Philip George, Spring 2009 Assistant Sports Editor
Three-peat Southern Western State Conference champions, the Pierce College women’s soccer team won 2-0 over Bakersfield College on Nov. 2 and drew against Glendale College on Nov. 6.
The win against Bakersfield confirmed Pierce as WSC Champions. Pierce head coach Adolfo Perez and assistant coach Tony Ortega both celebrated the team’s achievements after the Bakersfield match. “We played very organized,” said Perez. “This is our third championship in a row and our first at home, so it means a lot.”
“This is our fifth win in seven years,” said assistant coach Tony Ortega. “Everyone did great. Now we’re going to the state tournament to see who will be king of California.”
The game began with an early goal in the 11th minute; Pierce midfielder Patty Garcia scored to make it 1-0.The Brahmas controlled the match aftewards, but were unable to add to their lead.
The second half started similarly to the first as Pierce scored in the 58th minute. Pierce defender Heather Painter fired in a free-kick to make it 2-0.
Pierce played out the rest of the game to record their 16th win of the season and secure the WSC championship.
After the game, Scott Dameron, Bakersfield College head coach commented on the game.
“We played our best,” he said. “The Brahmas were just better. We couldn’t catch a break.”
Pierce goalkeeper Natasha Jackson was thrilled with the win.
“I’m so psyched,” she said. “We played really well.”
In their Nov. 6 match, the Brahmas played to a draw against hardworking Glendale College at Satoris Field. Holding a record of 16-1-4 (wins-losses-draws), Pierce found themselves unlucky to not have won as they created chances but failed to score them.
In 22 games they’ve scored a total of 58 goals. Glendale played defensively with 11 players behind the ball to neutralize the Brahmas attacking threats.
“I expected it to be tough,” said Perez. “They played at home in front of their fans and were very motivated.”
Assistant coach Ortega spoke of their inability to score.
“We had opportunities and we weren’t able to put them away, but that happens in soccer,” said Ortega. Speaking of the Brahmas tactics, Pierce defender Allison Fass noted their failure to score because of Glendale’s tactics and a lack of composure due to the hostile atmosphere at Satoris Field.
“If we just stay more calm, we’ll be able to handle any formation that they play,” said Fass.
Before the game, Glendale head coach Jorge Mena noted his team had nothing to lose, everything to gain and that they would give it their all.
Assistant coach Ortega complimented Glendale, saying, “They came out and played like a playoff team: They played with a lot of intensity, with a purpose.”
Pierce played their final game of the regular season at College of the Canyons on Friday and won 3-0. Match review will be available online at www.therounduponline.net.
(David Salpeter)
(David Salpeter)