Mirador 3/12/10 Sports 14

Tennis Aims for NCS

by Kelsey Williams

Women’s lacrosse started off slow with a loss in their first game of the season against San Ramon Valley, 8-13, but has rebounded with recent wins over Oakridge and Berkeley, 11-5 and 9-8, respectively. With new coach Katie McMahon, the team has high hopes of bouncing back from last season’s record of 6-14.

McMahon played lacrosse for five years at UC Davis and holds the record in goals scored, ground balls, draw controls, and turnovers caused. She has three years of coaching experience at BearLax, a high school club team at UC Berkeley.

“Katie is encouraging, nice, funny, and acts like one of the players, but at the same time she has control and knows what she’s talking about. She’s really positive and always looking to help you improve,” said returning varsity player Maddie Zimmerman ‘11.

Last year, the team was disappointed that they didn’t make it to NCS and felt that their record could have been better. This year, the team returns without last year’s five seniors.

“Those seniors are going to be missed, but we have so much potential on our team this year that I don’t think it will be a factor,” said co-captain Erin Walsh ‘10.

This potential comes from a very young team, consisting of only five seniors, three of which are returning varsity players. Their weakness will be their inexperience, but they are hard working, have a strong defense, fast midfield, and great coaching

to carry them this season.Besides captains Walsh and Emily

Hinkamp ‘10 other key players include goalie Danie Albo ‘11 and midfielder/forward Alex Seclow ‘11.

“Without Danie’s amazing skill, we would be in trouble. And Alex is unassuming and always there when you need back up. She’s everywhere on the field,” said Zimmerman.

Key games this year include Acalanes, Monte Vista, and Saint Ignatius. As the toughest competitors, all of these teams will challenge Miramonte’s chance of winning DFAL. The team is determined to win DFAL and beyond this year.

“I want to win league this year, really bad. From ‘06-‘08 we were DFAL champs three times in a row. We actually want to appear in an NCS bracket this year, seeing as we didn’t make it last year. I have high hopes for this season with our new, but younger team,” said Walsh.

With five new freshmen joining the team, the team chemistry is quite different compared to last year. However, this change is a positive one.

“Our chemistry is great this year. Emily and I are making a huge effort to make sure that the team bonds well. From past experience, I know that if you don’t get along well off the field, it is going to be that much harder to work together on the field,” said Walsh.

The Lady Mats played Saint Ignatius on Thursday but results were not available as of press time.

SPORTS

by Madeleine Neuberger

While Miramonte’s varstiy tennis team excelled last season, this season their new head coach, Michael McCollom could help lead the varsity team further in all aspects of the sport.

“With a new head coach, our team is looking to get more serious because the last few years we’ve slacked off,” said varsity team member Chad Boersma, ‘11.

Last year, the Mats possessed enough talent and athleticism to win league and rank fifth in the North Coast Section. But with new determination, the team’s new coach, and eight new varsity members, they are looking to excel further this season.

The men’s tennis team is hopeful that they will win NCS and make it to state. Yet, in order to do so, they will have to get past daunting competitors, such as Monte Vista, who has been a powerhouse for the past couple of years, and Campolindo.

The Mats are excited for many of their league matches, as well as in their major tournaments, the James Logan Invitational and the San Jose Invitational.

“I’m looking forward to going to DFAL championships because we get to miss most of school for two days to play at St.Mary’s College with some of the best competitors in our league,” said Boersma.

Miramonte’s standout players include doubles players Boersma, and Michael Krakaris, ‘12, as well as singles player Andrew Pises ‘11. Despite tough competition, Miramonte’s reformed tennis team is confident that they will meet their goals. While previous coach Linda Davidson’s retirement brings big changes to the team, McCollom’s stricter coaching will push the team farther in their competitions.

Swimming Anticipates a Successful 2010

by Grant Huhn

Coming off from a very impressive season and an NCS title last year, the Matadors are hopeful that the incoming talent this season will be enough to lead them to another NCS championship. The Mats, who graduated a significant amount of senior talent last year, were 23-3-1 and ranked 21st in California last season.

“It’s going to be very hard to achieve the same things as we did last year,” said Michael Mann ‘10. “But we have a mix incoming players that are very skilled and players with a lot of experience, so it will be interesting to see what we can accomplish this season.”

With pitching aces Andrew Kjar ‘09 and John Vaccarro ‘09 gone, it will be up to Raul Jacobson ‘10, Spencer Marx ‘12, and Peter James ‘11 to carry the pitching load this season. Jacobson received minimal playing time last season because of Kjar and Vaccarro’s abilities to pitch deep into games, a role that Jacobson is expected to fill this season. With a fastball in the high 80’s mph range and good off-speed pitches, Jacobson expects to dominate league opponents.

“My arm feels great and I have a lot of confidence right now, and hopefully that carries throughout the season,” said Jacobson.

Returning starters include catcher Kevin Paulsen ‘10 and third baseman Mann, who were solid hitters last season and will have some extra pressure this season. Other definite starters include infielders Tyler Davis ‘11, Drew Jackson ‘12, and James. The outfield will most likely consist of Justin Sawrey-Kubicheck ‘10, Alex Joss ‘10, and Matt Bonomo ‘12.

“We have a good mix of power and speed in our lineup, it’s just a matter of putting it all together and executing in the games,” said Mann.

After a blowout victory against Tennyson, the Mats defeated Cardinal Newman 14-2 behind a strong pitching performance by Jacobson.

by Brian Friel

The Mats swim team is looking to repeat or improve on last year’s successes, as the boys placed second in both league and NCS and the girls placed third in league. However, after an exodus of such swimming greats as Sean Haufler ‘09, Stephen Siri ‘09, and Bret Lathrope ‘09, the Mats will need to prove themselves with a much smaller group.

“A lot of people left last year, but we also have some new additions to the team

that we think are going to do really well,” said captain Meredith White ‘11. “Our practices have had less people than in previous years, but we’re developing a really tight-knit group.”

Leading the Mats this season are captains Jeremy Unger ‘10, Ryan Higgins ‘10, Katy Yeh ‘10, Connor Byrne ‘10, Brooke Woodward ‘10 and White. Other impact swimmers for the Mats include Sierra Robbins ‘11, Samantha Swinton ‘12, Nick Deaver ‘11, Aleck Ryner ‘11, and Charlie Wiser ‘13.

“We’re expecting big things from Charlie,” said White.

The team will face a competitive schedule this season, as Campolindo and Las Lomas are capable of rivaling the Mats for a league title.

“Campo is by far the biggest team, so that alone makes them hard to beat,” said Deaver.

“Las Lomas has some very good swimmers, including senior Kasey Carlson who is one of the best breaststrokers in the world,” said Deaver.

Despite their competition, the Mats remain confident about their chances of success. Don Heidary returns for his 20th year as head coach, having led the Mats to five NCS championships.

“Donnie is very steadfast,” said White. “He coaches at a very high level and is as much as a life coach as he is a swim coach.”

The Mats will open the season on Mar. 19 when they travel to Dougherty Valley to take on the Wildcats.

Baseball Looks for NCS Repeat

Women’s Lacrosse Excited for New Season

Photo: K. Williams

The Mats listen to advice from McMahon.

Photo: D. Louie

Samantha Swinton ‘12 sprints ahead in the 100 breaststroke.

Photo: D. LouieChad Boersma ‘11 lobbies the ball during practice.

Photo: P. Maltzer

Raul Jacobson ‘10 winds up for a pitch.