Underdog Los Altos knocks down Palo Alto Underdog Los Altos knocks down Palo Alto (December 26, 2003)

Eagles fall to Los Gatos two days later

By Samay Gheewala

In a battle of last years' defending champions, Los Altos' girls soccer team, representing the lower El Camino division, took down Palo Alto 2-0 on Dec. 16 in a bid to capture the title of its new home, the upper-level De Anza division.

Coach Roberto Magellan, who led the Eagles to the El Camino championship and deep into the CCS tournament last year, was thrilled by the victory, as was his team.

"The girls were as happy as when they won the league last year, after defeating Santa Clara. ... They knew how much it meant, to start the league with a win, to boost morale, and to erase any thoughts from past encounters between the two teams," said Magellan.

Although the score was more lopsided, the play on the field was back-and-forth, with both teams dominating the ball at times. Unfortunately for Palo Alto, Los Altos goalie Erikka de Silva was a brick wall, blocking 16 shots and making three incredible saves that, according to Magellan, "most other goalies couldn't get." De Silva was supported by a strong Los Altos defense, led by co-captain sweeper Joan Danver.

On the offensive side of the field, Meghan McKinsey led the Eagles, scoring both goals. McKinsey had help, however, as the team laid down 20 shots at the Viking goal. Magellan credited his field "admiral" Toni Chau and co-captain Jessica Whalen for keeping up the offensive momentum.

Despite the big win, Los Altos' momentum heading into the winter break was cut short by a tenacious Los Gatos squad, which surprised the Eagles with a 2-1 victory Dec. 18 in Los Gatos.

Los Altos' powerful offense was held in check, putting up only 10 shots on goal. McKinsey was the only one able to connect, scoring the lone Eagle goal. The Los Altos defense held together, only allowing five shots. But, of those five, two found their mark, giving the Wildcats a victory that puts them in the hunt for the league title.
St. Francis-Serra game ends in scoreless tie

St. Francis' boys soccer team, looking to improve its standings in the highly competitive West Catholic league, took a tie and the accompanying point on Dec. 20 at Serra. Four days earlier, St. Francis suffered a late-game collapse and a 3-0 defeat against Valley Christian.

Against Valley Christian, the Lancers were able to hold things together in the first half, preventing any deep penetration and utilizing strong passing to keep the game even. As the game wore on, the team faded, allowing Valley Christian's offense to push through for three goals, sinking the Lancers' hopes.

"We played a pretty good first half," said St. Francis coach Mark Demling. "But the game is played for 80 minutes."

Against Serra, the Lancers were able to keep their defense together and deny the Padres any scoring chances. But the inclement weather and strong play by Serra also proved to be too much for the St. Francis offense to surmount, as the game ended in a 0-0 tie. "We are still moving the ball well, but not getting enough chances on the opponent's goal," said Demling.

St. Francis is scheduled to face archrival and league heavyweight Bellarmine in its first game after the winter break on Jan. 6.
Munoz leads Los Altos wrestlers

Los Altos' wrestling team faced a tough dual meet against Santa Clara on Dec. 18. The Eagles were missing their 103-lb. and 160-lb. wrestlers, which proved to be crucial as the two forfeits proved to be a deciding factor in the 46-34 loss.

The participating Los Altos squad showed strength, as five of the Los Altos wins, from Fernando Munoz, Tim Miller, Jarrett Fishpaw, Alex Hsieh, and John Armenta, came with pins in the first period. Max Bottaro joined them in the win column with a 10-2 major victory.

All six winners, joined by heavyweight Alex Milanovich, took part in the Peninsula Tournament at Terra Nova Dec. 19-20. Munoz, wrestling in the 112-lb. weight class, went 4-0 in his division, capping his first-place finish with a 15-2 major decision in the finals.

Fishpaw, who came in fifth place in the 140-lb. division, had a strong performance as well, notching an 11-second pin. Armenta also shone with a 28-second pin en route to a sixth-place finish in the 214-lb. category.
Mountain View basketball defeated by Prospect

The high-flying Spartan hoopsters found themselves on the wrong side of a tough 36-30 decision in the second round of the West Valley tournament, on Dec. 20.

Peyton Paulick led the Spartans with 9 points, while Michelle Peng and Laura Brigham each pulled down 6.
@email:E-mail Samay Gheewala at sports@mv-voice.com

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