This past Wednesday, 9/30, The Acalanes Dons faced their toughest test of the season against the Las Lomas Knights, ultimately falling 9–3 in a hard-fought game. While the result ended the Dons’ undefeated start, the game provided plenty of opportunities to compete, adjust, and keep battling until the final whistle.
Acalanes came out ready to work, with Colin Heintz testing the Knights’ defense early. The Dons spent much of the game moving the ball patiently, looking for openings and creating opportunities through passing and movement.
Luke Wellen found himself open for an early shot, while Ryan Graff continued to make his presence felt in goal. Alexander Mura and Ben Paulsen contributed to the defensive effort, and Colin eventually broke through with Acalanes’ first goal of the game.
Ryan followed with a big block in goal, helping keep the Dons within striking distance. The defense continued to battle, while Spencer Salfen, Luke, and Ben worked to create opportunities on offense.
Acalanes entered halftime trailing 3–1.
The third quarter featured some of the Dons’ best passing sequences of the game. Spencer connected with Colin, who found Spencer again before the ball moved to Luke. Although the shot was blocked, the Dons continued to work the ball and generate chances.
Luke later converted a penalty shot opportunity, and Spencer made a strong move around a defender after receiving a pass from Colin. The shot narrowly missed, but the Dons continued to press.
The Knights extended their lead to 6–2 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw more determined play from Acalanes. Colin came up with a terrific backhand attempt, while Brady Pigeon and Colin connected on another offensive possession. Colin eventually found the net again with a backhand shot, bringing the score to 7–3.
The Dons continued passing and looking for the right opening, while Ryan kept competing in goal. Even as the Knights added two late goals, Ryan smiled through the action and kept battling, embodying the team’s positive attitude.
One loss doesn’t define a team; how it responds does. The Dons will have their next opportunity to respond when they return to the pool.
The final score was Las Lomas Knights 9, Acalanes Dons 3.