Coming off its upset win over previously number one in CCS, Saint Ignatius, the Palo Alto girls’ varsity lacrosse team defeated University High School 12-3 at home on Wednesday in a non-league match-up.
The Lady Vikes started off strong, scoring six goals within the first eight minutes of play. “We definitely went out intense,” attacker Emily Benatar (’11) said. “We started strong overall form the beginning, and ended up doing really well as a team.”
On top of a dominating effort on the offensive end, the team’s defense also stepped up, allowing the Lady Vikes to control the the pace of the game for the entire first half.
Aside from home field advantage, the Lady Vikes also had a larger roster than University, who was forced to leave the same line-up in the entire game, due to its lack of subs.
Benatar, who contributed two goals, believes this game will help the Lady Vikes through their league season. “We saw that even when playing teams that are disadvantaged, we will still play at the same level of intensity.”
With a halftime score of 9-0 after two goals by attacker Brianna Boyd (’10) and one by attacker Charlotte Biffar (’13), the Lady Vikes went into the second half with the intention of improving their game and setting up their offense instead of fast-break scoring.
“We were working on transitions from defense to offense, and using our left hand,” defensive middie Gracie Cain (’11) said. “We wanted to work on weaker skills.”
However, University began to make a comeback in the second half, scoring three goals, but it was too little too late. Paly added three more goals to bring the final score to 12-3.
Dispite playing the second half with a running clock due to mercy rules, attacker Kimmie Flather (’12), Boyd, and middie Maya Fielder (’10) contributed goals to seal the Paly victory.
“When we played them last time it was a lot closer,” Cain said. “I think this game allowed us to gain confidence going into league.”
The Lady Vikes open league play at 4:00 on Wednesday, Mar. 17 at Leland High School at home.