Rams are Defeated by Dos Pueblos in a Rematch, Playoffs are Now at Stake

By: Eli Meisel '25

Despite beating Dos Pueblos earlier in the season, the Cate girls lacrosse team was defeated 5 - 12 in a rematch. Consequently, the Rams will now have to fight for a playoff spot. 

The first time Cate played Dos Pueblos, they came back in the fourth quarter to win 14 - 13 in a back-and-forth victory. On Tuesday, April 8th, the Rams had the benefit of hosting the rematch at Cate. It was neck and neck at halftime, but Dos Pueblos ran away with the game shortly after, scoring five unanswered goals in the third quarter. 

Renee Mack, the team’s head coach, emphasized that the loss was uncharacteristic of the team and was caused by key mental factors. “The first time we played Dos Pueblos, we barely came out with the win, and it felt amazing, but they were more hungry for a second game than we were.” 

Despite the lack of motivation going into the game, Coach Mack was still proud of multiple players’ performances. “I was impressed with Lucy Guilbert-Neil's full-field play and tenacity. She set the tempo and led the midfield off the draw.” In addition to Lucy’s performance, “Chelsea Newlove had a remarkable 17 saves,” and Posie Hexner played well on attack and in the midfield transitions.” 

Lucy is a senior at Cate and one of two team captains. In moments where the team is not playing up to their expectations, Lucy reflects, “I work hard to bring my teammates up and not be disappointed by anything happening on the field, but show encouragement towards everyone. Sometimes, like this game, it's more difficult because it’s pretty disappointing.”

This disappointment came from the third quarter, where Cate continuously conceded goals and lost draws. 

George Marin, a regular supporter of the girls’ lacrosse team, witnessed how crucial the third quarter was in changing the match's outcome. “The intensity and effort were high from both teams, but after the halftime talk, I don't know whether or not the Dos Pueblos coach said motivating words that sparked the players' abilities, but something ignited a streak on their end.” 

Despite the third-quarter deficit, the Rams were able to rebound in the fourth, with Maia Holmes and Sophia Ospina each scoring. 

George continued, “They never gave up, and I felt proud watching them. I thought they put in full effort despite the loss.” 

The Rams achieved two goals in the fourth quarter and a total of five goals during the match, but they were unable to produce the 14 goals they scored in their first matchup against Dos Pueblos. 

Coach Mack claims the difference in goals was caused by a “complete mental breakdown” as well as a lack of covering the fundamentals. “All the little things matter in lacrosse. If we were to play them again, we would need to work on both our draws and ground balls.” 

In the Rams’ first matchup against Dos Pueblos, they won the first two draws and took an early lead with two goals. In the same game, Coach Mack claims the Rams were also able to “dig deep and clean up their ground balls.” In the second matchup against Dos Pueblos, however, the Rams won only six out of 17 draws, allowing Dos Pueblos to score continuously. 

This season, the Rams lost two of six matches played, leading up to their second game against Dos Pueblos. These losses came from San Marcos and Bishops, where the Rams won seven out of 21 draws and three out of 21 draws, respectively. In successful games, such as the 10 to 5 win against Thatcher, the Rams won 11 out of 16 draws. 

Next, the Rams are set to take on San Marcos High School on April 10 as they continue their journey to the playoffs.