The women’s lacrosse team has returned to its old ways this season, impressing everyone by claiming a top seed in the NCS playoffs.
Cal (9-5 EBAL, 14-6 overall) placed second in league behind behind undefeated league champion Monte Vista and is ranked seventh in the state.
That ranking could improve after Cal defeated Foothill 10-9 in the NCS quarterfinals on Saturday. The No. 2 seeded Grizzlies scored the eventual game-winner with less than four minutes left in the game.
“We played a stronger second half,” said coach Scott Corso. “It made a difference in the game.”
In their final game of the regular season, Cal fell 10-9 to Carondolet. Cal also lost to the host Mustangs, 14-10, on April 24.
Corso thought his team played pretty well this season, but he said they couldn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“We played well, but they’re a great team,” Corso said of the Monte Vista game. “We didn’t have a great first half, but we came out hot in the second half.
Cal defeated San Ramon 16-11 at home on April 28. Corso strongly believes this was the best game that his team played all season.
“This was a big step toward a high seed in NCS,” said Corso. “At the end of the game we do game ball nominations. We had at least 10 or so players who were nominated, that is how good we played.”
Junior mid fielder Jocelyn Algieri, senior attackers Kari Taylor and Corrine Kantor, and senior goalie Emily Ledford shined as well in the Grizzlies win against the Wolves.
Sophomore Tracy Hong was brought up to varsity for the San Ramon game.
Corso said Jocelyn played great this season and could earn league MVP, the same award senior Katie Whisenhunt won last year.
“She (Jocelyn) is easily the best player in EBAL right now,” Corso said. “I believe she’s a shoo-win for MVP.”
Jocelyn, as well as Kari and Corrine, are switching off every game as team leaders in goal scoring, assists and points scored.
“Each game we are playing great and we don’t really care which one of us wins the scoring title,” said Kari. “We just play to win.”
The Grizzlies lost 13-12 to the second ranked team in California, St. Ignatius of San Francisco, on April 30.
Cal defeated Livermore 19-5 on May 1 and Granada 17-9 on May 5.
While the women had a lot of success, the men finished the season just short of a winning record.
Cal (9-11 overall, 4-10 EBAL.) beat Granada 16-8 on May 5, but lost to De La Salle 15-7 on May 7.
The Grizzlies also lost 14-7 to San Ramon on April 28. Coach John Britton was upset with his team’s play against the Wolves.
“They’re not that great this year,” said Britton. “We easily had a shot winning.”
The men lost 13-5 to Monte Vista on April 24.
“We’ve been practicing non-stop and losing by 8 to an OK team isn’t alright in my books,” said Britton.
On May 1, Cal defeated Livermore 17-3. The blowout was lead by team, EBAL and NCS scoring leader, junior James Torrey, who scored four goals.
James has had a record-breaking season with 62 goals and 42 assists.
“With this being not a great season for us, I wanted to still give all of my effort out on the field,” said James.