What happened on a brisk Friday night in Larkspur was more than just a win-or-lose game for two Marin County water polo programs. It was a potential MCAL playoff preview that clarified seedings, sharpened rivalries, and set the stage for a crowded postseason across San Rafael, Novato, and beyond.
Redwood used a balanced attack and tough defense to down San Marin 14-7. That win clinched the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye, while San Marin slid to No. 3 and now faces a tougher opening-round matchup.
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Redwood Surges to No. 2 Seed with 14-7 Win over San Marin
The Redwood Giants outpaced the visiting San Marin Mustangs by 7 goals. They anchored the win with relentless transition play and strong ground-ball control.
This result bumped Redwood’s overall record to 10-6 and their MCAL mark to 5-1. That edge nudged them into a better playoff spot as teams across Mill Valley and San Anselmo chase the league title.
San Marin started strong behind goalkeeper Alex Amador. He stopped 17 shots in a gritty first period, keeping the Mustangs close early.
But Redwood’s offense found its rhythm as the game wore on. A tight start quickly turned into a decisive push in the middle and late frames.
After halftime, Redwood’s transition game finally clicked. The Giants started winning more ground balls, and that shifted the possession battle in their favor.
Key performances and turning points
Rudy Vasquez led Redwood with six goals. He delivered a big score in the third period after getting knocked off his feet—a moment that fired up the Giants and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Emmett O’Neil chipped in three goals. Tommy Vasquez and Tate Ralston each added two, and Henry Barker got on the board too.
- Beau notable early scoring: San Marin’s Michael Giomi, Daniel Gilmore, and Cole Beaudette put up early offense for the Mustangs. Beaudette finished with two goals and Luke Saysette added another.
- Redwood’s outburst in the second half: The Giants outshot San Marin by a wide margin (46-13). Their defense forced more chances and their offense made the most of transition opportunities.
Redwood’s bench and coaching staff soaked in the energy of a classic MCAL rivalry. Assistant coach Scott Jennings praised the competition and said the team needs to take these lessons into the playoffs, focusing on simple plays and quick decisions.
Marin Catholic’s recent move to an independent schedule stands out this season. Without the Crusaders in the mix, MCAL feels more wide open, with Redwood, Tam, Terra Linda, San Rafael, San Marin, and Archie Williams all battling for playoff spots as November looms.
The MCAL Playoff Picture: Seeds, Rivalries, and Rising Stakes
Tamalpais holds the No. 1 seed heading into the postseason, keeping things tight at the top of the league. Redwood grabs the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye, a perk that’s got programs across San Anselmo and Santa Venetia watching closely in 2024.
San Marin lands at No. 3, while Terra Linda and San Rafael round out the rest of the MCAL seeds. Archie Williams slides in at No. 6, setting up an opening-round matchup that’ll test Marin County’s emerging teams.
San Marin’s next test is a first-round game against Archie Williams. That clash could shake up the bracket as teams gear up for the grind of the MCAL playoffs and maybe even a state tournament run.
Redwood’s bye gives them time to regroup and sharpen up for the late-season push. They’ll try to lean on their transition game in the tighter, more physical playoff format.
Rivalry, Preparation, and Postseason Focus
Friday night’s game wasn’t just about the score. It reminded everyone how fierce MCAL lacrosse can get.
Jennings pointed out that the Redwood–San Marin rivalry always brings out the best in both squads. He said the team needs to carry these lessons into the playoffs, which could wind through San Rafael and San Anselmo before the dust settles in Marin County.
Fans from Sausalito to Novato are looking ahead, wondering if discipline and quick, simple plays will separate contenders from the rest. The Larkspur result hammered home just how much ground-ball battles and timely scoring matter in a league where every possession feels huge.
What to Watch Next in Marin County
Bay Area lacrosse fans in places like San Rafael, San Anselmo, Novato, and Mill Valley are all keeping an eye on the MCAL seeds. People want to see which teams can actually hang on to their momentum heading into the postseason.
Redwood gets a bye and hopes to take full advantage. Tamalpais, sitting at the top seed, will try to keep their edge, while San Marin needs to bounce back fast against Archie Williams.
Honestly, the MCAL playoff race feels wide open right now. There’s this mix of speed, grit, and tactical discipline that’s been part of Marin County lacrosse for years, and it’s still driving the action here.
Larkspur’s win gave Redwood a real boost in the playoffs. San Marin’s seed shuffle just made things more interesting, and honestly, the Marin County lacrosse scene feels as unpredictable as ever as everyone gears up for the postseason chaos from Tamalpais to Archie Williams.
Here is the source article for this story: Boys lacrosse: Redwood battles past San Marin in possible playoff preview
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