Bobcats punch ticket to state

For the first time in program history the Saddleback women's soccer team is heading to the state tournament after a 2-0 win over Santiago Canyon College in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Southern California Regional Finals on Saturday in Orange.   The Bobcats will play in the state semifinals on Friday at American River College.

Saddleback controlled play in the opening half and netted a goal in the 28^th minute when Summer Hackett fed Christina Santoyo for a 1-0 lead.  It was Santoyo's ninth goal of the season and put Santiago Canyon in the role of a chaser, which is something they haven't experienced most of the season.  Santiago Canyon had one opportunity to get even late in the half when they had a free kick from just outside the box.  It was steered aside by keeper Jamie-Lynne Clark to preserve the shutout through 45 minutes.

The teams played equal through most of the second half when Saddleback struck again in the 76^th minute.  This time it was Lizbeth De Loera taking a cross from Lacy Ruston and beating the keeper for a 2-0 lead.  It was De Loera's team-leading 16^th goal of the season, but clearly the most important of her career at Saddleback.  It gave the Bobcats a commanding lead with time dwindling down on the Hawks. 

Saddleback is now 19-2-3 on the season following the win.  The Bobcats will play on Friday in the CCCAA State Tournament at American River College, with an opponent yet to be determined.  It is Saddleback's first appearance at the state tournament in the 21-year history of the program, eclipsing a regional final appearance last fall. 

Saddleback's 2-0 win on Saturday was the fourth straight shutout and 15^th shutout of the season.   The record for shutouts in a season is 19 in 2021.   The 19^th win of the season ties a program record of 19 wins last fall. 

Santiago Canyon finishes the season at 19-2-2.