CSS Successes

By James Yu

As the warm autumn leaves wither away with the start of winter, several of the school’s fall sports have successfully topped off the end of their seasons at the Central Coast Section (CCS) championships. 

Even before they hit the green for CCS, the school’s girls’ golf team was on fire. After finishing the regular season with a flawless 8-0 record, the team dominated the league at Blossom Valley Athletic League (BVAL) Championships. Hitting the ball running at CCS, the girls finished the tournament fifth overall, with stellar performances from Lauren Lee ‘27, shooting 74 strokes and Lexi Lowe ‘26, shooting 75. 

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Law

“While we did not advance past CCS, I am proud of the work that our team as a whole put into the season. While it is bittersweet that this season marks my last in high school, I am so grateful for the past three years spent hitting the turf with my friends,” Cameron Carpio ‘26 said. 

Similarly, the school’s girls water polo team finished the regular season undefeated, crushing Leigh 20-5 at BVALs to become league champion. Streaming into CCS, the girls beat Aptos 14-1 before losing to Soquel 18-12. Advancing to Norcals, the girls beat opponent Oakridge 19-5 in the quarterfinals, advancing to semifinals.  

“Despite our slim roster and primarily younger lineup going into the season, our team draws its strength from each player’s individual grit and talent. I am excited for what next season will bring,” Sophia Descioli ‘28 said. 

Not to be outdone, the boys water polo team ended their regular season 18-9, finishing second at BVALs and just one goal shy of beating rival Pioneer. However, the boys were able to get revenge in their rematch in CCS Semifinals, defeating Pioneer 13-8 and ultimately winning CCS in Division 2. Matching the girls, the boys made it to Norcal Semifinals, defeating Ripon 21-15 in the quarterfinals before being defeated by Clovis East 9-11 in the semifinal round. 

Dominating this season, the girls volleyball team swept their opponents as they went 21-7 in the regular season to secure the BVAL championship and the fourth seed at CCS. In CCS Quarterfinals, the girls continued their success by crushing Santa Clara in three straight sets. After an incredible season, it took top-seeded Aragon to five sets to defeat the girls, who finished the season as CCS Semifinalists.  

Meanwhile, the school’s girls field hockey team finished 8-1-1 in the league. Fighting hard against Willow Glen in a play-in game for a chance at CCS, the girls were defeated 2-0, but still finished the season with an impressive 9-7-1 record. 

Furthermore, history was made as the girls flag football team qualified to CCS for the first time this year. After a neck-to-neck game that went back and forth, the girls, seeded fifth, were defeated by the fourth-seeded Burlingame Panthers, who won in a narrow 13-12 game. Finishing 10-7 and second at BVALs, the girls had a monumental first run at CCS. 

While the school’s cross country team struggled throughout the regular season—finishing 1-7—they finished eighth in the boys and ninth in the girls divisions at CCS. Reflecting on his final season on the team, Dominic Wang ‘26 is optimistic for the future of the team; he notes that this season, the team was fortunate to be joined on the trail by many frosh-soph runners, filling in for the many seniors who graduated last year. As young recruits continue to develop into next season, he is confident the team is in good hands. In the boys division, Aditya Garg ‘28 led the team at CCS, finishing 29th with a time of 17:12 in a 2.95 mile course. 

As the fall season closes and winter sports begin, many students conclude their high-school athletic careers. Moving forward, each athlete steps into their future with optimism, filled with memories from the past four years and confidence that the teams they leave behind will continue to succeed within the hands of their teammates. 

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About the Contributor

James Yu

Ad Manager

James Yu is a Senior at Leland High School and Ad Manager for The Charger Account. He loves listening writing sweet ledes! Outside of Journalism, he enjoys debating for the debate team, hanging out with friends, and sleeping.

Lauren Law

Staff Writer

Lauren Law is a senior at Leland High School and this is her second year as a staff writer. She enjoys hanging out with friends, sleeping, and eating.