Co-operative edges persistent Cambridge, 1-0
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative girls junior varsity soccer team defeated Cambridge by a narrow 1-0 score in a game played on the Jaguars' field Wednesday.
Sofia Sotelo, the league's leading scorer, accounted for the winning margin with a second-half goal in which the eighth grader was able to get past the last Cambridge defender to set up a one-on-one confrontation with the Cambridge goalie.
Otherwise, the game had been extremely even, though the Jaguars appeared to have had more shots on goal.
September 26, 2007
JV Boys Volleyball
Can't get much closer
Jaguars squeeze by Knights -- 25-23, 26-24
From coaches' reports
In a match that was if anything even closer than the scores would indicate, the Co-operative junior varsity boys volleyball team outdueled Cambridge Wednesday afternoon at the Jaguars gym.
The junior Jaguars won the first set 25-23, and then sneaked by in the second, 26-24.
The pattern of the second game, though, was not in the usual one in close contests, in which the teams take turns holding one- or two-goal leads. Instead, Cambridge would squirt out ahead, and then Co-operative would battle back.
Cambridge led 8-1 and 15-10 in the early stages of the second game. Co-operative did not actually tie the game until the score was 16-16, at which point the Knights jumped ahead again, only to be tied at 20-20.
Cambridge then once again went ahead, 24-22, but couldn't finish the set off. The Jaguars finally got the lead, 25-24, and then came through to win the final point-- and the match.
Both teams showed sharp improvement over their play earlier in the season.
Jaguars squeeze by Knights -- 25-23, 26-24
From coaches' reports
In a match that was if anything even closer than the scores would indicate, the Co-operative junior varsity boys volleyball team outdueled Cambridge Wednesday afternoon at the Jaguars gym.
The junior Jaguars won the first set 25-23, and then sneaked by in the second, 26-24.
The pattern of the second game, though, was not in the usual one in close contests, in which the teams take turns holding one- or two-goal leads. Instead, Cambridge would squirt out ahead, and then Co-operative would battle back.
Cambridge led 8-1 and 15-10 in the early stages of the second game. Co-operative did not actually tie the game until the score was 16-16, at which point the Knights jumped ahead again, only to be tied at 20-20.
Cambridge then once again went ahead, 24-22, but couldn't finish the set off. The Jaguars finally got the lead, 25-24, and then came through to win the final point-- and the match.
Both teams showed sharp improvement over their play earlier in the season.
September 21, 2007
Mid-season Review
First half story: Close races
By David Boldt
SCISL Weblog
The acknowledged goal of the National Football League in the United States has been to achieve a condition called “parity,” meaning that any team would be capable of beating any other team in any given week of the season.
The Santa Cruz Interscholastic Sports League seems to have come close to achieving that goal this season, at least in soccer.
At more or less the halfway mark in the season three of the boys varsity soccer teams are locked in a tie for first place. In addition, more than half of the games played by the varsity girls teams have ended in ties. (Some might say the latter achievement was carrying parity too far.)
And there is a distinct possibility that in the second half things could become even more tightly meshed in both soccer and volleyball.
The Cambridge puzzle
The boys varsity soccer teams of Christian Learning, International, and Co-operative head into the second half of the season with identical 2-1 records.
And although fourth-place Cambridge is winless at mid-season, the games have been close. One of its three losses was by one goal, and two were by two goals. Moreover, the Knights, who are the defending champions, have seemed the better team during portions of all three contests.
The key to the second half of the season might be the answer to this question: Who will the Knights finally decide to beat?
Analyzing the teams by scoring disclose some gaps between them, but less than among the girls' teams:
Varsity Boys Soccer -- Team Scoring
School name – goals scored – opponents’ goals – difference (+/-)
Christian Learning – 6 – 3 -- +3
Co-operative -- 7 – 6 -- +1
International – 8 – 7 -- +1
Cambridge -- 2 – 7 -- (-5)
The individual scoring records also show a balance, with no player or players dominating action. The 23 goals recorded have been scored by 12 different players. Four players from three different schools are tied for the league lead with three goals each.
There is one category in which there is a clear distinction: Penalties. International players have received 12 yellow cards and two red cards so far this season. No other team has received half that many.
Cambridge has received the fewest penalty cards, though a Cambridge player did account for the only other red card shown. At the end of the season the league presents its “Fair Play” award to the school whose teams have received the fewest penalties.
A visit to “Tie City”
As the season opened the competition seemed to break neatly into an upper division, containing Christian Learning and Co-operative, and a lower division pitting International against Cambridge.
The two schools in the “lower division” were beaten badly in their opening encounters with the “upper division.” Christian Learning beat both International and Cambridge by the same 7-0 score. Co-operative gave International a 4-0 pasting in their first meeting.
Things seemed to be set up for two fights: Christian Learning vs. Co-operative for first place, and International vs. Cambridge for third place.
And it looked as if they would be close fights. Christian Learning and Co-operative tied 1-1 when they met, while International and Cambridge tied 2-2 the same day.
However, things took a funny twist in the final games right before the Santa Cruz Day break. International tied Christian Learning 0-0, while Cambridge and Co-operative were also fighting to a 0-0 tie.
That meant there had been four ties in the first seven games of the season. (Co-operative and Cambridge still have to play the games that were postponed when a general strike prevented play on the scheduled opening day of the season. They will play Wednesday, Sept. 26.)
Still, despite these indications of equity, Christian Learning starts the second half in possession of first place, and with a clear edge in terms of goals scored (though one needs to keep in mind that Cambridge and Co-operative have played one less game):
Girls Varsity Soccer -- Team Scoring
School name – goals scored – opponents’ goals – difference (+/-)
Christian Learning – 21 – 7 -- +14
Co-operative -- 13 – 5 -- +8
International – 6 – 18 -- (-12)
Cambridge -- 5 – 15 -- (-10)
The individual scoring among the girls has been almost as diverse as among the boys. The 24 goals have been scored by 14 different players. Daniela Brooks of Christian Learning leads the league with five goals, but no other player has more than two.
Penalties have not been a major factor in the varsity girls games, where players still help fallen opponents get up. Only four cards have been shown -- all yellow -- and no team has more than two. Cambridge has not been penalized.
International takes lead in volleyball
International defined itself as the team to beat in all volleyball categories during the opening weeks of the season. All their teams had a nucleus of outstanding players, and seemed to be better prepared for competition. In the first three weeks of the season both the Griffin boys and girls varsities were undefeated and undisputed possession of first place.
The Griffin boys, however, were given a sobering shock in their last game before the break when Christian Learning beat them in convincing fashion, thereby moving into a tie for first place, with identical 3-1 records.
However, in overall scoring statistics, the Griffin boys still had an edge. (Note that the numbers are somewhat distorted by the way in which Cambridge’s forfeit to Co-operative is scored. It was recorded as if the set scores were 25-0, 25-0. Prior to the forfeit Cambridge had a better points for/ points against balance than Co-operative.) :
Varsity Boys Volleyball -- Team Scoring
School name – points scored – opponents’ points – difference (+/-)
International – 188 – 161 -- +27
Christian Learning -- 167 – 160 -- +7
Co-operative -- 169 – 160 -- +9
Cambridge -- 76 – 153 -- (-77)
The International girls varsity still had its 3-0 undefeated status at the mid-season break, and a two-game lead in the standing. (The other three teams were tied for second place with 1-2 records.) The Griffin girls had, however, lost their straight sets streak in the third game when the Cambridge girls, the defending champions, won one set. International prevailed, however, 2-1
An analysis of the scoring underscores the Griffin girls’ dominance:
Girls Varsity Volleyball -- Team Scoring
School name – Points scored – Opponents points – difference (+/-)
International – 159 – 104 -- +55
Christian Learning – 120 – 126 -- (-6)
Cambridge – 124 – 144 -- (-20)
Co-operative – 112 – 141 -- (-29)
League play resumes Wednesday, Sept. 26, when Co-operative and Cambridge play their postponed girls soccer and boys volleyball games at Co-operative. The regular schedule picks up Thursday, with International at Christian Learning, and Cambridge at Co-operative, for boys soccer and girls volleyball. Junior varsity teams will participate both days, in both sports.
The really big story in volleyball, though, has been the overall improvement in the quality of play.
For all teams serving has become more effective, setting more precise, and "spikes" are being made into "kills." Yet at the same time that most difficult skill of all -- blocking a spike -- is being more widely used, and defenders are becoming more adept at "digging" hard-hit balls by diving to insert their fist between the ball and the floor so that it pops up to be played. With the defense keeping pace with the offense in these ways, the result is long, exciting rallies with fine plays being reciprocated again and again.
Commenting on this general improvement, Alejandra Salto, athletic director and girls volleyball coach at Christian Learning, said, "At the beginning of the season the teams were getting to know each others abilities, but now they are more competitive because they know what to expect. I think that they underestimated their abilities."
The league might be well advised to try to sell tickets to the next rematch between the International and Christian Learning boys, probably in the play-offs. It should be one of the best sports events in Santa Cruz this year.
-- Statistics for this article provided by Alejandra Salto, Christian Learning Center athletic director
By David Boldt
SCISL Weblog
The acknowledged goal of the National Football League in the United States has been to achieve a condition called “parity,” meaning that any team would be capable of beating any other team in any given week of the season.
The Santa Cruz Interscholastic Sports League seems to have come close to achieving that goal this season, at least in soccer.
At more or less the halfway mark in the season three of the boys varsity soccer teams are locked in a tie for first place. In addition, more than half of the games played by the varsity girls teams have ended in ties. (Some might say the latter achievement was carrying parity too far.)
And there is a distinct possibility that in the second half things could become even more tightly meshed in both soccer and volleyball.
The Cambridge puzzle
The boys varsity soccer teams of Christian Learning, International, and Co-operative head into the second half of the season with identical 2-1 records.
And although fourth-place Cambridge is winless at mid-season, the games have been close. One of its three losses was by one goal, and two were by two goals. Moreover, the Knights, who are the defending champions, have seemed the better team during portions of all three contests.
The key to the second half of the season might be the answer to this question: Who will the Knights finally decide to beat?
Analyzing the teams by scoring disclose some gaps between them, but less than among the girls' teams:
Varsity Boys Soccer -- Team Scoring
School name – goals scored – opponents’ goals – difference (+/-)
Christian Learning – 6 – 3 -- +3
Co-operative -- 7 – 6 -- +1
International – 8 – 7 -- +1
Cambridge -- 2 – 7 -- (-5)
The individual scoring records also show a balance, with no player or players dominating action. The 23 goals recorded have been scored by 12 different players. Four players from three different schools are tied for the league lead with three goals each.
There is one category in which there is a clear distinction: Penalties. International players have received 12 yellow cards and two red cards so far this season. No other team has received half that many.
Cambridge has received the fewest penalty cards, though a Cambridge player did account for the only other red card shown. At the end of the season the league presents its “Fair Play” award to the school whose teams have received the fewest penalties.
A visit to “Tie City”
As the season opened the competition seemed to break neatly into an upper division, containing Christian Learning and Co-operative, and a lower division pitting International against Cambridge.
The two schools in the “lower division” were beaten badly in their opening encounters with the “upper division.” Christian Learning beat both International and Cambridge by the same 7-0 score. Co-operative gave International a 4-0 pasting in their first meeting.
Things seemed to be set up for two fights: Christian Learning vs. Co-operative for first place, and International vs. Cambridge for third place.
And it looked as if they would be close fights. Christian Learning and Co-operative tied 1-1 when they met, while International and Cambridge tied 2-2 the same day.
However, things took a funny twist in the final games right before the Santa Cruz Day break. International tied Christian Learning 0-0, while Cambridge and Co-operative were also fighting to a 0-0 tie.
That meant there had been four ties in the first seven games of the season. (Co-operative and Cambridge still have to play the games that were postponed when a general strike prevented play on the scheduled opening day of the season. They will play Wednesday, Sept. 26.)
Still, despite these indications of equity, Christian Learning starts the second half in possession of first place, and with a clear edge in terms of goals scored (though one needs to keep in mind that Cambridge and Co-operative have played one less game):
Girls Varsity Soccer -- Team Scoring
School name – goals scored – opponents’ goals – difference (+/-)
Christian Learning – 21 – 7 -- +14
Co-operative -- 13 – 5 -- +8
International – 6 – 18 -- (-12)
Cambridge -- 5 – 15 -- (-10)
The individual scoring among the girls has been almost as diverse as among the boys. The 24 goals have been scored by 14 different players. Daniela Brooks of Christian Learning leads the league with five goals, but no other player has more than two.
Penalties have not been a major factor in the varsity girls games, where players still help fallen opponents get up. Only four cards have been shown -- all yellow -- and no team has more than two. Cambridge has not been penalized.
International takes lead in volleyball
International defined itself as the team to beat in all volleyball categories during the opening weeks of the season. All their teams had a nucleus of outstanding players, and seemed to be better prepared for competition. In the first three weeks of the season both the Griffin boys and girls varsities were undefeated and undisputed possession of first place.
The Griffin boys, however, were given a sobering shock in their last game before the break when Christian Learning beat them in convincing fashion, thereby moving into a tie for first place, with identical 3-1 records.
However, in overall scoring statistics, the Griffin boys still had an edge. (Note that the numbers are somewhat distorted by the way in which Cambridge’s forfeit to Co-operative is scored. It was recorded as if the set scores were 25-0, 25-0. Prior to the forfeit Cambridge had a better points for/ points against balance than Co-operative.) :
Varsity Boys Volleyball -- Team Scoring
School name – points scored – opponents’ points – difference (+/-)
International – 188 – 161 -- +27
Christian Learning -- 167 – 160 -- +7
Co-operative -- 169 – 160 -- +9
Cambridge -- 76 – 153 -- (-77)
The International girls varsity still had its 3-0 undefeated status at the mid-season break, and a two-game lead in the standing. (The other three teams were tied for second place with 1-2 records.) The Griffin girls had, however, lost their straight sets streak in the third game when the Cambridge girls, the defending champions, won one set. International prevailed, however, 2-1
An analysis of the scoring underscores the Griffin girls’ dominance:
Girls Varsity Volleyball -- Team Scoring
School name – Points scored – Opponents points – difference (+/-)
International – 159 – 104 -- +55
Christian Learning – 120 – 126 -- (-6)
Cambridge – 124 – 144 -- (-20)
Co-operative – 112 – 141 -- (-29)
League play resumes Wednesday, Sept. 26, when Co-operative and Cambridge play their postponed girls soccer and boys volleyball games at Co-operative. The regular schedule picks up Thursday, with International at Christian Learning, and Cambridge at Co-operative, for boys soccer and girls volleyball. Junior varsity teams will participate both days, in both sports.
The really big story in volleyball, though, has been the overall improvement in the quality of play.
For all teams serving has become more effective, setting more precise, and "spikes" are being made into "kills." Yet at the same time that most difficult skill of all -- blocking a spike -- is being more widely used, and defenders are becoming more adept at "digging" hard-hit balls by diving to insert their fist between the ball and the floor so that it pops up to be played. With the defense keeping pace with the offense in these ways, the result is long, exciting rallies with fine plays being reciprocated again and again.
Commenting on this general improvement, Alejandra Salto, athletic director and girls volleyball coach at Christian Learning, said, "At the beginning of the season the teams were getting to know each others abilities, but now they are more competitive because they know what to expect. I think that they underestimated their abilities."
The league might be well advised to try to sell tickets to the next rematch between the International and Christian Learning boys, probably in the play-offs. It should be one of the best sports events in Santa Cruz this year.
-- Statistics for this article provided by Alejandra Salto, Christian Learning Center athletic director
September 18, 2007
Varsity Girls Soccer
Roxy Jien (9) cranks home a goal during shoot-out (Corrected Oct. 1)Jonathan Muñoz, International School
Eagles, Griffins battle to goal-less tie
By SungChan Jang
Christian Learning Center
It was another windy day in September, but quite a different outcome for the Christian Learning and International varsity girls soccer teams.
The first time the two teams had met the Eagles had defeated the Griffins 7-0. This time the two teams fought to a scoreless draw, 0-0. International showed great improvement in its teamwork. Both teams did their best to win this game, but neither could find the back of the net.
The Eagles got the “bonus point” in the standings by winning a penalty kick shoot-out 4-2. Under a new league rule the winner of the shoot-out following a tie game gets two points in the league standings, and the loser gets 1. An outright win gains three points, while a loss scores no points.
For the Eagles, Sabrina Hallock, even with her bad ankle, was able to grab many chances to make a goal. Daniela Brooks also showed great skill with her intrepid dribbling, accurate passes and sharp kicks. She also had many chances to make a goal, but the Griffins’ goal keeper didn’t let any balls go through. She acted as if she were a wall built in front of the goal.
Brooks’ closest chance came when she took command of a rebound, and appeared to have a point blank shot at an empty net, but at the last moment Griffin defender Mariana Chavez came out of nowhere to take the ball away from her.
The Griffins had their share of chances as well, and actually dominated play in the first half of the game during which the Eagles goalkeeper handled the ball 19 times, compared to 10 for the Griffin goaltender.
The game ended with the scoreboard showing 0-0. In the shootout, which was marked by loud cheering from the players and a large crowd, four Eagles made their shots from the penalty line and two Griffins. The Christian Learning scorers were Jennifer Lau, Daniela Brooks, Roxy Jien, and Alejandra Valencia.
For International, Regina Landivar and Fernanda Sepulveda made their shots. Melissa Roca, Stephanie Saltzsieder, and Fabiana Murillo missed.
The Eagles did not take their fifth shot since victory was assured at that point.
By SungChan Jang
Christian Learning Center
It was another windy day in September, but quite a different outcome for the Christian Learning and International varsity girls soccer teams.
The first time the two teams had met the Eagles had defeated the Griffins 7-0. This time the two teams fought to a scoreless draw, 0-0. International showed great improvement in its teamwork. Both teams did their best to win this game, but neither could find the back of the net.
The Eagles got the “bonus point” in the standings by winning a penalty kick shoot-out 4-2. Under a new league rule the winner of the shoot-out following a tie game gets two points in the league standings, and the loser gets 1. An outright win gains three points, while a loss scores no points.
For the Eagles, Sabrina Hallock, even with her bad ankle, was able to grab many chances to make a goal. Daniela Brooks also showed great skill with her intrepid dribbling, accurate passes and sharp kicks. She also had many chances to make a goal, but the Griffins’ goal keeper didn’t let any balls go through. She acted as if she were a wall built in front of the goal.
Brooks’ closest chance came when she took command of a rebound, and appeared to have a point blank shot at an empty net, but at the last moment Griffin defender Mariana Chavez came out of nowhere to take the ball away from her.
The Griffins had their share of chances as well, and actually dominated play in the first half of the game during which the Eagles goalkeeper handled the ball 19 times, compared to 10 for the Griffin goaltender.
The game ended with the scoreboard showing 0-0. In the shootout, which was marked by loud cheering from the players and a large crowd, four Eagles made their shots from the penalty line and two Griffins. The Christian Learning scorers were Jennifer Lau, Daniela Brooks, Roxy Jien, and Alejandra Valencia.
For International, Regina Landivar and Fernanda Sepulveda made their shots. Melissa Roca, Stephanie Saltzsieder, and Fabiana Murillo missed.
The Eagles did not take their fifth shot since victory was assured at that point.
Joyous Eagles mob Alejandra Valencia after her kick wins shoot-out.
SungChan Jang, Christian Learning Center
SungChan Jang, Christian Learning Center
Yikes! Same story!
Jaguars, Knights also unable to score
By Sheida Anello
Co-operative School
The game between the Co-operative sand Cambridge varsity girls soccer teams played on the Jaguars campus ended in a 0-0 tie.
Co-operative won the post game penalty shoot-out 4-2 to get the “bonus point” in the league standings. A shoot-out follows all tie games under a new league rule. The winner of the shoot-out gets two points in the standings, and the loser gets one point. An outright win scores three points, and a loss gets no points.
This wasn’t the best game for either school, but Cambridge could take satisfaction in the fact that it gained a tie against a Jaguar team that might have seemed the favored team based on previous comparative scores.
Jaguar Tania Landivar had a free kick bang resoundingly off the goal post in the second half, and the Cambridge goalie made a dramatic save of another shot that appeared to be on the verge of dribbling into the goal. The Jaguar goalie also made several intrepid saves, but there were not a lot of thrilling offensive plays on the field as the defenses of both teams dominated play.
In the shoot-out, Jaguars Cecilia Aponte, Hailey White, Tania Landivar, and Alexia Handal knocked in their opportunities to shoot on goal from the penalty shot line. For Cambridge, Nadia Rocco and Andrea Saba made two amazing goals, but their teammates’ shots misfired.
The two teams will have a quick rematch. They play again next Wednesday, Sept. 26, in a make-up game for the game that was postponed because of the general strike that occurred on the opening day of the league season.
Boys Varsity Volleyball
Eagles shock Griffins with 2-0 victory
The Christian Learning boys volleyball team shocked the previously unbeaten International team with a no-nonsense straight sets victory that catapulted the Eagles into a two-way tie with the Griffins for first place.
The Eagles, clearly feeling more comfortable playing in their own gym, showed outstanding play as a group in the first set, winning 25-13. The confidence the Eagles had built up carried over into the second game, in which International tried to recover. The Griffins play improved, but the effort was not enough, and Christian Learning won 25-22.
It could be seen that the Eagles have been working and practicing to surprise other teams.
Sometimes it seemed as if the Eagle boys simply would not let the ball hit the floor on their side. Kyle Swope made some great saves on balls that International appeared to have tipped into an undefended zone. Danny Canaviri made some great serves for the Eagles and Esteban Eguez hit well from the front line.
International’s best spiker, Pablo Muñoz, was almost neutralized by the artful blocking of Eagles Tim Swope and David Lotz, who always seemed to be coming up in front of Muñoz on the other side of the net.
However, the most important factor was Christian Learning’s ability to function as a team, helping each other out, and anticipating each other’s moves. It required a very disciplined effort to beat a very good International team that had zoomed through its three previous games, losing only one set and outscoring its opponents 153-111. International won the first meeting between the two teams in straight sets.
-- This story was written from reports by Claudia Pantoja of International School and from coaches.
Cambridge forfeits to Co-operative
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative boys varsity volleyball team won its match with Cambridge Thursday by forfeit. An official from Cambridge called Co-operative shortly before game time to say that Cambridge did not have enough players to field a team. The forfeit, which is scored 25-0, 25-0, gave the Jaguars their first victory of the season, making their record 1-2. Cambridge's record fell to 0-3.
The Christian Learning boys volleyball team shocked the previously unbeaten International team with a no-nonsense straight sets victory that catapulted the Eagles into a two-way tie with the Griffins for first place.
The Eagles, clearly feeling more comfortable playing in their own gym, showed outstanding play as a group in the first set, winning 25-13. The confidence the Eagles had built up carried over into the second game, in which International tried to recover. The Griffins play improved, but the effort was not enough, and Christian Learning won 25-22.
It could be seen that the Eagles have been working and practicing to surprise other teams.
Sometimes it seemed as if the Eagle boys simply would not let the ball hit the floor on their side. Kyle Swope made some great saves on balls that International appeared to have tipped into an undefended zone. Danny Canaviri made some great serves for the Eagles and Esteban Eguez hit well from the front line.
International’s best spiker, Pablo Muñoz, was almost neutralized by the artful blocking of Eagles Tim Swope and David Lotz, who always seemed to be coming up in front of Muñoz on the other side of the net.
However, the most important factor was Christian Learning’s ability to function as a team, helping each other out, and anticipating each other’s moves. It required a very disciplined effort to beat a very good International team that had zoomed through its three previous games, losing only one set and outscoring its opponents 153-111. International won the first meeting between the two teams in straight sets.
-- This story was written from reports by Claudia Pantoja of International School and from coaches.
Cambridge forfeits to Co-operative
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative boys varsity volleyball team won its match with Cambridge Thursday by forfeit. An official from Cambridge called Co-operative shortly before game time to say that Cambridge did not have enough players to field a team. The forfeit, which is scored 25-0, 25-0, gave the Jaguars their first victory of the season, making their record 1-2. Cambridge's record fell to 0-3.
JV Girls Soccer
Co-operative defeats undermanned Cambridge, 3-0
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative junior varsity girls soccer team posted an easy 3 to 0 win Thursday against a Cambridge team that could only field 8 players. The game was played on the Jaguars field.
Sofia Sotelo tallied two goals for the Jaguars, and Giovanna Varalta scored the third.
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative junior varsity girls soccer team posted an easy 3 to 0 win Thursday against a Cambridge team that could only field 8 players. The game was played on the Jaguars field.
Sofia Sotelo tallied two goals for the Jaguars, and Giovanna Varalta scored the third.
JV Boys Volleyball
Griffin Francisco Gonzales (13) tries to block Eagle Pablo Oh's spikeJonatan Muñoz, International School
Tough match goes three sets
International barely escapes against Eagles
From coaches' reports
In a fiercely contested match in which both teams demonstrated dramatically improved skills, International ultimate wrestled a 2-1 victory away from a tenacious Christian Learning squad Thursday afternoon in the Eagles' gym.
The Eagles took the first set 26-24, with many of the points being decided only after long, varsity-length rallies, and the lead changing hands many times. It marked only the second set the Griffins JV boys had lost this year.
International then appeared to rally in the second game, and aided by several Eagle service errors built an 18-9 lead, which they then basically held to win 25-16.
The scene was then set for the deciding set, which couldn't have been closer. The two teams were within a point of each other for the entire game, with ties at 13-13 and 14-14.
At that point the Eagles seemed to become unnerved when the referee took the ball away from them and gave International a point when the Eagle player took too long to serve. It had appeared that International was going to make a substitution.
International siezed the initiative and took the next two points to win 16-14.
The most impressive aspect of the game may have been the high quality of play by both teams. Eagle coach Bob Friessen said after the game he had told his players "not to just hit the ball back," but to put some steam on the ball. That seemed to have been the same instruction that the Griffins had received, but, interestingly, the players' defensive skills were often a match for the new offensive intensity.
International showed finer technique but that seemed to be balanced by Christian Learning's heart and courage. The Eagles made a difference by digging for every ball, and making sure they made good serves. It was a long game, full of emotion. These two teams were definitely working hard to make it to the finals.
International barely escapes against Eagles
From coaches' reports
In a fiercely contested match in which both teams demonstrated dramatically improved skills, International ultimate wrestled a 2-1 victory away from a tenacious Christian Learning squad Thursday afternoon in the Eagles' gym.
The Eagles took the first set 26-24, with many of the points being decided only after long, varsity-length rallies, and the lead changing hands many times. It marked only the second set the Griffins JV boys had lost this year.
International then appeared to rally in the second game, and aided by several Eagle service errors built an 18-9 lead, which they then basically held to win 25-16.
The scene was then set for the deciding set, which couldn't have been closer. The two teams were within a point of each other for the entire game, with ties at 13-13 and 14-14.
At that point the Eagles seemed to become unnerved when the referee took the ball away from them and gave International a point when the Eagle player took too long to serve. It had appeared that International was going to make a substitution.
International siezed the initiative and took the next two points to win 16-14.
The most impressive aspect of the game may have been the high quality of play by both teams. Eagle coach Bob Friessen said after the game he had told his players "not to just hit the ball back," but to put some steam on the ball. That seemed to have been the same instruction that the Griffins had received, but, interestingly, the players' defensive skills were often a match for the new offensive intensity.
International showed finer technique but that seemed to be balanced by Christian Learning's heart and courage. The Eagles made a difference by digging for every ball, and making sure they made good serves. It was a long game, full of emotion. These two teams were definitely working hard to make it to the finals.
-- This story was written from reports by Claudia Pantoja of International School and from coaches.
Cambridge doesn't show, forfeits to Co-operative
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative junior varsity boys volleyball team won by forfeit against Cambridge Thursday afternoon after Cambridge reported that it was unable to field a team.
September 13, 2007
Varsity Boys Soccer
Eagles beat Jaguars with ease, 3-1
From coaches’ reports
The Christian Learning boys varsity soccer team had a surprisingly easy time getting past Co-operative, 3-1, in a game played on the Eagles’ home field Thursday.
Co-operative got its lone goal in the final seconds of the game. Earlier Josh Mojica, Ricardo Telchi, and Alex Apodaca had scored for Christian Learning.
Co-operative had looked to be the stronger team on paper with its record of two wins against no losses. The Eagles had won a game and lost one against the same opponents.
Thursday’s result put the two teams into a tie for first place with International School.
It’s turning out, as many predicted, that in this league this year on any given Thursday any team can win.
Cambridge is winless, but two of its losses were by slim one-goal margins. It’s widely thought unlikely that the Knights, the defending champions of the league, will have the same record in the second half of the season, which starts next week.
The first half of the game between the Eagles and the Jaguars was indeed an even match. No goals were scored. Though both teams had scoring opportunities, most of the action took place in the middle of the field.
Mojica got the scoring for the Eagles started in the second half on a free kick from just outside the penalty box. Telchi made it 2-0 when he took a well directed pass and launched a shot from at least 30 meters away.
Apodaca added the third Eagle goal when he darted forward on a corner kick and headed the ball into the goal.
As the clock wound down, the large crowd of students and parents had to have in mind the dramatic three-goal comeback Co-operative had engineered in the last ten minutes of its game against International the previous week.
Co-operative did seem to be on the verge of making some breakaways, but until the very end fleet Eagle defender Danny Canaviri was able to win the race against the Jaguar attackers and kick the ball out of danger.
In the last seconds Juan Alfredo Abuawad finally did get away from the Eagle defense to score for the Jaguars and avoid a shutout, but it was too little, too late.
From coaches’ reports
The Christian Learning boys varsity soccer team had a surprisingly easy time getting past Co-operative, 3-1, in a game played on the Eagles’ home field Thursday.
Co-operative got its lone goal in the final seconds of the game. Earlier Josh Mojica, Ricardo Telchi, and Alex Apodaca had scored for Christian Learning.
Co-operative had looked to be the stronger team on paper with its record of two wins against no losses. The Eagles had won a game and lost one against the same opponents.
Thursday’s result put the two teams into a tie for first place with International School.
It’s turning out, as many predicted, that in this league this year on any given Thursday any team can win.
Cambridge is winless, but two of its losses were by slim one-goal margins. It’s widely thought unlikely that the Knights, the defending champions of the league, will have the same record in the second half of the season, which starts next week.
The first half of the game between the Eagles and the Jaguars was indeed an even match. No goals were scored. Though both teams had scoring opportunities, most of the action took place in the middle of the field.
Mojica got the scoring for the Eagles started in the second half on a free kick from just outside the penalty box. Telchi made it 2-0 when he took a well directed pass and launched a shot from at least 30 meters away.
Apodaca added the third Eagle goal when he darted forward on a corner kick and headed the ball into the goal.
As the clock wound down, the large crowd of students and parents had to have in mind the dramatic three-goal comeback Co-operative had engineered in the last ten minutes of its game against International the previous week.
Co-operative did seem to be on the verge of making some breakaways, but until the very end fleet Eagle defender Danny Canaviri was able to win the race against the Jaguar attackers and kick the ball out of danger.
In the last seconds Juan Alfredo Abuawad finally did get away from the Eagle defense to score for the Jaguars and avoid a shutout, but it was too little, too late.
Eduardo Bedoya (No. 9, at left) takes a shot against Cambridge. (Arrow shows ball)
-- Jonathan Munoz, International School
International 3, Cambridge 2
Bedoya's goal gives Griffins a win
By Andre Candia
International School
Eduardo Bedoya scored in the final minutes to give the International varsity boys soccer team a 3-2 win Thursday over Cambridge, which had led for much of the game.
Daniel Baldivieso and Tommy Marcos accounted for the Griffins other goals. Junior Sanchez scored twice for Cambridge, the Knights’ first scores of the season. The game was played at International.
The victory moved the Griffins into a three-way tie with Co-operative and Christian Learning for first place. All have two wins and one loss. Cambridge in winless, but is not expected to remain so, meaning the race for the championship will be very tight.
Cambridge began the scoring with a tremendous free-kick by Sanchez into the topmost part of the goal that left Griffin goalie Mauricio Nostas with no chance to block it.
The score was evened at 1-1 when Baldivieso won a fight for the ball with the defense, and then poked it into the goal.
Sanchez put the Knights ahead again, only to see the score tied by Marcos on a confusing play where the ball bounced around among players until the Griffin forward got it and shot it to goal.
It looked the match would be a tie and go to a shoot-out, but in the last few minutes of the match Eduardo Bedoya scored the goal to give the Griffins the victory with a long shot that the goalkeeper couldn’t hold. It was Bedoya’s third goal of the season, and his second game-winner.
There were penalty cards for each team. For International, which is leading the league in penalties by a wide margin, Rafael Ribeiro and Janivo Schotsig got yellow cards, and Jose Luis Bedoya got a red card. Cambridge was issued one yellow card, which went to Sanchez.
JV Boys Soccer
Flat tire forces Cambridge forfeit to International
The Cambridge junior varsity was delayed by half an hour in arriving for the match with International when the school's bus had a flat tire, so International was declared the winner by forfeit.
In accordance with league rules, the score is recorded as 2-0. That was International's second win of the season against one loss. Cambridge's record now stands at 1-2.
Correction: This story originally said that the goals in a forfeit are credited to the team captain of the winning team. This turns out to be incorrect. The goals are not credited to any player.
-- Andre Candia
Co-operative wins by big score at Christian Learning
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative junior varsity boys soccer team defeated Christian Learning 10-0 Thursday. The game was played at Christian Learning
Milan Marinkovic led the Jaguar scorers with three goals. The following players scored one each: Esteban Sauto, Santiago Paz, Nicolas Handal, Marco Salvatierra, Juan Carlos Laguna and Nicolas Cronenbold. The remaining goal was accounted for by a Christian Learning defender who accidently deflected the ball into his own goal.
The Cambridge junior varsity was delayed by half an hour in arriving for the match with International when the school's bus had a flat tire, so International was declared the winner by forfeit.
In accordance with league rules, the score is recorded as 2-0. That was International's second win of the season against one loss. Cambridge's record now stands at 1-2.
Correction: This story originally said that the goals in a forfeit are credited to the team captain of the winning team. This turns out to be incorrect. The goals are not credited to any player.
-- Andre Candia
Co-operative wins by big score at Christian Learning
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative junior varsity boys soccer team defeated Christian Learning 10-0 Thursday. The game was played at Christian Learning
Milan Marinkovic led the Jaguar scorers with three goals. The following players scored one each: Esteban Sauto, Santiago Paz, Nicolas Handal, Marco Salvatierra, Juan Carlos Laguna and Nicolas Cronenbold. The remaining goal was accounted for by a Christian Learning defender who accidently deflected the ball into his own goal.
Varsity Girls Volleyball
International 2, Cambridge 1
Griffins quell Knights' uprising
From coaches' reports
The International varsity girls volleyball team had to put down an attempted insurrection by the Cambridge Lady Knights to post its third victory in as many games last Thursday at its home gym.
Things started off as they normally have for the Griffin girls, who won the first game 25-16. There were many long rallies, and good plays made on both sides, but the team from International tended to prevail.
The Knights delivered a shock in the second game however, winning 25-19. This marked the first time that the Griffin girls varsity team had lost a set this season, and seemed to set the stage for an upset. The Knights also came from behind to beat Co-operative earlier in the season, and no doubt had thoughts of doing so again.
But their plans for an upset came to naught as the Griffins reasserted the supremacy in the third set, winning 15-6, thereby consigning Cambridge, with a record of 1-2, to third place in the league.
PHOTO: Melissa Roca's service has been key to Griffin success
Jonatan Muñoz, International School
Eagles post win over Jaguars
From coaches' reports
Christian Learning's varsity girls volleyball team had only modest difficulties beating Co-operative Thursday afternoon in their home gym, winning in straight sets.
The Eagles won the first game 25 to 17. The second game started as an even battle, and
was tied at 13-13. The Eagles then proceeded to pull away gradually, winning 25-18.
Griffins quell Knights' uprising
From coaches' reports
The International varsity girls volleyball team had to put down an attempted insurrection by the Cambridge Lady Knights to post its third victory in as many games last Thursday at its home gym.
Things started off as they normally have for the Griffin girls, who won the first game 25-16. There were many long rallies, and good plays made on both sides, but the team from International tended to prevail.The Knights delivered a shock in the second game however, winning 25-19. This marked the first time that the Griffin girls varsity team had lost a set this season, and seemed to set the stage for an upset. The Knights also came from behind to beat Co-operative earlier in the season, and no doubt had thoughts of doing so again.
But their plans for an upset came to naught as the Griffins reasserted the supremacy in the third set, winning 15-6, thereby consigning Cambridge, with a record of 1-2, to third place in the league.
PHOTO: Melissa Roca's service has been key to Griffin success
Jonatan Muñoz, International School
Eagles post win over Jaguars
From coaches' reports
Christian Learning's varsity girls volleyball team had only modest difficulties beating Co-operative Thursday afternoon in their home gym, winning in straight sets.
The Eagles won the first game 25 to 17. The second game started as an even battle, and
was tied at 13-13. The Eagles then proceeded to pull away gradually, winning 25-18.
JV Girls Volleyball
Unbeaten International easily defeats Cambridge, 2-0
Juan Sebastian Narvaez
International School
The International junior varsity girls volleyball team, playing very well, won both sets in its match against Cambridge Thursday with a big difference of points in each.
International, playing in its home gym, won the first set 25-6. Cambridge had many bad serves, and fell behind 18 to 1 at one point. International's players served well, particularly seventh grader Diana Paola Melgar, whose service accounted for many of International's points.
International won the second game 25 to 16.
Jaguars squeeze, then breeze against Eagles
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative junior varsity girls volleyball team fought back to win the first game against Christian Learning Thursday by a narrow margin, then rolled to a much easier win in the second set.
The Eagles, who were playing in their home gym, built up a large lead at the beginning of the first game, leading at one point by 18-10. The Jaguars came back, however, to take the game 25-23.
The second set, during which Eagle errors became increasingly frequent while the Jaguars' play became steadier, went to Co-operative by a score of 25-17.
Juan Sebastian Narvaez
International School
The International junior varsity girls volleyball team, playing very well, won both sets in its match against Cambridge Thursday with a big difference of points in each.
International, playing in its home gym, won the first set 25-6. Cambridge had many bad serves, and fell behind 18 to 1 at one point. International's players served well, particularly seventh grader Diana Paola Melgar, whose service accounted for many of International's points.
International won the second game 25 to 16.
Jaguars squeeze, then breeze against Eagles
From coaches' reports
The Co-operative junior varsity girls volleyball team fought back to win the first game against Christian Learning Thursday by a narrow margin, then rolled to a much easier win in the second set.
The Eagles, who were playing in their home gym, built up a large lead at the beginning of the first game, leading at one point by 18-10. The Jaguars came back, however, to take the game 25-23.
The second set, during which Eagle errors became increasingly frequent while the Jaguars' play became steadier, went to Co-operative by a score of 25-17.
September 11, 2007
Varsity Girls Soccer
Co-operative wins shoot-out
Eagles, Jaguars battle to a 1-1 draw
Christian Learning and Co-operative started Tuesday afternoon unbeaten, and emerged from their encounter at the Eagles’ field still unbeaten, but with a tie on both their records.
The final score was 1-1.
Under a new league rule, tie games are to be followed by a “shoot out” in which five players from each team try to score from the penalty marker, a short distance from the goal. The winner of the shoot-out is credited with two points in the standings, the loser receives one point. (An outright win is worth three points.) Co-operative won the shoot-out 4-2.
The game was as close as the score would indicate. Eagle co-captain Jennifer Lau scored first, and that goal accounted for all of the scoring in the first half, though there were plenty of near-misses. One Jaguar shot hit the goal post, and there were several others stopped only by the sure-handed saves of the Eagle goalie.
In the second half the Eagle girls were able to keep the ball in the Jaguars end for much of the game, and had a number of shots on goal, but the Jaguars would repeatedly make lightning raids on the Eagle goal that were thwarted only at the last moment by the goalie or errant marksmanship.
Finally Jaguar Hailey White got her foot on the ball in front of the Eagle goal and didn’t miss, knotting the score at one all.
The tie was nearly broken in the last seconds of the game when Sabrina Hallock of Christian Learning broke loose and was apparently set for a point blank shot at the Jaguar goal, but the Co-operative goalie, in a daring move, charged out and snuffed the shot.
In the shoot out, Cecelia Aponte, Hailey White, Tania Landivar, and Alexia Handal made good on their shots for the Jaguars.
Jennifer Lau and Roxy Jien successfully converted their shots for the Eagles.
-- This story was written from reports provided by John Vargas of Christian Learning and coaches.
International takes shoot out
Knights, Griffins end up even at 2-2
By Roya Nowroozyani
International School
International School and Cambridge College varsity girls soccer teams fought to a 2-2 tie on the Griffins home field Tuesday.
Under a new league rule, tie games are followed by a shoot-out in which five players from each team take penalty shots with only the opposing goalie defending. The winner of the shoot-out is awarded two points in the league standings, and the loser gets one point. (An unequivocal win is worth three points.
International won the shoot-out 2-1.
The game started out badly for the Knights, with their goalie, Raquel Yambae, fumbled a shot by Fabiana Murillo Monasterio, which then rolled into the goal. However, Cambridge soon recuperated and took a 2-1 lead after decisive goals by Manuela Yañez and Moira Vaca.
Griffin Stephanie Saltzsieder evened out the game with her kick, which seemed to curl downward miraculously to slip just inches below the crossbar and give the Griffins the tie they yearned for.
Both teams played hard and had other scoring opportunities. Yellow cards were issued to players on both teams.
In the penalty shoot-out, the Knights scored first on a goal by Lourdes Justiniano that flew past the Griffins goalkeeper, Regina Landivar.
The Griffins evened things up on a shot by Landivar, the Griffin goalie. Monasterio was the last player to take a shot for International. She made it, putting the home team ahead in the shoot-out, 2-1.
The other shots were either saved by the goalkeepers, or missed the net.
Neither team had scored before this game, but both played aggressively, perhaps giving a preview of greater success in the rest of the season.
Eagles, Jaguars battle to a 1-1 draw
Christian Learning and Co-operative started Tuesday afternoon unbeaten, and emerged from their encounter at the Eagles’ field still unbeaten, but with a tie on both their records.
The final score was 1-1.
Under a new league rule, tie games are to be followed by a “shoot out” in which five players from each team try to score from the penalty marker, a short distance from the goal. The winner of the shoot-out is credited with two points in the standings, the loser receives one point. (An outright win is worth three points.) Co-operative won the shoot-out 4-2.
The game was as close as the score would indicate. Eagle co-captain Jennifer Lau scored first, and that goal accounted for all of the scoring in the first half, though there were plenty of near-misses. One Jaguar shot hit the goal post, and there were several others stopped only by the sure-handed saves of the Eagle goalie.
In the second half the Eagle girls were able to keep the ball in the Jaguars end for much of the game, and had a number of shots on goal, but the Jaguars would repeatedly make lightning raids on the Eagle goal that were thwarted only at the last moment by the goalie or errant marksmanship.
Finally Jaguar Hailey White got her foot on the ball in front of the Eagle goal and didn’t miss, knotting the score at one all.
The tie was nearly broken in the last seconds of the game when Sabrina Hallock of Christian Learning broke loose and was apparently set for a point blank shot at the Jaguar goal, but the Co-operative goalie, in a daring move, charged out and snuffed the shot.
In the shoot out, Cecelia Aponte, Hailey White, Tania Landivar, and Alexia Handal made good on their shots for the Jaguars.
Jennifer Lau and Roxy Jien successfully converted their shots for the Eagles.
-- This story was written from reports provided by John Vargas of Christian Learning and coaches.
International takes shoot out
Knights, Griffins end up even at 2-2
By Roya Nowroozyani
International School
International School and Cambridge College varsity girls soccer teams fought to a 2-2 tie on the Griffins home field Tuesday.
Under a new league rule, tie games are followed by a shoot-out in which five players from each team take penalty shots with only the opposing goalie defending. The winner of the shoot-out is awarded two points in the league standings, and the loser gets one point. (An unequivocal win is worth three points.
International won the shoot-out 2-1.
The game started out badly for the Knights, with their goalie, Raquel Yambae, fumbled a shot by Fabiana Murillo Monasterio, which then rolled into the goal. However, Cambridge soon recuperated and took a 2-1 lead after decisive goals by Manuela Yañez and Moira Vaca.
Griffin Stephanie Saltzsieder evened out the game with her kick, which seemed to curl downward miraculously to slip just inches below the crossbar and give the Griffins the tie they yearned for.
Both teams played hard and had other scoring opportunities. Yellow cards were issued to players on both teams.
In the penalty shoot-out, the Knights scored first on a goal by Lourdes Justiniano that flew past the Griffins goalkeeper, Regina Landivar.
The Griffins evened things up on a shot by Landivar, the Griffin goalie. Monasterio was the last player to take a shot for International. She made it, putting the home team ahead in the shoot-out, 2-1.
The other shots were either saved by the goalkeepers, or missed the net.
Neither team had scored before this game, but both played aggressively, perhaps giving a preview of greater success in the rest of the season.
JV Girls Soccer
Co-operative outpaces Christian Learning in 4-0 win
From coaches reports
The Co-operative junior varsity girls soccer team defeated Christain Learning 4-0 Tuesday on the Eagles field. Sofia Sotelo scores three times for the Jaguars.
Giovanna Varalta scored the other goal in particularly artistic fashion, spinning away from a defender, then launching a shot that curved gracefully into the corner of the net.
From coaches reports
The Co-operative junior varsity girls soccer team defeated Christain Learning 4-0 Tuesday on the Eagles field. Sofia Sotelo scores three times for the Jaguars.
Giovanna Varalta scored the other goal in particularly artistic fashion, spinning away from a defender, then launching a shot that curved gracefully into the corner of the net.
Varsity Boys Volleyball
Griffin comeback stuns Knights
By Claudia Bernal
International
The International varsity volleyball team made an awesome comeback in the first game of its match with Cambridge, which the Griffins went on to win 2-0 in their gym Tuesday.
The Cambridge Knights started out playing really well, and seemed to be on the verge of winning the first game when the score stood at 24-17. But the Griffins, with a lot of effort, fought back to a tie at 25-25, then took the last two points to win the first set 27-25.
The second set seemed even tougher as you just saw the ball going back and forth many times on every point, and points being made by both teams. The last few minutes were really exiting because the score was really close for most of the game, but the Griffins were able to emerge successfully, winning the second set 25-21.
Martin Gonzales, playing though injured, served very well during the comeback for the Griffins.
For Cambridge senior Jorge Yuan made many excellent plays at the net, and served well.
Eagles hold off Jaguars for 2-0 victory
From coaches' reports
The Christian Learning varsity boys volleyball time breezed by the Co-operative School team in the opening game of its match, then scrambled to win the second game by a much thinner margin, 26-24.
David Lotz and Jeff Stabler were both impressive for the Eagles, which also got good performance from two new members of the team, Frankin Chow and Danny Canaviri, who set the ball up for their teammates' spikes.
By Claudia Bernal
International
The International varsity volleyball team made an awesome comeback in the first game of its match with Cambridge, which the Griffins went on to win 2-0 in their gym Tuesday.
The Cambridge Knights started out playing really well, and seemed to be on the verge of winning the first game when the score stood at 24-17. But the Griffins, with a lot of effort, fought back to a tie at 25-25, then took the last two points to win the first set 27-25.
The second set seemed even tougher as you just saw the ball going back and forth many times on every point, and points being made by both teams. The last few minutes were really exiting because the score was really close for most of the game, but the Griffins were able to emerge successfully, winning the second set 25-21.
Martin Gonzales, playing though injured, served very well during the comeback for the Griffins.
For Cambridge senior Jorge Yuan made many excellent plays at the net, and served well.
Eagles hold off Jaguars for 2-0 victory
From coaches' reports
The Christian Learning varsity boys volleyball time breezed by the Co-operative School team in the opening game of its match, then scrambled to win the second game by a much thinner margin, 26-24.
David Lotz and Jeff Stabler were both impressive for the Eagles, which also got good performance from two new members of the team, Frankin Chow and Danny Canaviri, who set the ball up for their teammates' spikes.
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