In October of 2023, the Acalanes Dons broke the 4-year winning streak of the Miramonte Mats. Not only that, but they beat them a few weeks later at the Nor-Cal Tournament. Last year, the Dons beat Miramonte in their league game, but then lost in OT in the DAL tournament. Needless to say, there is history between these two teams. Wednesday’s games was the official opening of the renovated pool at Miramonte and Senior Night for the Matadors. The Dons weren’t bothered by the fanfore, they showed up ready play! 

Miramonte was quick off the wall and gained possession quickly. A great first block by birthday girl Adelyn Horciza gave the ball to Acalanes but nerves were running high and the Dons weren’t able to capitalize. The Mats took their momentum to the cage and scored the first goal of the game.  The Dons had some great attempted shots but just couldn’t find the back of the cage. Stellar steals by Malin Stone and Jayne Guiro regained possession for the Dons and Lily Briones sent a great pass to Finley Graff who fought off three Mats defenders to sink the ball in the twine for goal #1. Adelyn continued to block the shots in her cage and Finley Graff found the back of the cage once again to take the lead 2-1. Right before the quarter ended, Miramonte sent a lob that floated and landed in the cage to tie up the game. 

Quarter 2 started with another quick sprint from the Mats and two goals back to back. The Dons regrouped and had some great attempts and some stellar steals. At the end of the quarter, sophomore Elinor Chen sent a sweet shot to the top corner to end the quarter 3-4. 

Miramonte came out with a strong sprint in Q3, but lightning-fast Jayna Guiro stole the ball and sent it up to Finley Graff who scored and tied up the game. Adelyn Horciza continued to make great blocks in the cage. The Mats were able to regain the lead with a lob. On the next play, junior Malin Stone lined up her shot and skipped the ball in to tie up the game once again as the quarter drew to an end. 

The stands were buzzing with excitement as the fourth quarter started with a tie game. The Dons were prepared and knew what they needed to do in order to win the game. One the first play, Jayna Guiro was back in action and snagged the ball from the Mats and found Malin Stone who scored to take the lead, 6-5. Miramonte attempted a shot by Adelyn was ready for everything and wasn’t letting anything get by. Malin Stone sent another grat outside shot to take the 2-goal lead and the Dons fans were able to breath a little easier. The Mats were getting tired and Acalanes used that to their advantage and Malin Stone increased their lead with yet another strong shot from the outside. The next play gave the ball to sophomore Lucy Kerr who lined up her shot and found the back of the cage to increase the lead to 9-5. The Mats were able to sneak one by as the clock was winding down, but Jayna Guiro took the ball up to the cage and stuck the ball in the twine to increase the Dons’ lead. Miramonte tried the scuba play but Acalanes was ready and when the final buzzer rang, they claimed the victory! The Dons beat the Mats 10-6. 

What’s Next for the Dons? 

Senior Night is on Tuesday, October 20th @ Acalanes! Come cheer on our seniors: #1 Adelyn Horciza and #8 Finley Graff, as they play their last home game against Redwood High School. 

JV @ 4:30pm

Varsity @5:15pm

Senior Ceremony @6:15pm