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Published May 21st, 2014
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Acalanes Looks Towards NCS Title
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| Mats, Cougars fall |
| By Scott Wu |
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| Sean Quinn has been key for the Dons. |
Lamorinda high schools were dominant in boys' lacrosse this year, as all three schools made it to the NCS playoffs. No. 8 seed Miramonte (7-5) and No. 10 seed Campolindo (7-5) were both eliminated from contention in the opening round. Acalanes (11-1), who is ranked 18th in the state of California, and earned the No. 1 overall seed, cruised to the semifinals. Acalanes will play No. 5 Piedmont at home tonight, May 21, with the NCS Division II finals on the line.
With a chance to win their second consecutive NCS championship, the Acalanes Dons have been competing at a high level. After beating Bay School last week 18-1, Acalanes coasted against Saint Mary's of Stockton to win by a score of 16-4.
"We have a group of ambitious players who are always ready to compete," head coach Brent Ringwood explained. The Dons are particularly strong in their offensive game. In the regular season, the Dons outscored their opponents 168-38.
"Although our defense has gotten much stronger this season, our offense is still our strongest area of competition," Ringwood stated. With this productive offense and the No. 1 seed, the Dons are on the verge of solidifying their stellar season.
The Miramonte Matadors, who have been consistent in previous years, used strong senior leadership to help them throughout their successful season.
"Team captains Jackson Doyle, Jack Murphy, Patrick Swan, and Matthew Moran really stepped up for us this year," head coach David Winford said. The Mats' defense was especially effective this year, with junior Joshua Chen and senior Moran providing a solid foundation for the team.
"These guys showed up and left everything on the field each day," Winford explained. Unfortunately, the Matadors lost to Saint Mary's of Stockton last week, 7-6. Nevertheless, they are content with their season.
"Each of our players respected one another and learned to work as one team," Winford said of the team dynamics this season.
Campolindo's team found similar success to that of the Mats. Posting an identical record, the Cougars were able to advance to the NCS playoffs. They faced San Francisco University. Despite losing 12-10, Campo is proud of their accomplishments this season.
"We fought hard in every game to the last minute of every game," head coach Mitchel Frey said. With a strong base of players returning next season, including Austin Mello who led the DFAL in goals scored, the Cougars appear poised for future success.
"I believe we can make a significantly deep run into the NCS playoffs next year," Frey states.
Make sure to check @lamorindasports for NCS updates.
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| Jack Mariani looks down field. Photos Gint Federas |
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| Jack Murphy has provided the Mats with leadership this season. |
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| Austin Mello (22) led the DFAL in goals scored. |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA