Sports Wrap Sports Wrap (December 24, 2004)

Mountain View preps for league play

The Mountain View boys basketball team played three close games in a row, defeating Cupertino and Eastside before losing to Westmont.

Led by 27 points from forward Terrence Willis, the Spartans overcame a 39-33 third-quarter deficit to beat Cupertino 59-52 in overtime on Dec. 14.

In the Fremont Sunnyvale Holiday Tournament, Mountain View defeated Eastside 49-44 in the first round on Dec. 18 and then fell to Westmont 54-49 in overtime in second-round action on Dec. 20. Mountain View (6-4) visits San Lorenzo Valley on Dec. 29 and begins De Anza Division play at Gunn on Jan. 4.

Curley, Tratter lead Lancers

The St. Francis girls basketball team defeated host Santa Cruz 58-57 in an overtime thriller on Dec. 18.

Guard Cynthia Curley and center Megan Tratter each scored 19 points, and forward Kim Mooney chipped in 13.

St. Francis plays in the Seaside Tournament on Dec. 27-29 before beginning West Catholic Athletic League play against Mitty on Jan. 5.

Los Altos looks for first win

The Los Altos girls basketball team continues to experience growing pains as its youngsters develop.

The Eagles remain winless after losses to Newark Memorial on Dec. 14 and Gunderson on Dec. 16.

With four freshman and two sophomores joining a roster that includes only two seniors, Los Altos (0-9) must hope for rapid development as it begins El Camino Division play against Cupertino on Jan. 5.

Lancers outpaced in final quarter

In the Peninsula-West Catholic Challenge at Serra, the St. Francis boys basketball team fell 51-39 to Burlingame on Dec. 18.

St. Francis, led by guard Chris McDonald's 12 points, was outscored 23-9 in the fourth quarter.

The Lancers (4-2) host the St. Francis Tournament on Dec. 28-30 and play Rodriguez (Fairfield) in the opening round. St. Francis begins its West Catholic Athletic League season at Mitty on Jan. 4.

Spartans boost early record

The Mountain View boys soccer team continued its strong season with a 1-0 shutout of Santa Clara in a De Anza Division matchup on Dec. 17.

Sophomore midfielder Alex Valencia scored the Spartans' goal in the second half on an assist by senior midfielder Jose Serrano.

Mountain View then played Leland to a 1-1 tie in the quarterfinals of the Homestead Christmas Cup on Dec. 18. After losing 4-3 on penalty kicks, the Spartans were eliminated from the tournament.

Mountain View (6-1-2 overall, 1-1 league) visits Carlmont on Dec. 30 and resumes league play at Gunn on Jan. 5.

Eagles notch first win

After ending its challenging pre-season with a 2-1 loss to Leigh on Dec. 13, the Los Altos girls soccer team opened De Anza Division play with a 2-1 victory over Gunn on Dec. 15.

The Eagles (1-4-4 overall, 1-0 league) continue league play at Homestead on Jan. 5.

St. Francis posts two shutouts

On the strength of victories over Presentation and St. Ignatius, the St. Francis girls soccer team continued its unbeaten West Catholic Athletic League play.

The Lancers defeated Presentation 2-0 on Dec. 14 and then took a 1-0 shutout over St. Ignatius on Dec. 18.

St. Francis (5-1-4 overall, 3-0-1 league) travels to Mitty on Jan. 4.
-- Scott Campbell

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