Sophomore Avery Ball scored four goals, and the Dos Pueblos defense turned in a stellar performance, shutting down CIF-SS Division 1 Oak Park in a 10-4 season-opening girls lacrosse victory on Monday night at Scott O’Leary Stadium.
For the Division 2 Chargers, it was their first win against a Division 1 program.
“I am really proud of the way my girls played tonight,” said coach Sam Limkeman. “I contribute our win to the girls’ intensity and positive attitudes. After a year of not playing, there was something special in the air tonight. These girls look like they’ve been playing together for months, but the truth is, they’ve only just begun playing together as a team two-weeks ago as Covid restrictions lifted slightly.”
The DP defense held Oak Park to pair of goals in each half.
The pressure on the ball and interceptions by Livneh Naaman, Kenzie Hemman and Julissa Ramirez-Gijon keyed DP’s defensive effort.
“Our defense performed quick and clean doubles on the ball that prevented Oak Park from even attempting shots,” said Limkeman. “It was a low-scoring game for the Eagles and that is due entirely to the efforts of our incredible defense tonight.”
In addition to her scoring, Ball won seven of DP’s 10 draw controls. Caitlin Duncan scored two goals and had three assists, Brooke Essig tallied two goals and Lauren Elliott and Natalie Grover added one apiece for the Chargers.
Limkemen praised sophomore Autumn Litten for her ability to initiate the DP attack with her speed and passing.
Goalies Annette Bennette and Maddie Nees each played a half and had six and two saves, respectively.
“The girls went in focused and ready to play their own game regardless of the outcome,and they certainly did that,” said co-coach Jess Delgadillo. “I am super pumped to see where the rest of the season takes us.”
Dos Pueblos plays at San Marcos on Wednesday in a non-league game.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
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