Sticks out, mouth guards ready. The girls’ field hockey team is in full throttle for this current season and is a top competitor in the De Anza League.

The girls are 4- 2 as of Sept. 23. They played Homestead on Sept. 21 and won with a score of 2-0, with both goals scored by senior forward Tina Miller and freshman Simrita Advani, who was playing goalie and held the Mustangs out of the net.

On Sept. 16, they beat Cupertino 2-1. Team captain Miller scored the first goal with a solo attack. Cupertino responded with a quick equalizer, but the Falcons continued their high-intensity play. Senior midfielder Emily Chen capitalized on a interception in the midfield and hit it to Miller, who deflected the ball for the winning goal.

The team also had a 2-0 win at Los Altos on Sept. 14, but fell to Mitty’s home-field pressure 1-0 on Sept. 9. At home against St. Francis on Sept. 7, they lost 3-1.

Just like last year, the team has struggled with low numbers. The team only has 12 players and only has one substitute during games.

“The low numbers require us to put in a lot of work and be that much more in shape,” Miller said. “The team is really positive with it and [we] have a good attitude towards the low numbers and we know that this is just what we have to work it.”

The Falcons are looking to beat rival Los Gatos after a defeat in the CCS semifinals last year, said senior forward Kelsey Kinoshita. The girls are preparing for their matchup against the Wildcats on Oct. 5 at home.

“We like to have fun, but we know when to focus up and be serious,” Kinoshita said. “Last year, one of our coaches gave us shirts that say, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.’ We work together to get the results we want, whether it be for a certain play or an overall win.”

Due to printing deadlines the issue was not able to cover games against Lynbrook on Sept. 28 and Monta Vista on Sept. 30.