The Santa Ynez High varsity girls’ soccer team played a fantastic game versus Los Altos. Our possession and overall organization allowed us to have the momentum for 90 percent of the game. We had 8 solid shots on frame but their goalkeeper was able to show why they had only allowed 9 goals all season to that point. In the 54th minute, L.A. had a free kick that was sent high and hit one of our defenders. Their player, who many say was in an offside position when the ball was played, was able to get behind and take a few steps with the ball toward goal. She chipped the ball, which hit the outstretched hand of Jessica Mauk (our GK) and the ball rolled slowly to the goal. Our defender was unable to get to the ball before it rolled in. That was the only real shot they had.

We were in their half the rest of the game and were “owning” them. In the final minute and a half, Alisa Silsbee broke free of their last defender and went into a 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper. She shot on goal and it hit the post, and Emily Ineman was there to finish but hit the ball just wide. Time expired and we went home.

The 2009-10 season for the Lady Pirates was one of extreme team building from day one. Our preseason schedule was one of the toughest for a Division IV team. Every game was played against bigger schools with successful programs. Our Pre-season includes the Buena Holiday Tournament in which we faced Thousand Oaks, Calabassas, West Ranch and Dos Pueblos High Schools.

We also played in the Invitation only Excalibur High School College Showcase. Excalibur is one of only seven fully recognized High School College Showcases in the nation. We faced Long Beach Poly, Buena High School and Sacred Heart Prep from the Bay area. The highlight of the tournament was also a major highlight for our program, beating Division 1 powerhouse Buena for the first time, 2-1. We are the only Division 4 team that plays in this.

Our League season was yet another phenomenal run, going 11-1. Our only loss came at the hands of a strong and physical St. Joseph team. We outscored our opponents 62 to 3 and shared the championship with St. Joe’s but went into the playoffs as the League’s No. 1 seed.

Our playoff run ended in the quarterfinal as described above, but out of the 32 teams that started in the playoffs, we scored the most goals during the playoffs of any team with a total of 13 and only allowing one.

— Rob Cantrell, head coach