Under the lights at Ed Burke Stadium, it was a tale of two games (and two very different emotions) by the final whistle.
The JV Falcons came out sharp, focused, and relentless, putting together one of their most complete performances of the season in a 12–4 win over the La Jolla Knights. From the opening draw, it was clear this group meant business. The offense clicked in rhythm while the defense suffocated any momentum the Knights tried to build.
Eight different Falcons found the back of the net, showcasing depth and unselfish play. #11 Lola Phillips led the charge with a hat trick, adding a ground ball for good measure. Whitney Rodgers owned the hustle stats, scooping up five ground balls and adding a goal in a performance that set the tone for the entire team.
It wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. At 4–2, the JV squad is showing real chemistry and growth, and the trajectory is pointing up in a big way.
Then came the varsity game… and it had everything.
After a sluggish start put the Falcons in a 1–5 hole at the end of the first quarter, things looked shaky early. Possession issues and missed opportunities stalled the offense, while the Knights capitalized.
But good teams respond, and the Falcons did just that.
They clawed back in the second quarter, outscoring La Jolla 3–2 to cut into the deficit heading into halftime, 7–4. The third quarter turned into a heavyweight exchange, with both teams trading blows and netting four goals apiece. Every possession mattered. Every mistake felt magnified.
Then came the fourth quarter surge.
The Falcons dug deep and delivered, scoring three unanswered goals to tie the game in dramatic fashion. Momentum had completely shifted. Overtime felt inevitable.
Until it didn’t.
A late turnover gave the Knights one final opportunity. With just seconds remaining, a defensive foul set up a free position shot with two seconds left on the clock. The shot was placed perfectly, slipping past the goalie as time expired, sealing a heartbreaking loss for the Falcons.
Midfielder #10 Cathy Tonelli led the scoring effort with three goals, while Avery Stone, Katherine Zohn, Reese Rohrbach, Katherine Janis, and Kylie Clark each contributed. At goal, sophomore Siena Geringer stood tall with six key saves that kept the Falcons within striking distance all night.
Now, all eyes turn to the next test.
The Falcons return to Ed Burke Stadium for the final game of their five-game homestand in a showdown with Cathedral Catholic—a matchup that never lacks intensity. With JV riding momentum and varsity hungry for redemption, expect a pair of fired-up squads ready to make a statement.
JV is building something strong.
Varsity is right on the edge.
And if this week proved anything, it’s that both teams are far from done.
