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Published April 23rd, 2014
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Dons, Mats Fight for DFAL Lax Title
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| By Scott Wu |
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| Chloe Landry and Kate Fellner Photo Gint Federas |
Midway through the girls' high school lacrosse season, two Lamorinda schools are battling for the league title. Acalanes and Miramonte sit atop the DFAL standings. The undefeated Dons have a slight edge on the Mats who are 5-1. Meanwhile, Campolindo is looking to rebuild for the future.
Miramonte (8-2 overall) hosted Acalanes on April 15, looking to give the Dons (8-4 overall, 7-0 in DFAL) their first league loss in three seasons.
Fans from both sides filled the stands, awaiting the most anticipated league match of the year. The match was close throughout. No team earned a lead over three goals and there was a total of five lead changes throughout the game.
Mats' junior Caroline Tague and Dons' Kate Fellner led their teams, scoring four goals apiece. Both Tague and Fellner recorded hat tricks before the first half ended.
Sophomore goalies Sommer Veverka of Miramonte and Acalanes' Sabba Jweainat made spectacular saves throughout the game, limiting what could have been an offensively dominated game.
In the end, Acalanes went home with the 12-10 victory, once again proving their sheer dominance in the DFAL.
Head coach Whitney Campitiello is proud of her team's commitment to success. "The girls have proven that they will overcome any mental or physical obstacles in their path," Campitiello said.
The Dons have important playoff experience and a deep roster. Senior captains Kate Fellner and Chloe Landry were both part of the 2013 squad that won the NCS Championship. Landry was named the DFAL MVP of the 2013 season. Fellner earned All-league first team honors. Jweainat was the only freshman to receive DFAL All-team honors for the 2013 season.
Despite the strong start, Campitiello notes the team needs to continue to remain focused. "While we've been successful for the past few years, we still need to keep a determined attitude and work harder than ever," Campitiello stated.
Led by new head coach Melissa Humphrey, Miramonte is excited with their start. Still, Humphrey recognizes the value consistency and improvement.
"I'm glad we have had such a solid start to our season, but I continue to remind the girls that it's not about how you start, but how you finish," Humphrey explained.
With senior captains Hannah Friel, Rachael Purcell, Mica Zimmerman, and Kady Richardson leading the team on the field, there is no doubt that the program can make a deep run into the NCS playoffs.
"We're pushing the girls to get better one step at a time and to make every day count," Humphrey stated.
Meanwhile, Campolindo, 2-4, is in the midst of a tough season. Still, the Cougars look forward to improving throughout the remainder of the DFAL season.
"The girls will have to focus on the goals they've set for themselves, which is to work hard and stay concentrated on the ultimate goal of making the NCS playoffs," head coach Jessica Hoffschneider commented.
Senior captains Jacqueline Guelfi, Megan Adachi, and Grace Carrick have been especially strong defensively this year, and continue to provide valuable leadership.
"Our team captains have worked hard to keep the girls inspired," Hoffschneider stated.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA