 | | | Ellie Higgins, Acalanes | | | | | | The Acalanes and Miramonte girls' lacrosse teams both advanced to the NCS semifinals thanks to decisive victories on May 15.
The Dons, who landed the No. 2 seed in the Division II playoffs after ripping off a 12-0 record in league action, carved up Justin-Siena 17-5 in the quarterfinals. The key to success for the DFAL winners all season has been that squad doesn't have to count on any given player.
"One of the greatest things about this season's team is that we have a huge team, but every single player is capable of being an impact player," said head coach Katie Mitchell. "We don't have the superstars that the program has had in the past, but every girl is a very strong player. It's nice having a deep team and being able to rely on everyone on the team."
That depth was needed, as Acalanes faced off against the No. 3 seed S.F. University in the semifinals on May 19 in Lafayette. For the Dons, it's all about being mentally prepared.
"I think it's a mental game," said Mitchell. "We've worked really hard and improved a lot over the season and it's anybody's game when you step onto the field. So, I think it's just who can execute the best. Hopefully we'll come in mentally ready."
The Mats also ran up against a big-time opponent, as Miramonte traveled to Piedmont to battle with the No. 1 seed in the semifinals on May 19. The Mats advanced to that stage after dispatching their neighbor Campolindo 19-10 at home on May 15. The win marked the second time that the Mats had topped the Cougars in less than a month.
Miramonte also beat Campolindo on April 28 in what proved to be a crucial contest for both squads. Thanks in part to that win, the 9-3 Mats hung onto the second spot in the DFAL standings while the Cougars dropped into third place. As a result, the No. 4 seed Mats got to host the No. 5 seed Cougars in the NCS showdown.
For the Cougars, senior Mary Hildeburn was the star throughout 2015 season.
"She's just one of the best players in the entire league who all the girls on the team look up to," said head coach Jessica Hoffschneider.
Campolindo also has a slew of talented young players like sophomores Peyton King and Grace Burnite who provide plenty of optimism for the 2016 season and beyond.
"We have some sophomore players who are first-time varsity players and who have really impressed us and become some of the best players on the team," said Hoffschneider. "So, what's been great for us and for the future of the program is to see some of these younger players who we weren't expecting much out of really step it up."
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA