After a disappointing one-goal loss late Tuesday afternoon against Acalanes, the girls’ JV lacrosse team cruised to a 10-5 win over Drake on Wednesday evening to preserve their undefeated MCAL record. Freshman Graciana Ratto led the way with four goals, including three in a row to start the second half.

Redwood jumped out to an early 3-0 lead with the help of freshmen Becca Falk and Chloe Swildens. Drake then countered with two straight goals late in the first half. Freshman Samantha Glickman scored with only 15 seconds left in the first half to give Redwood a 5-3 lead.

The Giants’ suffocating defense, led by sophomores Sophia Lanciault and Elsa Kemp, gave them more offensive opportunities that allowed them to score three goals by Ratto to start the second half with an 8-3 lead. The Giants cruised the rest of the game to victory for a final score of 10-5.

Redwood coach Charlie Fager was pleased with the way his team performed.

“I thought that the whole attack team did fantastic. They started playing more team concept…they made some really nice plays,” Fager said.

Fager stressed playing together and working as a team throughout the game. He also attributed the team’s success to its use of fast-breaks and quick goals when the opponent had few defenders.

“Rather than trying to run the ball up the field, we’re using our teammates to get the ball up the field with quick passing,” Fager said.

Glickman, who was vital on defense during the game, believes that the comradery of the girls has helped them in sustaining their perfect MCAL record.

“We’ve improved a lot this year. We’ve had a lot of new players come in and they’ve really progressed. We’re starting to work as a team more,” Glickman said.

For Drake, Molly Dengler was one of the lone bright spots, scoring Drake’s first two goals late in the first half.

However, Drake struggled offensively throughout the game, continuously missing shots and committing penalties. Their offensive drought was most evident early in the second half which allowed Redwood to create an insurmountable lead. Despite the loss, Drake coach John Zerbe was pleased with the way his team performed.

“We worked really hard. We’ve got a lot to work on but overall the girls worked hard and I’m proud of that,” Zerbe said.

Coach Zerbe was complimentary of the Giants, commenting that they will try and learn from the game in order to improve in the future.

Redwood’s next game is at Redwood on Friday, March 30, against Piedmont.