Redondo girls varsity lacrosse capped off their season with a 21-1 victory against Peninsula, and although they took the win, this win took on more meaning for the team. This game not only reflected their dominance, but also gave a meaningful send off for the seniors of the team with an impressive victory.
“I think I’m most proud of what makes this team special, which is that there’s no superstar this year on this team,” head coach Trenna Hill said. “Most people would panic about that, but that’s something that we’ve really embraced. […] We have a deep scoring ability [… and] there’s probably over 10 contributors to the points in a game. I think it makes us hard to scout, and it also makes us fun to play.”
Their teamwork and determined mindset showed right away in the game. From the very start, Redondo scored, immediately establishing dominance on offense. With synchronized passes and good movement up field, the score was 8-1 within the first quarter, and Redondo only allowed due to a small gap in their defense that was quickly patched.
“I thought our transition passing looked really nice, moving the ball up and down the field,” Hill said. “We had some really nice 30-yard passes where we were getting the ball and moving up the field in about three passes.”
Overall, the girls defense stayed strong and kept Peninsula away from getting too close to score. Redondo kept up the pressure, and even with a goal from Peninsula, their spirit and teamwork never dimmed.
“Everyone got to play, and everyone got to score,” senior Maya Cozza said. “We had our defenders scoring goals, and people who didn’t score all season got to score today. So that just makes everyone happy.”
With a great finish to the first quarter, Redondo stayed resilient and didn’t let the excitement change their mindset. In the second quarter after a close goal, they fought back, making it 9-1. Then, an assist from a long pass downfield sealed the score at 10-1 in just the beginning of the quarter.
“We’re all just so excited for each other. Obviously, it’s bittersweet because we’re all leaving and it’s our last [game], but it’s also exciting,” Cozza said.
Peninsula started to make their way onto Redondo’s half of the field, but the defense tightened up and refused to let Peninsula get through.
“I wanted to score a goal because I’m a defender […] and I did that,” senior Mia Fader said. “We just wanted to make sure everyone got in. We just wanted to have fun with it.”
Entering the third quarter, the team did not slack off. Back-to-back goals from defense and offense brought the third quarter score to 15-1. With goals from those who haven’t scored all season, there were huge team celebrations both on and off the field. Every goal felt like a team effort, with players setting each other up for success and celebrating together.
“I think to always keep pushing, even when things get hard […and] there’s a lot of adversity in your face,” Cozza said. “Also the friendships I’ve made on this team […] that’s what makes this experience so special.”
Going into the fourth quarter, all the girls focused on staying ahead of Peninsula. The girls continued to get breakaways on the field and kept the energy high even during the last part of the game.
“What makes this team special is their ability to make it so that everyone feels welcomed,” Hill said. “They look after the underclassmen, the rookies, even the JV players. […] They care about the future of the program.”
Redondo continued to push Peninsula, and scored more back-to-back goals, sealing the score at 21-1. The girls maintained their hype and hustle throughout the whole game, giving the seniors a game to remember.
“I’ve made friends that I’ll treasure for a lifetime,” Fader said. “I’ve learned how to work with a team, lift people up, and just work my hardest even when it feels like I have nothing left in me.”
