GHS sticks shut out by St. Francis, 6-0
LOS GATOS – Coach Adam Gemar screamed for a time-out with only one second left and the Lady Mustang stickhandlers trailing by six goals in Saturday’s quarterfinal game. He wanted to give them one final chance to score a playoff goal.
Like every member of the team was playing in their first Central Coast Section playoff game, Gemar coaching in his first CCS contest at Los Gatos High School – and he wanted nothing more than a goal.
Time ran out, but the referee put one second back on the clock to allow Gilroy a short corner. Gemar then yelled for all his players to head into the attack circle. St. Francis – which already clinched a semifinal berth – had to clear the circle before the game was whistled over.
Senior Maday Garcia sent the play in motion with a flick from the end-line to senior Amanda Cooper – who stopped the rolling ball for teammate Janelle Perez to take a whack. Perez’s shot did not get through, but it put the ball in front of the goal-mouth. The Lady Mustangs got a couple more touches before the St. Francis defense cleared the circle to eliminate Gilroy by a 6-0 spread.
“Our passing stick-to-stick was not as strong (but) our girls fought to the end,” Coach Erin Gemar said. “They were playing the best competition around. Los Gatos and Saint Francis have the top players in the Bay Area.”
The No. 2 Lady Lancers flashed their superior stickwork throughout the game and quickly proved their dominance even over No. 5 seed Gilroy – which won the Tri-County Athletic League title and came in with a 15-2-1 overall record.
“I’m proud of the girls’ performance,” Coach Erin Gemar said. “Their confidence and experience will both double next year.”
Gilroy came out on the offensive – generating an immediate scoring chance in the opening minute. Senior Meg Perkins took a free stroke from just outside the circle that was controled by teammate Karlie Sandoval – who sent a shot towards the net. An awaiting Garcia deflected the ball just wide.
“I wanted that goal right there in the very beginning,” said Coach Adam Gemar, knowing the importance of getting off to a fast start.
The Lady Mustangs stayed on the attack – getting a short corner and another free stroke – but could not find the back of the net to get on the scoreboard. After the action shifted up and down the field, St. Francis broke the scoreless tie 5:17 in on Ashley Shock’s goal off a feed from teammate Christina McGrath.
Five minutes later, the Lady Lancers struck again with Kelsey Enquist putting in a rebound. Then St. Francis scored two more goals 1:21 apart to take a commanding 4-0 lead into the break.
Gilroy remained on its heals in the second half as the Lady Lancers forced the action. Senior goalie Sam Sicard did her best – making numerous stops and kick-outs. But St. Francis could not be denied – getting a goal 6:31 in from forward Missy Crane (two goals) and a final strike by Nicole Ne with 6:15 remaining.
St. Francis will go on to Tuesday’s semifinals and play against No. 3 seed Mitty – which beat No. 7 Leigh in overtime penalty strokes, 4-3. In the other semifinal, No. 1 Los Gatos – which topped No. 6 Westmont by an 8-1 margin – will take on No. 8 Monta Vista – which upset No. 4 Saratoga, 1-0. The CCS Championship will be decided on Saturday at Los Gatos High.
