by Justine Chang, staff writer
After a tough journey to NCS this season, the Cal High cross country teams have finally reached the finish line.
At the NCS meet on Nov.19, the men placed 10th of 20 schools, and the women took 12th place of 17 schools in Hayward.
Senior Sameer Patel led the men’s side with a three-mile time of 16:20 to take 25th, while junior Charlene Chew led the girls at 20:22 (45th place).
The men’s team has gradually improved their times toward the end of the season. Despite the improvement, their standards were not high enough to beat their top competitors, San Ramon Valley, Amador and Monte Vista.
“The meet wasn’t that good and everyone didn’t do as well as they could have,” said junior Kyle Kao.
As for the women’s team, they have been more supportive about their NCS meet and overall performances this season, although their standings in EBAL wasn’t as high as they preferred.
“Everyone on the team tried their hardest and ran their best,” said junior Heather Donner. “I’m proud of how much the girls this year improved their personal times and worked together to grow and succeed as a team.”
Women’s Volleyball
Cal’s inspiring motivation from the beginning of the season came up short when they needed it most for competing in NCS.
The ladies had a solid record of 18-8 overall and 9-5 in league, which was good enough for fourth place. But in the first round of NCS, Cal lost 3-1 to Heritage on Nov. 12.
“We played really well, but we could tell that they wanted it more and they had more motivation,” said senior Cydney House.
As the season started to end, their ambition started to fade as well. Monte Vista beat Cal 3-1 on Nov.1. Their Senior Night game against Carondelet on Nov.3 ended similarly. For some other players, they weren’t very satisfied of how their season ended.
“I’m kinda happy that the season is over because it didn’t end so well,” said sophomore Caitlyn Quindoy. “The team got along really well, but we became weak toward the end.”
– Justine Chang
Women’s Tennis
Senior Shannon Hung returned to NCS for the third time in her highschool career.
She qualified for NCS with a league record of 11-3. She first played against a player from Acalanes, winning two out of three matches with scores 7-5, 6-0, and 6-2 to make the quarterfinals.
But Hung was defeated by an Albany player in two matches with scores of 6-1 and 6-2 on Nov.15.
Some of Hung’s achievements this year include making the EBAL finals and helping the team beat Foothill.
“Winning NCS last year in doubles was one of my greatest accomplishments playing for Cal,” said Hung. “But this year was a lot better than last year.”
Many teammates thought that it was difficult getting through this season because their No.2 player, Kellie Taylor, graduated.
The team has also experienced a few injuries, such as hurt elbows and long-term blisters, which affected their performances.
After high school, Hung plans on continuing her tennis career elsewhere.
“If I don’t play for college, I’ll probably keep playing in tournaments and with friends,” said Hung.
– Justine Chang
Football
Missed field goals have sunk many a football team this year, and it was no different for the Grizzlies in the playoffs against Freedom.
Senior kicker Brandon Brown missed a game-winning field goal and had another blocked three minutes later as the game died down.
Instead of spiking the ball to stop the clock with eight seconds left, the Grizzlies rushed their field goal team onto the field, causing the blocked field goal.
Freedom won the game 29-28. They then moved on to the second round, when they lost to De La Salle 70-7.
– John Sexton
Men’s Water Polo
After a dominating performance in the first round of NCS, the Grizzlies were bounced from the playoffs in the second round by league rival De La Salle.
No. 4 seeded Cal stomped on No. 12 Alameda on Nov. 5, routing the Hornets 14-7.
Unfortunately, the Grizzly’s second round was an entirely different story.
They had to go on the road to face No. 4 De La Salle on Nov. 8. Despite a good game, Cal still lost 14-9.
Cal finished the season at 19-5, which was good for second in EBAL behind frequently dominant San Ramon Valley.
The No. 5 seed Cal earned is the highest the Grizzlies have earned in many years.
– Luke Finkel
Women’s Water Polo
Cal’s much improved season was capped with a 10-5 loss to No. 4 James Logan in the first round of the NCS playoffs.
The Grizzlies’ 12-10 record was a marked improvement over the previous seven seasons, none of which included a trip to the playoffs.
This season was the first time Cal reached NCS since 2003, when the Grizzlies earned the Ño. 12 seed.
Cal’s record this year was good enough for a No. 13 seed.
– Luke Finkel
