OK, that’s probably a key piece that might have helped from the outset.
I don’t disagree, although I would be more comfortable in giving this as a reason if she did 2 years of German, which BTW is an option since the young lady is a rising junior. I still contend one year is just a waste.
Having said that, recommendations are just that - recommendations. Plenty of applicants get into one of their top choice schools without following recommendations to the letter.