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Head coach John Vuong credited the Cougars cast of veterans for powering the squad to the top spot in the standings.
"The seniors have played the leadership role. Sabrina Smith is one of them. Janelle Gong and then Jamie Brown and Emily VanKoll," Vuong said of the quartet of captains. "Those are the core seniors that really lead the team to where we are today."
Now the postseason and a slate of unfamiliar opponents await, as the Cougars will be playing in the NCS Division II bracket for the first time.
"It's win or go home," Vuong said. "So we have to make sure we are sharp and stay healthy throughout the postseason."
Campolindo closed out the league portion of the schedule by beating Miramonte, 3-0, in Orinda on Oct. 27. The Mats ended DAL action with a 7-3 record after winning seven of their final nine matches.
"Our team has a lot of fight in them," said head coach Lisa Bachtold, whose team was captained by a trio of seniors in Caroline Schafer, Blake Sharp and Layne Estes.
"We have been down a few times in matches and we find a way to win. We do not give up very easily and that has been the difference between a win and a loss a few times this year."
Miramonte and Acalanes (6-4 in DAL) will both take part in the NCS Division III playoffs. As is the case with the Mats, the Dons have leaned on their most experienced players to set the tone.
"Seniors Parker Jones, Melissa Elliott, Devin Grobeck and Alex Matson have come to practices and games to improve on their individual and team play," said head coach Ernie Rodriguez. "They have been great examples to the program in their leadership and work ethic."
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA