The Tamalpais girls soccer team had a season full of gritty wins, tough loses, and memorable moments. The Hawks finished with a record of six wins 12 loses and five ties, while playing in a mix of the toughest teams in all of northern California due to the success of recent years.
The team struggled early in the season with losses in non-league play to Cardinal Newman and California High School. Midseason the Hawks started to find a groove, earning important wins and ties to build momentum. Tam got a big 1-0 win on the road during this stretch against the Marin Catholic Wildcats by showing great defense. The Hawks showed dominance with a win over the Novato Hornets 9-0 with four goals coming from junior Lauren Willard.
In Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) play, the girls soccer team went (3-5-1) to barely squeak into the playoffs. Getting into the playoffs as a sixth seed the Hawks faced the third seeded Marin Catholic Wildcats in the first round of the playoffs. With the game being tied 1-1 at the end of regulation and then again after double overtime, it went to penalty kicks. In the rainy Kentfield night the Hawks scored five penalties and the Wildcats scored only three, advancing the Hawks to the next round. “It was a really hard fought battle in the rain, under the lights. But that’s what makes that moment so special,” Junior Mia Yolles said about beating Marin Catholic. “We knew if we lost it would be our last game, so, knowing that, everyone gave it all they had.” The season came to an end after losing to the No. 1 seed Branson Bulldogs by a score of 3-0.
The Hawks had four total all-league players on their team this season. First team all league players included junior Lauren Willard and senior captain Cilo Kunz. Honorable mention nominees included senior captain Lily Rose-Espinasse and senior Fionnula Hall. Even though the season didn’t end like the Hawks wanted it to, there is a lot to look forward to next year. With five freshmen, the top three goal scorers on the team, and one of the league’s top players, all returning, the Hawks have a lot to look forward to.