The girls varsity lacrosse team fought through adversity to bring home an 8-5 win against Marin Catholic, overcoming a tough injury early into the game to senior captain Lucy Jeffers.
The game kicked off with Marin Catholic in the lead, scoring a goal within the first few minutes. The Giants began to settle in but soon experienced a huge setback as Jeffers was fouled and forced to leave the game due to an injury
“I thought our girls did a great job sticking together, even though it was alarming that the senior captain got injured in the first quarter of the game,” Assistant Coach Billie Buck said. “To be able to stay present and find another way was impressive.”
In the second quarter, the Giants turned the game around through a series of fast breaks and managing some quick goals. Marin Catholic responded with some quick goals of their own, and the first half of the game ended in a 4-4 tie.
Head coach Lauren Yee observed the pressure that the players felt. “Our nerves definitely showed in that first half no questions, especially the first quarter,” Yee said. “A lot of it was kinda just how we persevered through it and we found a way.”
After the halftime meeting, the Giants regrouped and regained their momentum, scoring early in the third quarter. They continued to push their pace throughout the second half and built a 7-4 lead through their constant offensive pressure.
“We did a good job of going play by play and not letting anything distract us from what we were doing,” Yee said. “A theme this season is making sure we never quit. We never give up on a play.”
Marin Catholic scored a late goal due to a lucky break in the third quarter, cutting the deficit down to two goals with the score being 7-5. However, Redwood remained in control and added another goal in the final minutes of the game leading to an 8-5 victory.
Redwood’s ability to maintain their strength even without their captain showed the younger player’s ability to step up.
“At first, the girls stood waiting for someone to step up, and Claire Johnson took that initiative. She took that leadership role as a junior and we really needed it,” Buck said.
Yee also emphasized the team’s balance across all grade levels, and the freshmens’ contributions.
