Last week's home 5-1 win over Golden West College sealed a remarkable 12th consecutive Orange Empire Conference Title for Santiago Canyon College in the nine-team league. The championship marks over a decade of continued success on and off the field for the Hawks.
Winning Santiago Canyon College's first State Championship in any sport in 2006, and the first National Championship in 2009, the Hawks have appeared in the State Finals in seven of the last nine years. The success on the field has been matched in the classroom with Santiago Canyon claiming the title of Academic State Champions for Women's Soccer four times in the same timespan (2005, 2006, 2010 and 2012). Of the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 sophomores, 93% have so far transferred to four-year schools.
The Hawks have a 'bye' on Friday, and with the league title already secured, begin preparations for the playoffs beginning Saturday, November 21st at a time and location to be determined.
Following Santiago Canyon was the only team to defeat the Hawks, as Saddleback College accomplished that feat twice this season. The Gauchos came just a tied game away from forcing a tie with Santiago Canyon after posting their first, and second, wins over the Hawks in program history.
Next up was Cypress College as the Chargers played the OEC champs to a tie but couldn't overcome second place Saddleback. Orange Coast College followed in fourth place while Fullerton College rounded out the top-five.
From there, the conference finish was Golden West College, Irvine Valley College, Santa Ana College and Norco College.