MORGAN HILL Six members of the class of 2008, the first class of
four-year seniors to graduate from Sobrato High School, played
their last field hockey game on Wednesday, defeating Homestead High
School 1-0.
MORGAN HILL
Six members of the class of 2008, the first class of four-year seniors to graduate from Sobrato High School, played their last field hockey game on Wednesday, defeating Homestead High School 1-0.
The win brings the girls’ final league record to 4-6-2 for a fourth place finish in the West Valley division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League.
The only score of the game came early in the first half from Sobrato junior Jen Tran, who corralled a ball that looked to be heading out of bounds, advanced it into the circle and quickly put it into the cage.
Despite not scoring again in the game, the Bulldogs sustained a solid defensive effort to thwart any Homestead opportunities.
Junior Lindsey vanKeulen, 16, said the win was a great way to end the season, but that she will seriously miss the seniors.
“They made it worthwhile, and they’ll always be in our hearts,” VanKeulen said.
Junior Serena Santiago, 16, said it won’t be the same without this senior class, who taught her how to play field hockey.
“Even though it’s sad they are leaving, I’m glad we won our last game,” Santiago said.
Junior Kristine Faulk, 16, said that the seniors made the program better, and hopes they can take it to CCS next year.
“I hope we can do better than fourth place and make CCS next year,” Faulk said. “We’ll have nine returning players and 14 coming up from JV if they all return.”
Coach Niki Donaldson said she too will miss the girls but is looking forward to continue developing the program.
“I’m looking forward to next season now because I’ll have a whole new wave of girls,” Donaldson said. “This was our best finish so far … we’re still learning and making upward progress, and I’m very pleased with how this year went.
“It’s been a roller coaster ride and the seniors have made it exciting,” she said.
Senior Briana Fisher, who led all seniors in scoring with six goals, said she will miss the bus rides.
“This was the first year that were a real team … we set the bar,” Fisher said. “It’s exciting to see what the future years will be like for the program.”
Senior captain Megan Rotter was happy with how the team developed over the season.
“At the beginning we were trying to figure all out, but by the end we were able to work as a team,” Rotter said. “I love my team.”
Senior goalie Casey Post thanked coach Donaldson for making her and the rest of the team better players.
“Niki pushed us further than we would ever push ourselves,” Post said. “We’re like a family now.”
