Junior Emy Kelty runs down the field as Los Gatos defenders try to stop her.

– Alex Carter

After battling to advance to the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League finals, the Palo Alto High School girls’ lacrosse team dominated Los Gatos today, 15-9.

During the first half of the game, Paly took the opportunity to break ahead of Los Gatos, scoring four points in the first five minutes of the game. Los Gatos demonstrated good passing skills but fell short in offensive pressure as senior goalie Lara Cutkosky played solid defense. Cutkosky didn’t let any goals in for the first 11 minutes of the game.
 
Paly offense dominated the first half of the game, keeping Los Gatos trapped on Los Gatos’ side of the field. At the end of the first half, Paly led Los Gatos by five points, 8-3.
 
As the second half started, Los Gatos turned up the offensive pressure but the Vikings managed to hold off with stronger defense. After some struggling, the Wildcats managed to score three consecutive goals, which closed the gap to three points.  However, it was too late for Los Gatos to catch up; sophomore Nina Kelty scored two consecutive points, landing Paly with a six-point gap. Junior Layla Memar scored Paly’s final goal, brining the total to 15 points.

The game ended with Paly ahead of Los Gatos, 15-9.