AV Girls LAX - Varsity

I don’t think anyone expected the first half to unfold as it did for the Amador Valley Girls Lacrosse team. San Ramon Valley High School (SRVH) played aggressive and tenacious from the draw. Amador looked a little flat and committed multiple turnovers. Even when Amador was able to muster good defense, the Wolves found the right vulnerability at the right time. SRVH was up 0-4 in the first 8 minutes of the match. The Dons still felt they were in the match but had some unlucky breaks. Amador was looking to execute some half court offense but the SRVH goalie would send the ball away with a save. The Dons would force a turnover in the midfield to stop the break. Unfortunately, a poor pass in the midfield would see the ball sailing out of bounds and back into the Wolves hands. SRVH would drive strong and capitalize on a free penalty shot to create the largest deficit for the Dons in two years at 0-5. At the 10 min mark Bella Mayo would pick up a ground ball turnover and find Sophia Shiblaq cutting inside. Shiblaq would be pushed to the ground. The subsequent penalty shot would give the Dons their first goal of the match. The next sequence would see the Wolves take a forced turnover all the way back to goal. Defensive pressure looked to protect the Dons but a savy shot would still find the back of the net. The Dons finally won a draw only to have the ball quickly checked out. SRVH would execute another fantastic run to goal ending with a pass and shoot. Nothing seemed to be going right for the Dons. Amador tried to muster some last minute offense only to have their pass deflected. A secondary attempt by Bella Mayo sailed wide to close the half. To quote Mike Tyson, “Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the mouth.” The Dons were literally punched in the mouth this half.

SRVH started the second half by winning the draw. The Wolves finally committed an unforced turnover of their own. Kalena Johnson ran it back, weaving past defenders for a goal 2-8. Lily Manos made a nice connection with Sophia Shiblaq. Shiblaq then earned a shooting space violation. The free penalty shot was saved. The Wolves were able to go back on the offensive. The defense broke down and gave SRVH the opening they needed to push the deficit to 2-9. Amador was able to earn a turnover as SRVH struggled in transition. Mady Sweeney rolled the crease, but halted in the low post. Sweeney then passed to a cutting Lily Manos who maintained good ball control despite defensive pressure. Manos finished the cut with a strong goal. Amador looked to pick up some momentum by winning the next draw. The offense began rotating the ball. This time Mady Sweeney was able to find Bella Mayo from the low post cutting down from the top of the 8 meter. Mayo drew a shooting space violation and easily converted the penalty shot. Mady Sweeney would repeat the sequence for another goal a minute later. Sophia Shiblaq was pushed and placed on the penalty line during a drive. Shiblaq passed the penalty to a lurking Bella Mayo in the low post for goal. Mady Sweeney playing the role of field general for the third time made a nice pass from X to a cutting Kalena Johnson to narrow the game to 7-9. SRVH became very patient with their next offensive sequence to minimize mistakes. It was a beautiful pick and roll play from the top of the 8 meter to free a shooter and give the Wolves some breathing room. With time on their side the patient SRVH offense slowed the tempo and converted another opportunistic goal to stretch their lead to 7-11. Amador would continue to make it interesting as Isa Clark was able to draw a shooting space violation. A strong shot over the right shoulder of the goalie breathed some hope into Amador. However, time began to dwindle down and SRVH was able to bunker and waste the clock away. Poor protection of the ball, turnovers, unlucky defensive positioning, and not enough draw wins would contribute to the loss. It was good to see Amador not give up in the second half and nearly close the gap. SRVH deserves credit for coming out of the gate strong and not folding. I’m sure the coaches will be working hard to fire up the team and make corrections.