The Los Gatos girls’ lacrosse team is off to a 4-2 start, and their record could easily be 5-1 if not for a late-game breakdown and close 12-11 loss to Palo Alto Friday.
The Wildcat girls are back in action Wednesday when they host Leland at 7:30 p.m. Los Gatos travels to Saratoga for a 4 p.m. match on Friday.
“The girls are off to a great start,” said coach Megan Steck “Their skills and knowledge of the game have improved tremendously from last year, and I anticipate them coming out very successful to end the season.”
Los Gatos played two exciting one-goal games late last week, losing by one to Palo Alto on Friday and then coming back to beat St. Francis 9-8 on Saturday.
Sophomore Taylor Bawden scored the game-winner against St. Francis with less than five minutes to play. Delaine De Beer had an outstanding game with three goals and outstanding defense that resulted in several turnovers.
“But the overall determining factor for the win goes to (goalie) Ashley Fiance, with 12 saves for the game,” said Steck. “She came up big when we needed it.”
Steck said the Cats played aggressively all game despite having just one substitute available. She praised the play of center Madeline Herder, who she said did an outstanding job controlling the draw, which was a big part of this fast-paced win.
“We had a tough time maintaining control in the midfield, but we were able to find our momentum late in the second half to hold them off,” she said.
Against Palo Alto, Los Gatos dominated early but could not hold off the talented Vikings, who are now 9-0 on the year, 5-0 in league.
“This intense match-up could have gone either way” said Steck. “We started out the game incredibly strong by controlling the midfield and maintaining possession.” The Cats had a 6-3 lead at the intermission.
The defense, led by senior Megan Long, took charge of the game early and frustrated the Palo Alto attack by not letting the Vikings drive in or even pass around the eight meter.
On offense, juniors Danielle Trapani and Noel Painter scored four goals each, and Bawden, Caitlin Denham, and Julie Wiederhold each added a goal.
“De Beer, Trapani and Painter give us a dangerous combination as their stick skills, speed, and aggressive play are phenomenal,” said Steck.
It is early in the league season, but Steck thinks her team will be in the thick of it in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League. Seven teams comprise the league — Los Gatos, Palo Alto, St. Francis, Leland, Pioneer, Gunn and Saratoga. The Cats are currently 2-1 in league play.
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