Sports Updates

Wrestling
The Gunn Titans came into Thursday’s meet with a 4-0 dual meet record in the SCVAL as did the Fremont Firebirds. Something had to give…and tonight it was Fremont. Both teams won seven matches, so it was the major decisions, tech falls and pins that made the difference for Gunn in their 36-33 win.

This was also "Senior Night" for the six seniors on the Titan squad. It was the last time Stefan Weidemann , undefeated (ranked #1 in CCS and 4 in state) competed in front of his home crowd. Weidemann won by a tech fall, heading into the CCS Championships with a 17 win no losses record. Although the Titans still have one dual remaining next Thursday, it is against a small Harker Academy squad, so Thursday's meet was essentially for the championship. This marks the first league title for Gunn wrestling in six years.

Additional highlights - Cadence Lee, a Titan freshman, won her weight class at the CCS championships , pinning all her opponents and beating the top-ranked girl in the semi finals. Cadence will be representing Gunn at the State meet and we wish her good luck!

For the wrestling fans of Gunn - the SCVAL championships will be held at Wilcox HS on 2/12/2011, and the CCS Championships will be held at Independence HS (San Jose) on Feb. 25-26. We wish all the wrestlers - good luck!

Boys Basketball
After 2 tough losses to Cupertino and Paly, the Titans faced a tough game against a determined Los Altos squad. For the Titans who hope to stay in the De Anza Division race “Losing was not an option,” said Gunn Boys’ basketball player, Taylor Perricone. Thanks to Perricone, who led all scorers with 21 points, the Titans pulled out what looked like would have been an improbable win as they rallied from 31-14 down to win the game. Perricone was a huge part of it as he scored 17 second half points, including four three pointers. “We played great defense in the second half,” said Perricone. “I got into a zone and so did Anthony Cannon and we made it happen.” The comeback was the biggest deficit that Gunn has overcome in at least 10 years and was a critical win for the Titans. After Gunn’s 50-47 win Perricone said “We were going to do whatever it takes to pull this game out.”

The Titans will be hosting PALY for the last home game of the season this Friday 2/11 at 7:45. Please come and cheer them on.

Girls Basketball
After 2 unexpected losses to PALY and Mountain View, Gunn (15-4, 7-2 SCVAL) stayed in the Santa Clara De Anza Division race, but can’t afford any more stumbles the rest of the way.

Gunn guard Claire Klausner is all of 5 feet, 6 inches but the sophomore rebounded like she was at least 6-feet tall in the Titans’ 48-34 victory over Monta Vista-Cupertino. Klausner had 11 boards, most of them on the offensive end. We have goals every game for rebounds, steals and assists,” said Klausner, who had six points. “Everyone rebounded. I made it my one goal to rebound.”

With contributions from Zoe Zwerling 13 points, Cat Perez 15 points, J. Magg 5 points adding to Claire Klausner's 16 points Gunn defeated Mountain View 48-34. “We came out with a lot more energy this time,” Gunn coach Sarah Stapp said. “Everyone contributed.”

The Lady Titans will host the last home game of the season this Friday 2/11 at 6:00 PM against PALY.

Soccer
Friday night was an exciting game for the Gunn Titan Girls Soccer Team as the Titans were pumped up and ready to play the Vikings on Paly's home turf. The fans came out in full force to cheer the squad including senior Melissa Sun who was able to join the team on the sideline while recovering from recent ACL surgery.

Gunn dominated the second half, producing a promising scoring chance less than two minutes in, as freshman forward Sarah Robinson, who missed the first game, was denied by Paly goalie Alex Kershner. The Duke-bound keeper was tested often over the final 40 minutes. The game-winning goal came in the second half. In the 68th minute, feisty freshman Sarah Robinson ran down a long pass on the left wing and turned toward the goal.. Senior Holly McKenna finished things up, popping the ball past the Viking keeper. “Freshman to senior...there is symbolism in that” Cohen said after the game. “I am just happy for the girls and being a part of changing the long-standing history.”

Coach Damian Cohen was thrilled with the team play. “The girls were tenacious and passionate and played good soccer” Cohen commented. “They were in hard on every tackle, moved off the ball and had great team shape.” Titan keeper senior Molly Butera kept calm and snapped up every Viking shot.

“They know this made our season because it’s a rivalry within the town,” Gunn coach Damian Cohen said. “Palo Alto has had the upper hand, at least in soccer, as long as I can remember. … And I think it meant the world to them to win."

“They should be excited,” Ernesto Cruz (Paly's coach) said. “They haven’t beaten us for five years. And they did a tremendous job, and they deserved the win.” Next week the Lady Titans continue with league play meeting up with Los Gatos at Gunn on Wednesday night. The Senior Night celebration will include a pre-game ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of the squads eight graduating seniors, Molly Butera, Holly McKenna, Jesse Klein, Melissa Sun, Anna von Clemm, Bonnie Cardillo, Diana Wise, and Lisa Jackson. Game Time 6 p.m.


Highlights
Wrestling - Gunn are undefeated in League winning all dual meets. Cadence Lee won the Girl' s CCS wrestling title for her weight class.

Soccer - The Lady Titans pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset of PALY on the Viking's home turf.

Senior night 2/9 playing Los Gatos.

Basketball - The Boys came back from a 31-14 deficit to beat a determined Los Altos 50-47.
Basketball senior night 2/11 for both girls and boys squads facing the tough PALY teams.