The varsity field hockey team beat Sobrato High School 2-0 at home today, September 4. This early season win will help the young squad gain confidence for the oncoming season. Los Altos scored late in the first half and added to that lead quickly in the second half. The team held back Sobrato’s attacks late in the second half, stopping all three of Sobrato’s corners to seal the victory.

The Eagles mainly relied on their speed to take control of the game.

“We’re actually trying to send the ball behind the defense into space and let our team run on,” coach Mary Donahue said. “A lot of our players, frankly, are sophomores and juniors that are just moving up to varsity this year.”

This tactic worked well throughout the game. Los Altos gained many open looks and capitalized late in the first half as sophomore Nicole Atkins scored in the 19th minute.

Sobrato called a timeout quickly afterwards. Sobrato’s late arrival limited the team’s pre-game warm-up time, so they struggled in much of the first half. Los Altos kept the ball in Sobrato’s side of the field for most of the first half, taking multiple shots on goal.

The Eagles attacked early in the second half when sophomore Anneliese Gallagher scored a goal off a ball placed brilliantly right in front of the net by junior Naomi Palmer.

However, the Eagles slowed down as legs tired late in the second half. Injuries weakened the team twice in the second half, but the setbacks were not enough to topple them. Junior Kira Winner left the game in the 10th minute of the second half and returned quickly in the 14th. Sophomore Emily Webb left in the 15th minute and did not return.

“Webb got hit with a follow-through from a stick,” Donahue said. “Winner rolled her ankle and went right back in.”

The team closed out the victory, shutting out Sobrato 2-0. This victory showed great promise for the young Eagle squad. The team’s next game will be Tuesday, September 11 at Del Mar High School at 3:30 p.m.