Sports Wrap Sports Wrap (November 05, 2004)

Eagle volleyball preps for postseason

After another week of challenging matches, the Los Altos girls volleyball team is battle-tested for postseason play.

On Oct. 25, the Eagles gave up a game to Milpitas before rounding into form and winning the match, 22-25, 25-15, 27-25, 25-21. Los Altos was able to overcome its difficulties returning serves to barely win the critical third game.

But against league leader Los Gatos, the Eagles were not as fortunate in a match on Oct. 27. The Wildcats' offensive firepower and solid defense proved too much as the Eagles lost 25-13, 25-20, 25-15.

Up 20-19 late in the second game, Los Altos appeared to be on the verge of a breakthrough against Los Gatos. But the Eagle offense stalled and Los Gatos went on a 6-0 run to take the game and ultimately the match.

"We had some issues with [returning serves] again and couldn't find a way to dig enough of their shots," said Eagles Coach Dave Winn. "Their defense was very stingy about giving us any kill opportunities."

Nevertheless, with a strong overall record of 27-4 (8-2 league), the Eagles will enter the postseason with hopes of an extended run. The Central Coast Section playoffs begin on Nov. 10.

Spartan football blanks Lynbrook

After last Saturday's 37-0 domination of Lynbrook, the Mountain View football team has staked its claim to return to the upper De Anza Division next season. With a 4-0 record in the lower El Camino division, the Spartans need only one win in their final two games to move back up.

Mountain View (5-3 overall) cruised to an easy win with Brandon Hamilton and Alec Nelson combining for nearly 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Five players recorded a sack as the Spartan defense throttled its league opponent.

The Spartans will host Cupertino on Nov. 5 and will conclude league play at Fremont on Nov. 12.

LA field hockey misses playoffs

The Los Altos field hockey team finished its season with a 1-0 loss to Westmont on Monday. The Eagles played hard through the end of the season, contending for a playoff spot up until last week.

"After a bit of a bumpy start this season, the girls were able to pull together and [played] very strong games in the last half of the season," said Coach Gerri Baldwin.

On Oct. 27, the Eagles defeated Del Mar 2-0 in their last home match. Three of the six graduating players made it a memorable Senior Day by either scoring or assisting.

Needing a win against Live Oak last Friday in order to keep its postseason hopes alive, Los Altos dominated the match, but was unable to find the net. After a scoreless regulation period and overtime, the match ended in a 0-0 tie.

"We just couldn't get the ball in," said Baldwin.

Despite losing six seniors, Los Altos will return sophomore Shri Vyas, the team's leading scorer, next year. The Eagles completed their 2004 season with a 4-6-4 overall record.

Lancers can still make the cut

The St. Francis field hockey squad remains in the mix for postseason play.

The Lancers (6-3-5 overall) played hard against Leigh on Oct. 28, but had to settle for a scoreless tie as neither team could convert a goal.

"Despite the disappointment of so many ties ... the kids have remained very positive and upbeat," said Coach Kathy Lincoln.

With three remaining matches this week, the Lancers still have a chance to make the postseason. Sectional playoffs begin on Nov. 11.

-- Scott Campbell

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