The winter sports season has been filled with exciting games and individual performances from the school’s athletic teams. Varsity teams were able to participate in their Central Coast Sections tournaments, competing that among the best of teams in the entire CCS.

Wrestling
After suffering through a difficult season last year during which it struggled to win any league matches, the varsity wrestling team has rebounded and completed one of it’s best seasons ever. The return of several key seniors led the team to a record of only one loss and first place in the El Camino League. The high point of the season was the team’s first tournament win in more than five years at the Bill Martell Invitational on Saturday, December 13.
Only a few wrestlers from varsity advanced to CCS, and senior Duncan Tormey continued his great play at the tournament. Duncan finished 3rd in the 145 weight class and will get the chance to continue his stellar season at the State Championships this Thursday.
“The entire team had a good season, the coaches were awesome and we all improved a lot,” Duncan said.

Girls Soccer
After three years of dominant play from varsity girls soccer that included a CCS championship two years ago, this season the team has struggled. Although 12 seniors graduated last year, the team has performed admirably.
“We didn’t let the loss of 12 seniors get to our head and we played hard and were still the best we could be,” junior Katie Cum. “We exceeded our expectations.”
The team finished its season with an overall record of 12-5-5 in the De Anza League.
Varsity girls soccer received an “at large” bid to participate in CCS for the fourth straight year and proceeded to win its first match 1-0 against Aptos High School. However, in the second round it lost to St. Ignatius High School 2-4 in overtime.

Boys Soccer
While varsity boys soccer participated in the CCS tournament last year yet, it still moved down a division for this season. In the El Camino League, it has enjoyed a highly successful season with an overall record of 10-5-2.
Although its chances at participating in CCS were slim due to its coming in second in the division to rival Mountain View Hich School, the team received an “at large” bid to participate in the tournament. However, in the first round on Wednesday, February 18, it suffered a close loss 1-0 to Willow Glen High School in a game it had dominated.
“[This season] was a good last season,” senior James Sweetman said. “You want to win a lot and make CCS, and that’s what we did.”

Girls Basketball
Like wrestling, varsity girls basketball has enjoyed a great season this year after struggling last year. After only winning three games last year, the team finished third in its league with a record of 7-5. More importantly, this season gained girls basketball a CCS bid for the first time since 2001.
Unfortunately, in its 1st round match against Leland, the team fell 49-42. True to their label as a “comeback team,” players closed the score from 14 down in the 3rd quarter to 2 points with 3 1/2 minutes left in the 4th. Despite the end to the season, the team remains proud of what it has accomplished this year.
“We had our ups and downs … but our strong zone defense carried us through,” senior captain Anna Schneider said. “To be a senior and help finally get the team [to CCS] was really nice.”

Boys Basketball
Playing in the De Anza League, the boys varsity basketball team had a “surprising” season. Although it lost several seniors, the team has more than held its ground in the upper division. Relying on quickness and great shooting, the team finished the season strong with a record of 8-4, placing them second and giving it an opportunity to participate in CCS again.
However, the team suffered a bitter loss in its CCS game. Against Pajaro Valley, its strength in shooting failed in the game it needed most. For 3 1/2 quarters it trailed, but finally, despite being down by as much as 9 in the 4th, it managed to rally and tie it with a minute and 30 seconds left at 44-44. However, in spite of the momentum shifting the team’s way, it could not score in the last minute and fell 47-44.
“The standard is high,” junior Spencer Wells said. “It was a great accomplishment to finish second this year, and we should have a high shot at contending for the league title [next year].”
For updates and scores on all spring sports, as well as Duncan’s placement at state, visit www.lahstalon.org.