CCS expectations fell short for the girls’ field hockey team as a devastating 3-0 loss against Presentation on Nov. 14 knocked them out of the playoffs in the quarterfinal round.
The players felt that a slow start in the first half resulted in Presentation’s two goals before halftime. Despite a tough fight in the second half, Saratoga was not able to score and Presentation managed to slip in one last goal.
“The game was great in the second half since we came out the way we should have and we played really, really strong,” said head coach Kellie York. “I’m just sad we couldn’t play the whole game like that or else the outcome would have been a lot different.”
Even though the team had a disappointing end to their CCS run, their win over North Salinas on Nov. 12, which had put them through to the quarterfinals, boosted their confidence.
In the first half, senior midfielder Jordan Leonard scored by just barely diverting a hit from junior midfielder Vanessa Block into the goal. However, North Salinas returned with a quick goal just a minute after. Senior co-captain Sam Li then scored off a dribble, followed by another goal for Leonard, who rebounded a shot off of the Salinas goalie.
The second half was scoreless until North Salinas scored off a short corner. The game ended in a close 3-2 victory for the Falcons, but players thought their passing and teamwork helped to earn a spot in the quarterfinals.
“Although the score was close, as a team we really pulled through and held our own out on the field,” said Li.
Despite a less impressive sixth place finish in CCS, compared to last season’s second place, the girls felt that the season ended on a high note. Their final season record was 10-7-2.
“We dominated the second half of the Presentation game and I am very proud of how we finished the season and how well we played together,” said senior co-captain Anna Schroeder.
The field hockey season may be over, but the team will also practice and do tournaments in the spring to start preparing for next season. One thing’s for sure—the team will be looking for vengeance on Presentation next year for knocking them out of CCS.
“We had a great season,” said Li, “and I know the girls will get them back next year.”
