LAMORINDA WEEKLY | High School Lacrosse at Mid-Season


Jack Mariani Photos Gint Federas

As high school boys' lacrosse nears the mid-season point, all three Lamorinda teams sit in close contention. Acalanes has the slight edge with a 4-1 league record (7-1 overall). Campolindo and Miramonte are tied in the DFAL standings at 3-2. Overall Campo has earned a few more wins than the Mats, notching a 7-3 record to Miramonte's 4-4. As in recent years, Acalanes occupies a high position in the standings. However, this year the reigning DFAL and NCS champion gave up its undefeated status and top spot in the DFAL to the very strong Las Lomas.

The Dons faced Las Lomas on March 25 and walked away with a 7-9 loss. "Las Lomas was focused and we were lacking," said head coach Brent Ringwood.

Despite a tough loss, Ringwood said it was a lesson his team needed. "As much as I don't like to lose league games, it was the wake up call our guys needed to understand that no one was going to crown them anything just because they think you are good," Ringwood explained.

After the loss, the team learned that everyone is looking to dethrone the reigning champions. "There is a target on our back and we are going to get the other team's best every game. The kids know that and I think they respond well to the expectations," he said.

While Ringwood recognizes that focus has been a challenge, he credits depth of talent for their successes. "We have multiple players at every position that are capable of playing the biggest minutes of the toughest games," he noted. "No one is looking to just get their stats. Instead, they are much more focused on getting the win."

While Acalanes and Las Lomas vie for the top spot, Campo and Miramonte compete for the third spot.

Just before spring break, Miramonte hosted Campo in their first meeting of the season. The Cougars came out on top, taking the game 11-5.

Campo won the first face-off gaining possession and control at the outset. They deftly passed the ball around the goal, aiming to spread out and tire the defense, but Miramonte forced a turn-over which resulted in the first goal and only lead of the game for the Mats. Campo answered back, took the lead, and never let go. Miramonte managed to keep the Cougars to a one goal differential up to halftime.

After the half, Campo kept winning possession and spread the score, netting six more goals to Miramonte's one.

"They controlled every aspect of the game," said Miramonte head coach David Winford. "Coach Frey did a great job of having his team ready. In the second half, we couldn't keep the ball on offense and Campo capitalized on that by scoring more points than we did," he added.

Despite the loss to Campo, Winford is pleased with how the team is developing so far this season. Seniors Matt Moran, Patrick Swan, Jackson Doyle and Jack Murphy have played a vital role.

"Our team leaders have done a fine job of setting high expectations for the team and have helped the new varsity players to adapt to the varsity level of play," Winford explained.

On April 15, Miramonte travels to Acalanes to complete first round play. Teams will then get another chance to defeat their rivals when the second round of league games begins on April 18.