Rams Rally Past Santa Barbara to Clinch Playoffs

April 18, 2025

Davidson, Mast, and Thorne lead gritty team effort as Cate avenges early-season loss.

Cody Mast scores his 100th career goal at Cate!

In a hard-fought matchup full of intensity and momentum swings, the Cate Rams came out on top against Santa Barbara, to avenge their early season loss and secure a trip to the playoffs.

Cate opened the scoring with a slick connection between Ethan Rehnborg ’25 and Tres Davidson ’26. Rehnborg found Davidson sneaking around the crease, and Davidson buried it close-range to set the tone early. The Rams struck again when first-year player Jacob Gabbay ’25 notched his first goal of the game, tucking a low stick-side shot off a smooth feed from Davidson. Davidson wasn’t done yet—he added another goal before the end of the first quarter, this time off a well-placed assist from Quincy Thorne ’26.

Goalie Braedo Parker ’26 came up huge throughout the game, making several critical saves on high-percentage chances to preserve Cate’s lead. His composure and athleticism between the pipes were instrumental in keeping Santa Barbara at bay during key moments.

The second half saw Santa Barbara claw their way back into the game, using a strong start to the third quarter to take a 6–5 lead. But Cate responded immediately. Rehnborg, who was a force all over the field, powered through defenders and tied the game with a rip from 15 yards out. His relentless ground ball work, defense, and clearing ability kept Cate’s transition game alive all day.

The game also marked a major milestone for team captain Cody Mast ’25, who scored his 100th career goal at Cate—his second of what would be four goals on the day. Mast continues to be the emotional and physical leader of this team, doing the dirty work on ground balls, leading clears, and always keeping his teammates locked in.

Perhaps the most pivotal moment came late in the game, when Cate was forced to play two men down for a full 90 seconds. In what could have been a game-swinging opportunity for Santa Barbara, Cate’s defense held strong with tough, disciplined play—and Parker capped the stand with another massive save. The momentum swung firmly back to the Rams.

In the fourth quarter, Cate leaned on the sharpshooting of attackman Quincy Thorne ’26, who delivered two beautiful outside finishes to give the Rams breathing room. Thorne also calmly possessed the ball during the final 90 seconds, helping Cate fend off intense defensive pressure and secure the win.

Also making key contributions were captain Riley Valente ‘25, whose on-ball defense and speed in transition were vital throughout the day, freshman Fletcher Prince ‘28, who stepped in at close D and played smart and hard defense with some great slides, as well as Eman Brine ’28, a true Swiss Army knife who has played effectively at close defense, long-stick middie, O-middie and attack this season.

At the faceoff X, Oliver Charvel ’26 was dependable as ever, controlling possessions and matching up physically against Santa Barbara’s top midfielders. His defensive grit helped neutralize some of their most dangerous threats.

It was a complete team win for the Rams, who showed resilience, discipline, and heart to close out an important game and secure a trip to the playoffs.