With only two losses in EBAL and high hopes for post season success, women’s lacrosse is roaring into the second half of season.

After losing in the NCS semifinals last year, Cal is determined to get back to the playoffs this year and take the title. The teamwork between the players is what coach Scott Corso sees as one of the team’s best features.

“I think we play better as a team than any one else in EBAL,” said Corso.

The players view their ability to work well together as essential to performing their best as a unit.

“We all work hard and as a team,” said sophomore defender Brittany Ward. “We always encourage each other to play our best.”

The connection between returning players has also played a very important role. With several players who have already played together on varsity, the team’s experience should give them an edge over other schools.

“We’re older this year, so I think that will help us,” said senior co-captain Katie Whisenhunt.

Katie, the 2008 EBAL Most Valuable Player, is looked up to by many of the players and the team hopes her skill and experience will translate into great results.

“Katie shows a lot of leadership for the team and she’s really inspirational with her work ethic,” said junior attacker Kayla Price.

Cal has had many additional players step up to the challenge this year, including senior goalie Emily Ledford, senior attacker Kari Taylor, and junior midfielder Jocelyn Algieri.

Corso especially praised the team’s defensive development and Emily’s performances in goal so far in the season.

Cal (6-2 EBAL, 10-3 overall) has won its last three games against Amador, Granada and Livermore. 

The Grizzlies defeated Amador  11-9 on April 10.

Cal won a close game against Granada on April 3, slipping by with a 13-11 victory.

The Grizzlies crushed Livermore 13-1 on March 31.

But Cal suffered its second straight loss on March 27 when San Ramon Valley edged the Grizzlies 18-16.

“We started off slow and they took advantage by scoring early goals,” said sophomore midfielder Avi Feldman

Although the Grizzlies started league play with three straight wins, they suffered a hard 15-7 loss on March 23 to Monte Vista, which remains undefeated.

“We weren’t prepared for the game and started slow,” said Kayla. “We didn’t play as best as we could have, and we didn’t play as a team.”

Apart from this loss, the team has certainly shown its potential in its early matches, especially with a strong 9-5 win against Foothill on March 20. 

This was coming off a 7-6 win against Amador Valley on March 17, and a 12-10 win against Carondelet on March 12.

The team accredits their success to the incredible commitment and enthusiasm of Corso.

“He puts a lot of time and effort into coaching us,” Avi said. “He’s really dedicated to the team.”

The Grizzlies are looking forward to the playoffs and see few obstacles to their success.

“We just need to play the full 50 minutes of lacrosse and we’ll be able to do well,” said junior co-captain Stacy Corich.

Cal knows success this season is possible, especially since just in 2007 the girls went 22-0 for an undefeated NCS and EBAL championship season.

“We can definitely make this a winning season,” said Avi. “We just need to follow through.”