Trending

Advertisement

Girls Lax: Broncos enjoying turnaround season

Share

(This story was updated to reflect Rancho Bernardo’s status in the playoffs)

The Rancho Bernardo High girls lacrosse program has frustratingly watched other North County schools such as La Costa Canyon and Westview develop into perennial powers over the years.

While the Broncos may still not be considered one of San Diego Section’s elite, they are certainly turning a page this season and look primed to make a significant impact in the upcoming playoffs.

Rancho Bernardo has been scoring goals at a blistering pace, rebounding from an 8-10 season a year ago to a 13-3 record entering the final stages of the regular season. The Broncos have found the back of the net a whopping 172 times and have done it with a set of young faces (a combined 12 freshmen or sophomores on a roster of 20).

For leading junior returners Breanna Gunderson and Amanda Smith, as well as senior defender Lane Reynolds, the significance of this dynamic turnaround is not lost on the athletes.

Gunderson, one of the top scorers in the county and RB’s leading point producer, focuses on the fluidity of the game.

“This year our transitions have been a lot better,” she said. “Our midfielders are more controlling of moving from offense to defense and since we are communicating more, we are able to move the ball faster.”

Gunderson has drilled opposing goalies for 69 scores this season. Her 12 assists shows she has been just as good setting up her teammates for goals. She has also utilized her high-revving motor to collect 19 ground balls. With an aggressive, relentless playing style, Gunderson is described by Broncos assistant coach Jeff Carpenter as a “true attacker, in every sense of the word.”

The Broncos’ frenetic play has translated into a suffocating defense that has allowed only 101 goals this season, nearly cutting in half the 196 allowed last year.

“Although the defender position seems simple, to not let the other team score, it’s a lot of hard work and pressure,” Reynolds said. “We have to make sure we know where our players are, where the ball is, and, with so many newer girls, make sure everyone else is in check too.”

One of the philosophies given by head coach Dave Christensen that has resonated in the teams’ playing style is the phrase “Love to Play.” Gunderson explains what it means: “You can be as competitive as you want to be, but as long as you’re here and you’re playing the sport, you should love what you’re doing. That’s the main goal of lacrosse, you should have fun while you’re here.”

The Broncos attribute their success this season to Christiansen’s philosophy to promote togetherness.

“The team dynamic is a lot different from the past years,” explains Smith. “There is a lot more trust and a feeling of sisterhood. I feel that this contributes to why we have done so well.”

Reynolds concurs.

“I feel like our personalities mesh well together,” she said. “Everyone has a team mentality.”

This team mentality is not lost on the field, where their communication has also served to improve their season performance.

“Communication is one of the reasons we have been doing so well,” Smith said. “The newer girls to the team are very responsive and responsible.”

Although there is a noticeable age gap among the Broncos, the sense of unity has created a charged atmosphere on the field.

“One of the advantages we have this year is our energy,” Gunderson said. “Our team this year also has more athleticism and stamina as well.”

Indeed, the Broncos’ roster consists of players with an increased level of ability from top to bottom made up of do-it-all players.

“We have multiple girls who can play multiple things,” Reynolds said. “Even if a player doesn’t touch the ball, she will still do all she can to help the team in other aspects.”

Rancho Bernardo is hoping for a successful playoff run. Rancho Bernardo is hoping the challenging schedule it plays in the Palomar League will have it prepared for the postseason.

The Broncos will certainly give it their best shot.

“There’s a will this year to just go for it and not hold back,” Smith said.

Lohr is a freelance writer.

Advertisement