Redwood Rallies Past San Marin, Goes Unbeaten in MCAL

In Marin County sports news, Redwood High’s girls’ water polo team pulled off a wild rally to beat San Marin 14-12 in MCAL action. They’re still undefeated in league play, setting up a big postseason run through towns like Larkspur, Novato, and San Rafael.

The Giants shook off an early 4-0 deficit. They rode that momentum into a crucial stretch, looking for back-to-back MCAL and NCS titles.

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Redwood’s MCAL Comeback Keeps Title Hopes Alive

This game took place on the road, right in San Marin’s backyard in Novato. Redwood’s depth and resilience really stood out—honestly, that’s been their thing all season.

San Marin came out firing, with Abby Bartholo scoring four times in the first six minutes. That quick burst put the Mustangs ahead early.

Redwood slowly steadied themselves by halftime. Ellie Washing scored to tie it up, then the Giants grabbed their first lead as the third-teamers stepped up.

Alex Chamberlain, who’s heading to Louisville, kept answering for San Marin. She helped the Mustangs stay close, refusing to let Redwood pull away.

After halftime, Redwood wasted no time. Moni Hewlette scored right away, putting the Giants in front again.

Junior Riley Buck started pouring in goals late, stretching the lead. With the score tied at 10-10 early in the fourth, Lucy Miller set up Hewlette for a go-ahead goal.

Buck capped it off with a late scoring spree. Redwood left Novato with a signature MCAL win, now 8-0 in league play and 13-4 overall as they look to the postseason.

Key Moments and Player Highlights

Abby Bartholo’s four-goal burst in the opening six minutes for San Marin set the tone in Novato.
Ellie Washing’s halftime goal gave Redwood its first lead, shifting momentum from San Marin’s early advantage.
Alex Chamberlain’s rapid-fire responses kept the Mustangs in striking distance, underscoring her Louisville commitment.
Moni Hewlette’s immediate strike after the break reenergized the Giants and sparked the decisive run.
Riley Buck’s multi-goal effort supplied a late cushion that San Marin couldn’t fully erase.
Lucy Miller’s clutch assist to Hewlette, followed by Buck’s late scoring spree, sealed a pivotal MCAL victory for Redwood.

Postseason Outlook, Seedings, and a Key Injury

With the win, Redwood earned a first-round bye in the MCAL playoffs. The Giants now look ahead to the league title game next Saturday at Marin Catholic in Kentfield.

This matchup sets up a run through Marin County towns like Larkspur, Tiburon, and San Anselmo. Redwood wants to bounce back after last season’s league final setback.

After the game, coach Lauren Yee admitted it’s tough grinding through a league that never really lets up in the North Bay. The team will also have to move forward without one of their leaders: Lucy Jeffers, who suffered a season-ending knee injury and will need surgery.

Yee said Jeffers’ absence means a “draw by committee”—a rotating leadership model that leans on the squad’s depth. While Jeffers recovers at home in Sausalito and Mill Valley, her teammates will have to fill the gap.

The injury adds urgency to Redwood’s pursuit of the MCAL crown. There’s also the hope of a return trip to the North Coast Section playoffs, with games in places like Novato and San Rafael.

San Marin, seeded fourth, will host fifth-seeded Branson in the opening round. It’s a reminder that the MCAL’s competitive balance is still fierce, from Novato’s streets to the hills above Marin City.

As the Giants get ready for the playoff run, folks in Larkspur, San Rafael, and Kentfield should expect a focused, resilient effort. Miller, Hewlette, Washing, and the rest of the crew are stepping up in Jeffers’ absence.

Redwood’s journey through the MCAL and into the NCS looks like it could be a memorable fall for fans across the North Bay. There’s a sense of anticipation in the air, and honestly, who wouldn’t be a little curious to see how far this group can go?

Here is the source article for this story: Girls lacrosse: Redwood rallies past San Marin to go unbeaten in MCAL

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