Del Oro claims girls section lacrosse championship

Del Oro High School's girls lacrosse team knew this was their year. Last year's 12-11 overtime loss to rival Oak Ridge in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship game left a bitter taste in the team's collective mouth. They also knew the Trojans had 11 seniors that wouldn't be back this year. Heading into Saturday's championship final at Woodcreek High School, the Golden Eagles hadn't lost all season, including two wins over the Trojans, the last a convincing 17-7 victory on April 20, which undoubtedly gave the team a huge confidence boost. With that confidence, the Golden Eagles scored three goals in the first period and never trailed on their way to an 11-6 victory. Del Oro finished the season with a perfect 20-0 record. Oak Ridge finished 16-6 with three losses to the Golden Eagles and three others to Bay Area teams. "The girls played awesome today," Del Oro coach Steve Weber said. "I couldn't be more proud of them. It's been amazing how hard they've worked this year to make this happen, how much resilience and grit they've shown coming back to make this happen after losing in overtime last year, not having a home field and having to play at neutral sites. They've played for each other and they're proud of each other." Ellie Rivera scored two goals and Sydney Weber scored one in the first five minutes, and the game was scoreless for the remaining seven-plus minutes of the period. Oak Ridge's Rebecca Platt scored two goals to bring the Trojans to within one through the first half of the second period, as goalie Oak Ridge goalie Marissa Pasquarello and her defense held the Golden Eagles for 14 minutes without a goal. However, Del Oro scored three goals in the last six minutes of the first half to lead 6-2 at the break. Riley Weber scored twice, and Rivera had the other. Del Oro put a stranglehold on the lead with three more goals in the third period to extend their lead to 9-2. Grace Sjolie scored two, and Riley Weber had the third. Oak Ridge outscored Del Oro 4-2 in the fourth quarter. Alyssa Brady scored two goals, and Carly Rea and Platt scored the other two for the Trojans. For Del Oro, Rivera scored her game-high fourth goal and Lauren Pierson had the other. Del Oro's Catie Ingram was magnificent in goal. Del Oro achieved its goal by winning a section championship and earned a bonus by going undefeated. "Going undefeated is a tall reach any year and you can never plan on it," coach Weber said. "I knew we had an ascending team last year and that we would be better this year. Anything is possible, so I'm so happy to see it happen." The Trojans had a great season despite the loss. "I am very proud of our team," Oak Ridge coach Chris Gehrke said. "We played a good game. We just fell short on a few key areas that cost us. "Overall, the season was a success. Players were able to rise to the challenge after losing 11 seniors last year. We were able to play Trojan lacrosse all year and keep up the high standards we set for ourselves and the program. This group showed grit and determination all season and can hold their heads up high knowing they left it all on the field."