The Palo Alto Boys' Lacrosse team triumphed over the Palma High School Chieftains, securing a 5-1 victory in the CCS Division II playoffs. The Vikings, boasting a 13-5 season record, excelled through strong defensive play led by junior goalie Miles Joing, who made 10 saves. Junior Richie Zhang made significant contributions, scoring three goals, helping the Vikings to a 2-0 halftime lead and ultimately sealing the game with a late goal from senior Shalin Dwivedi. Coach Ed Hattler emphasized the team's solid performance and the impact of the Chieftains' injuries on the game. The Vikings will advance to play the top-seeded Stevenson High School Pirates next.

By the Numbers
  • Palo Alto was 9-1 in league play, finishing second and earning the fourth seed in the CCS playoffs.
  • Miles Joing saved 10 out of 11 shots, yielding only one goal against.
  • Richie Zhang scored three goals in the match.
Yes, But

The Chieftains struggled due to injuries that affected key players, including D1 recruit Eli Dukes, limiting their offensive capabilities and contributing to their defeat.

State of Play
  • The Vikings鈥� strong defense limited the Chieftains to just one goal.
  • Palo Alto's offense effectively managed the clock and created scoring opportunities throughout the match.
What's Next

The Vikings will face the top-seeded Stevenson High School Pirates in the semifinals, with a chance to advance to the finals on the line.

Bottom Line

The Vikings demonstrated a potent combination of defense and strategy, making them a formidable opponent as they look forward to challenging the Pirates for a shot at the championship.