Matador attackers and midfielders the entire game. The Dons secured 13 loose balls versus only 4 for the Matadors. Kate Beaver led the team with three, Kate Uffelman, Grace, and Emily had 2 each, and Ruby Bogan, Charlotte Gellman, Reese Tierney, and Kelly had the remaining ones. Grace Eppinger also had a couple nice plays, including a rejection of a Miramonte shot. Sarah Hession turned in a MVP worthy performance, securing 6 saves off a myriad shots, many coming in fast from close range.
The Matadors secured a remarkable 17 of the 19 draws for the game. Despite the lopsided total, the Dons were ultimately able to prevail by playing great team offense, tenacious defense, and great goal play. The team hopes to carry that momentum into the last game of the season on Friday and into the NCS Playoffs the following week. Go Dons!
Please come out to the game at home against Las Lomas on Friday as the girls wrap up the regular season and celebrate the seniors. The senior ceremony begins at 6:30pm followed by game at 7:00pm.
