The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

TONE
We want to hear your voice!

Which school event do you most look forward to this year?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Girls' soccer ends in quarterfinals

The Girls’ Varsity soccer team, after winning the league championship, ended their season disappointed with a 2-1 loss to Santa Theresa, Saturday at Milpitas High School. After earning a bye as the number one seed, the Vikings bowed out in the quarterfinals as they were unable to hold on to an early lead.

The top seeded Vikings (14-3-3) were heavy favorites to win CCS Division I playoffs, as they were scheduled start off with 8th seeded Santa Teresa (11-9-1). The Vikings went into the playoffs with momentum, as they finished off their league season beating Gunn 7-0.

Against the titans, senior forward Kat Stolpa lead the way with two goals, earning her this year’s Most Valuable Player award in the SCVAL De Anza Division. Junior midfielder Lindsey Stirrat, junior defender Lisa Johnson, senior midfielders Emira Cowan, Rachel Hamilton, and Danielle Miller all notched goals for the Vikings.

The Vikings enjoyed a bye the first round of playoffs when the Santa Teresa Saints beat 9th seed Mountain View (14-3-2). However, Palo Alto showed they were not rusty when they jumped to an early lead in the quarterfinals against the Saints.

The lady Vikes netted the first goal when Stolpa, who is accepting a scholarship to USC, scored her 31st goal of the season, netting 58 goals in her 4-year varsity career. The Vikings had the momentum and seemed to be on their way to the semifinals.

The Vikings’ offense then stalled, and the Saints caught a break. Santa Teresa found the twine off an indirect kick that was barely deflected by a Saint player and dribbled past junior goalkeeper Perris Aufmuth.

The Saints struck again with just ten minutes left to play when Santa Teresa forward Jasmine Stephens, left wide open in front of the cage, punched in a rebound that hit off the crossbar. Paly came close on a few desperation shots, but could not find net in the waning moments.

Next season, the Vikings return with 16 players (including 7 starters), including the SCVAL De Anza Division Junior of the Year, Austin Freeman. Paly coach Jeff van Gastel, however, knows it takes more than just returning players to win. "This year, with basically everyone back, we had the best team we’ve had in my six seasons here," van Gastel said. "We won our league, but once again we lacked the mental toughness required to compete in the postseason."

Graduating this year are seniors Danielle Miller, Anna Hartley, Dani Hanabusa, Rachel Hamilton, Emira Cowan, and Kat Stolpa.

Leave a Comment

Comments (0)

All The Paly Voice Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *