It was a perfect night for soccer on Thursday as the #2 seed Christian Brothers Falcons hosted #6 seed Windsor High in the semifinals of the CIF NorCal playoffs. The Jaguars came into the match with a 13-4-3 record playing in the North Bay-Oak League and having beat Presentation (San Jose) in the first round. With little familiarity, the two teams last played in the Rocklin Tournament a year ago that ended in a 1-1 tie. With the stands full of eager Falcon fans, this game provided more than enough excitement. At the opening whistle, both teams were aggressive and fast. Neither team had many scoring opportunities in the first half. The Falcons kept to their game plan of short and simple team play, while their opponent went with a more direct long ball approach with the offense centered around their D1 University of Washington commit Jadyn Holdenried, who seemed to be doing it all out on the field. The CB defensive back line of Emily Mayes (’23), Kamryn Lee (’24), Caitlynn Drew (’23), Lauren Reefer (’23), and goalie Grace Bettencourt (’23) were more than up to the challenge holding the Panthers scoreless at the half. The second half provided much of the same back and forth action with neither team able to capitalize on their opportunities. There were a few nervous moments in the half as Windsor was able to manage a few more shot attempts that were confidently stopped by Bettencourt (’23). At the end of regulation, the score was 0-0 which meant a 15-minute golden goal period would be played. The Falcons having controlled most of the period came within inches of ending the game on a header by Lily Jensen (’23) that was struck beautifully beyond the outstretched hands of the Windsor goalie. Unfortunately, a Windsor defender who did not leave her post was able to head it out, saving the game for the time being. At the end of the 15-minute period the score was 0-0 and now it was time for penalty kicks. The first 5 shooters from each team resulted in a 4-4 tie and the next 5 shooters were selected. With any make or miss combination for shooters 5-10, it left little room for error. Your Falcons approached each kick confidently, while the fans in the stands went through the agonizing stress. The score was still tied 8-8 after 10 kicks which included a spectacular diving save from Bettencourt (’23). The next kicks would start back from the initial 5 shooters. Windsor’s Jadyn Holdenried knocked down her shot with ease and Horst (’23) matched it with a banger of her own. On the 12th kick, your Falcon’s goalie Bettencourt (’23) gave her all diving to her left knocking down Windsor’s attempt. The fate of the game was now on Sarah Pritchard’s (’24) foot. Walking up to the mark and placing her ball, she confidently and perfectly hit a strike beyond the diving Windsor goalie. Your Falcons head to the Norcal Championship Final winning 10-9 in the PK shootout. A night to remember for Bettencourt (’23) who had 2 crucial diving saves and penalty shooters Brooklyn Horst (’23), 2 for Pritchard (’24), Rachel Davis (’24), Lee (’24), Jensen (’23), Elizabeth Ledesma (’23), Bailey Rakela (’25), Genevieve Muskopf (’24), and Drew (’23). It was an all-around team effort and one to be proud of, as this is the first time (since inception) that your Lady Falcons soccer team will be playing in the Norcal Finals. Christian Brothers with the higher seed will host #4 Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) on Saturday 5:00PM at home. Good Luck Falcons!

Tickets:   https://gofan.co/app/events/936961?schoolId=CA7906