Encinal Soccer Starts on a High Note

Marjory Cabutotan Encinal Jets celebrate one of eight goals against Mt. Eden.

Encinal Soccer Starts on a High Note

Encinal High School (EHS) women’s soccer soared out of the gates to start the season, defeating Kennedy High of Fremont, 5-0, on Nov. 30 and Mt. Eden High of Hayward, 8-0, on Dec.3.

The Jets scored all five goals against the Titans in the second half. Juniors Alison Jenson and Lupe Reyes scored a goal, while sophomores Josie Farris and Savanna Stollman each scored a goal.

EHS junior Marissa Lekashman was the star against Mt. Eden. The midfielder scored a hat trick against the Monarchs.

“Before the game I told myself I was going to score three goals and by the time I’d scored my 3rd we were in the final minutes, so big relief there,” said Lekashman.

The Jets return a core group of players from last season in addition to adding more depth.

“The underclassmen brought in a lot of new talent and this year the girls really came to play,” said senior Talula Wilmot.

EHS looks to pick up right where it left off from a shortened Spring season, as league champions.

“It’s been great, or refreshing, to start off on a high note this season,” said senior Gabby Benaquista. “In comparison to other seasons,
we’ve always been a little rocky at the start but now I think we’ve found a good rhythm and hoping to keep that up.”

The Jets will take on San Lorenzo High School today on Stargell Field.

The EHS men’s team lost, 8-1, to Hayward High School in their season opener on Dec. 3. They will face Alameda High School (AHS) on Dec. 10 at home.

Alameda High
AHS men’s team is 1-1 on the season. The Hornets scored a 2-0 victory over Kennedy High of Richmond in the season opener on Dec. 1. AHS juniors Hamza Kaanoune and Caleb Garza scored goals in the contest. They lost 2-0 to Campolindo High of Moraga on Dec. 4.

AHS women’s beat Hayward High School, 6-1, in the season opener on Dec. 8. They will take on Berkeley on Dec. 10.