Women’s Soccer Advances to Final Round of 3C2A Southern Regional Tournament
Sophomore Ayleen Jimenez stepped over a penalty kick in the 61st minute of a match that had remained scoreless since halftime. As the second half unfolded, a foul in the box handed the Hawks a prime chance to break the deadlock.
With the match on the line, Jimenez backed up, steadied her breathing, and set her plan. As she approached the ball and drove her shot with force, watching it blaze into the back of the net. The lone strike stood as the game-winner, sending her team through to the final round of the 3C2A Southern Regional championships.
The No. 2 Hawks defeated the No. 7 Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros in the third round of the 3C2A Southern Regional tournament on Tuesday night, earning a 1–0 victory. It marks the second straight season that Santiago Canyon has reached this stage. The Hawks will face the winner of No. 3 Long Beach and No. 6 Mt. San Antonio on Saturday, November 29, on their home field with a chance to advance to the State Championship Tournament.
The Hawks outshot the Vaqueros 13–8, with only two of Santa Barbara's attempts landing on frame. Sophomore Karen Pedraza once again anchored a dominant back line that allowed minimal penetration, joined by sophomore Jordyn Gallegos and freshmen duo Melanie Salazar and Faith Ammann.
Offensively, the Hawks placed seven shots on target, led by the relentless sophomore Mia Lussier. She recorded three shots, two on frame, while Jimenez added three of her own and sophomore Rayleen Chairez tested her luck twice.
Freshman Noelle Zuvic controlled the midfield with poise, and sophomore Mikayla Worcester secured her second straight win in goal, tallying three saves.
Stay tuned to www.scchawks.com for updates on Saturday's matchup.
