This Week in Athletics

February 7, 2025

Cate Athletics wrapped up an exciting winter regular season filled with hard-fought battles, statement victories, and memorable senior moments. From girls soccer securing a final win to boys basketball clinching second place in league, every team displayed resilience, teamwork, and growth. The Rams also celebrated a perfect season in boys soccer, a dominant league performance in girls water polo, and a spirited Senior Night victory for girls basketball. Stay tuned for more information on CIF Playoffs as our winter teams will find out pairings soon.

Girls Soccer Closes Season with a Win After Hard-Fought Battles

Cate GVS ended the season with a 1-0 victory over Bishop Diego, highlighted by a spectacular goal from Precious Adjei off a Fiona Pan corner. The team dominated play but struggled to convert more chances, a theme throughout recent matches. A tough 2-0 loss to Grace Brethren and a pair of 2-1 defeats to Orcutt Academy and St. Bonaventure showcased the team’s resilience, technical skill, and improving chemistry. Senior captains Zoë Flint, Zyla Dhillon, Stella Rogers, Addie, and Jeeyou Jung leave behind a legacy of leadership and commitment that will shape the program moving forward.

Boys Soccer Completes Perfect Season, Clinch League Title

The boys soccer team capped off an undefeated regular season with three dominant performances, securing their third Tri-Valley League title in four years. The Rams started with a commanding 4-0 win over Foothill Tech, fueled by goals from Charlie Dorion, Kiy Barry, and Uriel Beltran Campuzano. They then broke through Thacher’s defensive strategy to earn a 5-0 victory, highlighted by George Marin’s hat trick. Finally, on Senior Day, the Rams edged out Dunn 1-0 in a hard-fought battle, with Marin scoring the lone goal. With a perfect record and strong momentum, the team now awaits their CIF playoff placement.

Boys Basketball Secures 2nd Place in League with Statement Wins

The boys varsity basketball team closed out league play in dominant fashion, securing second place with a thrilling 81-67 win over Dunn. The Rams showcased their best basketball of the season, fueled by unselfish ball movement and relentless defense. Sophomore Braylin Glomah led the charge with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jackson Steele, Josh Butler, and Marcus Scudder all contributed double-digit scoring and key playmaking. A strong defensive effort, highlighted by Peter Lehman’s battle in the paint, proved crucial in stopping Dunn’s top scorer. Cate then followed up with a commanding 60-39 victory over Providence on Senior Night, capping off an impressive regular season. With momentum on their side, the Rams now set their sights on the playoffs, beginning February 12th.

Girls Water Polo Dominates Villanova, Falls to Malibu in Season Finale

Girls water polo had a strong showing in league play, securing a commanding 14-3 victory over Villanova before closing the season with a tough 19-2 loss against powerhouse Malibu. Against Villanova, the Rams controlled the game from start to finish, led by Ani Van Lynde’s four goals and standout defensive performances from Sofia Wang, Michelle Wu, Betsy Peters, and Madeline Losey. Goalies Daisy Gemberling, Ellie Walmsley, and Ayesha Komou also had stellar performances in the net. Despite the season-ending loss to Malibu, Cate’s young talent showed promise, with sophomores Violet Monda and Maddie Kollock netting the team’s two goals. The Rams also celebrated their dedicated seniors—Tallulah Bates, Daisy Gemberling, Lucy Guilbert Neal, Kate McCoy, and Ani Van Lynde—who have played a key role in the program’s growth. With a bright future ahead, Cate looks forward to building on this season’s successes.

Girls Basketball Closes Season with Senior Night Victory

The Cate girls varsity basketball team wrapped up their season with a 53-37 Senior Night win over Villanova, bouncing back after tough losses to Foothill Tech, St. Bonaventure, and Thacher. Seniors Sam Jimenez (21 points, 9 rebounds, 6 steals) and Sophia Ospina (13 points, 5 assists) led the way, with strong contributions from Emerson Evans, Lilli Whelan, and Chelsea Newlove. After a slow start, the Rams’ aggressive defense turned the tide, holding Villanova to just one point in the second quarter and sealing the win with a dominant second-half run. The night was a fitting farewell for seniors Jimenez, Ospina, Whelan, and Sanai Edwards, who ended their careers on a high note. Thanks to all who supported the team this season!

As the winter season ends, Cate’s teams can take pride in their achievements, knowing they left everything on the field, court, and in the pool. With boys’ soccer clinching a league title and boys’ basketball securing second place, both teams now set their sights on deep playoff runs. Meanwhile, the transition to spring sports begins, with athletes ready to take on new challenges and build on the momentum of an outstanding winter season. The Rams look forward to carrying their success into the postseason and beyond.

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Football Student-Athletes Presented with All-League Awards

Earlier this week, seven members of the Cate football team were presented their All League Awards, and three players were presented their MVP awards for their tremendous efforts this football season. It was the first time in Cate football history that the Rams swept the three Tri-Valley League MVP awards.

Johnny Foster ’25 was awarded the Defensive Player of the League, while teammate Ethan Rehnborg ’25 received the Offensive Player of the League award. Tri-Valley League MVP went to Quinn Pullen ’25.

“Indeed, a well-deserved recognition for an outstanding season turned in by these players. Congratulations to the players and coaches: Coach Newsome, Coach Person, Coach Bouma, Coach Ransom, Coach Dealie, and Coach Dave Soto for hours invested in putting these young men in the best position to achieve their awards,” said Cate, head coach Ben Soto.

The 2024 Tri-Valley League Champions were also well-represented on the All-League Team. 1st Team Members included: Zack Coulter ’25, Davey Rissel ’25, Cody Mast ’25, Henry Bouma ’25, Jacob Gabbay ’25, Josh Butler ’26, and Barron Caryton ’26.

“Congratulations to all. More than the individual awards, I am beyond proud of the team for their involvement in supporting the Hugs for Cubs organization. The team was able to put together  $1,000 which will be turned over to the organization this summer and support their efforts to bring smiles to children in our community who have been diagnosed with cancer,” Soto added.

Click here for a complete list of all league honorees from the fall.