“Hey ref, what was that?” Junior Varsity coach Bonnie Belshe said.
MVHS varsity coach Denise Eachus, who refereed the game, laughed along with Belshe, the parents and even the Los Altos High School coach in the middle of the match. Despite the high expectations to progress further through CCS this season, the mood at the scrimmage against LAHS remained light-hearted. No scores were kept, the first half ended with unofficial corner shootouts, and Mary Donahue, the LAHS coach, was close to several MVHS players through club team experience at Fly Field Hockey.
Even with the casual setting, MVHS beat LAHS 3-0. Varsity captain senior Janaye Sakkas scored all three goals during the 40 minute-long game.
Early in the first half, Sakkas made her first goal for a 1-0 lead. Towards the middle, she scored again from the right side of the circle, making the score 2-0. The Matadors dominated, taking frequent shots on goal. Sakkas controlled the middle as she created space to generate attacks. MVHS was up 2-0 at the half.
“Just work on that talking and work on that possession,” Eachus said to the team, regarding improvements in the second half.
In the second half, the Matadors continued to maintain possession. Eachus’s advice from the first half was taken into account. More play occurred on the wings this half, which opened up the field and allowed for more cross opportunities. Right winger senior Arushi Agarwala’s aggressiveness on the side and switches across the field broadened MVHS’s offensive potential.
In the last five minutes, a loose ball in front of the LAHS cage resulted in Sakkas feeding in another goal, giving MVHS the lead and the win of 3-0.
“It was satisfying,” said Agarwala.
The win wasn’t official. However, the lady Matadors believe they will be ready for when the wins start to count.
