The season has reached the halfway point and a number of teams from the Orange Empire Conference look as if they have a shot at winning the OEC title. Four teams appear in the top-20 in the rankings heading into the conference schedule.
Santiago Canyon College has won an unprecedented 15 straight OEC titles, but that run looks as if it could be in jeopardy in 2019. In addition to the Hawks, Cypress College, Fullerton College and Santa Ana College have all had sensational starts, with Golden West College, Saddleback College and Orange Coast College all having their moments.
Cypress entered the week ranked No. 3 in the California Community College Sports Information Association Poll after starting the season 6-0. Santiago Canyon entered conference play at 4-0-1 while Fullerton was 5-1 and Santa Ana 6-0, making for great theatre during the upcoming OEC schedule.
Cypress outscored opponents 16-3 in pre-conference play, led by Hunter Richmond, Audree Campos and Morgan Patea. The trio has 14 goals for the year while Violet Martin had allowed just three goals to slip past her in goal.
Santiago Canyon entered OEC play with the only blemish being a 3-3 tie against San Bernardino Valley. The Hawks have had a great start from Tara Hansel, who had four goals and two assists over the first five matches.
Santa Ana started the season 6-0, outscoring opponents 21-1 in the process. The Dons' run included a 9-0 win against San Diego City College and a 6-0 win against Cuyamaca College. Santa Ana has had a great start from Leyna Wood (9) and Linda Gutierrez (8), who have combined for 17 goals.
Fullerton was 5-1 entering the conference schedule, with the lone loss coming against Rio Hondo College, who is ranked No. 16 in the CCCSIA Poll. The Hornet wins included a 2-0 victory over Santa Monica College, who is No. 15 in the state rankings. Fullerton's great start has been sparked by Kaelah Basurto, who had five goals to start the season.
OEC play starts this week.
(Release by Brad Hoiseth - Saddleback SID/Women's Soccer Representative)