Encinal High’s women’s varsity soccer team finished its season on Feb. 17, losing, 2-1, to Marin Academy (12-3-3) in the second round of the North Coast Section (NCS) Div. III playoffs. The 5th-seeded Jets gave the Wildcats all they could handle in a thriller. Marin held a 1-0 lead for most of the game before scoring in the 70th minute to make it 2-0. However, Encinal answered right back with a 72nd-minute goal from senior Gabby Benaquista to make it 2-1.

“It was pretty exhilarating to get a goal immediately after they scored,” said Benaquista. “We wanted to let them know we wouldn’t go down without a fight.”

Despite the loss, the Jets had one of their most successful seasons in school history. After finishing fourth in a rugged West Alameda County Conference Foothill League, Encinal secured the 5th seed in the playoffs, its highest seed ever. The Jets also made it to the second round of NCS playoffs in 2022 as an 8th seed, but lost, 3-0, to Branson High of Ross.

“So unbelievably proud,” said senior and leading-scorer Alison Jenson. “I couldn’t ask for a better team to spend my last year with. We have gone so far this season and we have grown so much together, it’s a year to remember.”

The Jets finished with an 8-5-6 overall record.

Joshua Linville teaches English and publication design at Encinal High School.