Izzy Jeffery fired in the game-winning goal seconds from the end of extra time as the Live Oak Acorns field hockey team claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Leland High in Santa Teresa Division action on Sept. 29. Amaya Valencia and Jeffery scored first-half goals, with Olivia Hinh replying for Leland in the second half. The match hung in the balance until Jeffery stepped up to deliver the decisive blow in the dying moments.

Skylar Walters, a proud Live Oak junior, is expected to be a pivotal asset to the Acorns field hockey team this season. Last week, Izzy Jeffery, another Live Oak senior, stepped up to the challenge and scored the game-winning goal in overtime with just 1:22 remaining in the match, leading the Acorns to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Leland High in Blossom Valley Athletic League Santa Teresa Division action Sept. 29. The intensity of the match was palpable as both teams fought hard and played with great passion.

Jeffery drove the ball past two defenders with a couple of “pull rights” and then sent it up and over the goalie into the goal. Amaya Valencia, another Live Oak senior, opened the scoring for the Acorns just four minutes into the match with a long shot.

Despite controlling most of the game, the Acorns could not increase their lead, and Olivia Hinh tied matters at 1-1. After no further scoring in regulation, the match headed into a seven-minute 7-on-7 overtime. With a determined effort, Jeffery scored the winning goal for the Acorns, bringing the final score to 2-1.

Live Oak senior Izzy Jeffery, left, will help lead the Acorns girls field hockey team this season. (Thien-An Truong/ special to the Times)

The Live Oak Acorns celebrated a tremendous victory, scoring an impressive 2-1 win over the host Leland Chargers. Jeffery and Valencia drove the attack, with Marissa Mitchell, Skylar Walters, and Hannah Lara making impactful plays in the midfield. Aida Martins and Kayla Tulowitzki provided valuable depth to the Acorns. Emma Jeffery contributed in the midfield, while the defense of Eden Svoboda, Rian Henderson, and Emma Garcia managed to protect goalkeeper Susan Kirchhoff. The Acorns’ determination and passion paid off as Jeffery scored the winning goal in overtime, taking them into second place in the BVAL Santa Teresa Division.

Led by alumna Sarah Porras, the program is flourishing with athletes playing other sports and just one team member playing club field hockey in the off-season. According to MaxPreps, with a 7-3-1 overall and 4-1 record in league play, the Acorns have earned the No. 39 rank in California.

Porras is proud of the team’s accomplishments, especially overcoming a 9-0 loss to Christopher High in non-league action and competing with powerhouse Gilroy High. With six varsity players who have never played field hockey before, including their goalkeeper Susan Kirchhoff, Live Oak proves that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
The team has come a long way, and the players have an enjoyable experience as they grow and improve.
Sophomore Kayla Tulowitzki is an integral part of the Acorns girls’ field hockey team, and her contribution as No. 2 will make a positive difference this season. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Times captures the moment perfectly.

In the thrilling nail-biter, the Acorns persevered against a resilient Leland High and but for Izzy Jeffery’s two-goal performance. Amaya Valencia scored four minutes into the match, and then Jeffery’s seventh-minute overtime-scoring gave Live Oak their 2-1 victory. The Acorns showcased their skill and determination, coming out Masterful. With solid performances from Walton, Valencia, and Jeffery, the Live Oak Juniors continue demonstrating why they have been such a critical Fortreaxy to the Acorns team this season.