The lacrosse season came to a close in CCS playoffs on Monday, May 12, after squaring off against lacrosse powerhouse Menlo-Atherton. The Bears delivered a 10-1 performance, forcing the Eagles to have a quick exit from the post-season. Senior Ben Hastings scored the team’s lone goal on a left handed quick stick shot. 

While a deeper CCS run remained out of reach for the Eagles this year, Los Altos claimed second place in the El Camino Division, the school’s third straight finish near or at the top of the league. The Eagles’ hopes of  hitting a league championship three-peat evaporated following a 14-15 loss in a nailbiter against Woodside in overtime on Thursday, May 1. Los Altos had to take down Woodside in that game to secure the better league record. 

The Eagles’ first dethroning in two years is telling of an improving league.    

“The league as a whole is becoming more and more skilled each year,” captain senior Casey Hanni said.

Next year, the lacrosse team should remain solid league title contenders, with its weakest part being its defense, according to Casey.  

“I have high hopes for next year. Our offensive line will be solid but our defense will need people to step up to the holes left by the graduating seniors,” Casey said.

The offensive line will be led by current junior AJ Guralas who led the team this year in goals (92), assists (44) and points (136). He will help the offense remain strong with his goal scoring prowess. His absence due to injury in the Menlo-Atherton game was a key factor of the loss. The team is losing senior captains Casey Hanni and Dave Huffman, who are both defenders, as well as goalkeeper senior Steven Jenab, leaving defensive positions that need to be filled for next year. 

Although the season may not have ended perfectly, the lacrosse team nonetheless had its successes. This year was the inaugural season for the junior varsity lacrosse team and the varsity team had many big wins, including starting the season off with a four-game undefeated streak.

“It was a fun season. We played well against a lot of good teams and destroyed a lot of bad teams,” senior Jake Caddes said. “This [season] was different, having to take more of a leadership role as a senior, but it was fun to see the younger players step up too.”