Coach Celeste Perales launched the Gilroy girls lacrosse program in the spring of 2023. By the second year, the Mustangs were competitive in Blossom Valley Athletic League play.
Year three was another fine season but then graduations hit, and the 2026 outlook was hopeful but with concern.
Yet it has been another excellent year, with new faces in new places and the same positive culture and vibe. The Mustangs finished the league season at 4-6-1 and in fourth place in a seven-team league.
In fact, after elite 12-0 Live Oak and powerful 10-2 Leland, the Mustangs were 4-2-1 against the evenly balanced four other teams, with both defeats by only a single goal. In the seven, Gilroy scored 52 and yielded 44.
“The season’s been going good for having so many new players,” said coach Perales, after the April 29 victory over Willow Glen. “We lost five senior starters. We thought the season would be tough. But we have won more than we expected to.”
Behind the powerhouse Acorns and Chargers, the BVAL standings had Sobrato at 6-5 and Gilroy just a bit behind in fourth. Behind them were Pioneer, Lincoln and Willow Glen.
“We pulled together,” Brooklyn Epps said. “We have good chemistry, because we’re all friends.”
That approach led to success in the standings and good times on and off the field. The athletes play with joy and freedom, while executing Perales’ strategies.
“The season has gone well,” defenseman Evelyn Hall said. “It’s been fun. Our team connects well. It’s because we love each other so much.”
No “one-hit wonder” here in Gilroy. The Mustangs have staying power, and they are doing it with increased player turnout, spirited camaraderie and a fun, learning environment, while doubling down on strategy and connecting on the field and off. There is buzz on campus and fans in the stands.
“We have strong midfielders in Lauren (Pulford), Brooklyn (Epps) and Cynthia (Flores),” Perales said. “Anaya (Rosso) in goal is great. She takes hard hits and makes a lot of saves. Marley (Tubach) is very athletic, and she holds it down on our defense.
“Evelyn Hall is aggressive to the ball; she intercepts a ton. Daniella Cera has shiftiness and can get past players. She’s been on fire. Overall, our communication keeps improving; that comes with chemistry.”
The team is deep and goals come from everywhere, as do big defensive plays. Other major contributors include Crystal Aceves, Aliyah Garcia, Lola Hendrickson, Maleah Lopez, Judith Torres, Jeanna Nguyen, Avery Nevin, Hall, Stella Rhodas, Susana Oritz and Daniela Lopez. Depth comes from Aleigha Baxter, Audrina Morales and Iztel Bocanegra.
Perales’ defensive strategy has been paying off. Outside of Pioneer and the two powerhouses, Gilroy allowed just 3.8 goals per game in five contests against the other league teams, with a 3-1-1 record.
“We crash on it; we play zone and we go where the ball is,” Perales said. “We meet them at their shot. They (the players) don’t want to get scored on.”
After two non-league losses against strong teams to toughen up the squad, the Mustangs embarked on the league slate on March 13. The Mustangs tied Lincoln 6-6 and lost a nailbiter to Pioneer 10-9. Gilroy buckled down and ripped Sobrato 5-1 and Willow Glen 4-2.
They next faced the two powerhouses, losing to Leland and Live Oak. Undaunted, Gilroy responded with one of their best games of the year, topping Pioneer 16-15.
“That was a heck of a game,” Perales recalled. “We were up but Pioneer kept scoring. Within the last three or four minutes, we got a goal. I told my team, ‘Don’t be frantic; play our game.’ We kinda played a little keepaway at the end.”
A visit to Sobrato on April 24 produced another nailbiter, but this one did not end so well. Flores, Nguyen and Hendrickson had early goals, but Sobrato fought back to take the lead midway through the second half and held on for a 6-5 decision.
Perales commended her players for stepping up in new roles, as the Mustangs were short-handed due to injury and illness. The team was back to full strength the next week and rebounded at home to beat Willow Glen 7-4.
Against the Rams, the first period was scoreless and then the Mustangs got rolling. Ortiz roared up the field and found Cera, who rifled a high shot into the goal from eight yards. Hendrickson added to the lead when she deked a defender with a nifty move to the inside and fired in a low shot. Pulford scored the third goal just before halftime on a bouncer for a 3-1 lead.
“In the first quarter, we were not connected,” Nguyen said. “But then we settled down and connected better.”
The Rams had dangerous chances but were foiled by the Gilroy defense and goalie Rosso. Time after time, close shots were contested and Rosso came up with a load of big saves.
“Anaya did really good; she kept us in the game,” Epps said. “She was locked in. She was like a brick wall.”
With the score just 3-2 midway through the third quarter, Gilroy exploded. Hendrickson scored on a low bouncer. Epps capped a long run with a 360-degree twist and hard shot for a tally, and Flores came from behind the net and whipped the ball into the net. Gilroy’s lead was 6-2 and the Mustangs stayed in control thereafter, winning 7-4.
“Our defense has been amazing,” Hendrickson said. “We never give up. Overall, our season has been amazing.”
The stability and quick rebuild is impressive. The birth of the program and competitive seasons in years two and three were recognized, as Perales was nominated for and awarded a USA Lacrosse “National Coach of the Year Award” last July.
“We have a great coach,” Pulford said. “She supports us and makes it fun.”
Gilroy lacrosse is now established. There are full varsity and JV teams. Players reference primary aspects of the fast-growing sport, including teamwork, constant motion, stick skills and hand-eye coordination.
“Win or lose, our efforts are always there,” Flores said. “We were losing those seniors, and we knew it would be hard this year. But we bonded and our coach helps make the bonds stronger.”
