The California Palms improved to 2–0 at the 2026 Lexus Championship Series on Sunday with a convincing win over the Maryland Charm, using early offensive production and sustained defensive pressure to separate in the Sixes format.
California Palms 20, Maryland Charm 11
Box score | Game highlights | Postgame press conference
Palms: Early control and defensive disruption
California established control early and carried that momentum forward, outscoring Maryland in three of four quarters and tying the other.
Anna Brandt led the offense with six points (3G, 3A), while Ally Mastroianni continued her consistent round-robin play, totaling 12 points through two games.
The Palms’ defense played a measurable role in the outcome.
California recorded 11 caused turnovers, including three from Ellie Masera, and held Maryland to limited extended possessions.
In goal, Taylor Moreno followed up her strong second half against Boston with another steady performance, finishing with 14 saves and a 56% save percentage. Her first-half efficiency helped prevent the Charm from closing the gap during key stretches.
“It’s easy to rally around and protect a goalie that has your back as well,” Palms head coach Maddy Buss said. “She is such a pro. She is so intentional with her pregame warmup and everything that she does to get her mind right. … She knows that her teammates have her back, and she is going to do whatever she can to have theirs. I think that’s the theme. … We’re just playing together.”
California’s plus-16 scoring differential through two games positions them firmly in first place.
Charm: Possession margin proves decisive
Maryland’s primary obstacle was ball security. The Charm committed 20 turnovers, which limited their ability to generate a sustained offensive rhythm. While Maryland showed the ability to score in spurts — particularly during a higher-scoring fourth quarter — each run was countered.
In the Sixes format, where possessions are condensed by eight-minute quarters and a 30-second shot clock, turnover margin often dictates pace and opportunity.
Maryland’s inability to consistently maintain possession prevented it from fully testing California’s defense over extended stretches.
Now 1-1, the Charm will close out round-robin play on Friday against the Boston Guard (6 p.m. ET). The Palms will meet the New York Charging on Thursday at 8 p.m.
