Santa Barbara, Calif. – The La Sierra University Women's Soccer season has come to a close after a unique and exciting 2020-2021 campaign, even with COVID restraints.
The Golden Eagles weren't fazed by the difficult circumstances surrounding the season, winning the California Pacific Conference Title for the first time in program history. The Golden Eagles continued their historic season with a trip to the Opening Round Tournament of the NAIA National Championships, hosted by Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, against Eastern Oregon University (Le Grande, Ore.).
The Golden Eagles took control of the game from the kick-off, keeping possession and taking shots in the attacking third, but the Mountaineers (7-1-2) staged a counter-attack, which resulted in a goal just under four minutes into play. The Mountaineers continued their attack on the Golden Eagles, but Goalkeeper, Ashley Villagrana was able to make numerous saves, helping turn the momentum back to the Golden Eagles.
After 15 minutes of play, the Golden Eagles settled in and were able to find their rhythm, mounted numerous attacks, but the Mountaineers always had an answer, putting the Golden Eagles back on their heels. The score would stay, 1-0 going into the half.
To open the second half of play, once again, the Golden Eagles came out with an attacking mindset, but were faced with a strong Mountaineer defensive presence. The Mountaineers were able to gain possession, dictating the pace of the game, until Alyssa Felix broke through the backline, finding herself one-on-one with a Mountaineer defender she was easily able to shake, putting a shot on goal that rolled passed the Goalkeeper who was off her line, leaving the goal wide open, to tie it up 1-1 with 27 minutes left to play. The celebration was short lived, as the Mountaineers answered back only minutes later with another goal, taking the lead once again, 2-1, which would be enough to clinch victory and end the Golden Eagles historic run.
Congratulations are still in order for a well-played match and exciting season! The Golden Eagles end their 2020-2021 campaign as Cal Pac Champions, with an overall record of 10-5; 10-3 in Conference play.
We would like to congratulate Alayna Finch, for being voted by the California Pacific Conference as La Sierra University's, 2021 Champion of Character.
We would like to congratulate Arianna Perez for being named, Cal Pac Freshman of the Year.
We would also like to congratulate, Mariah Anaya, Celena Perales, Arianna Perez and Ashley Villagrana for earning First Team All Cal Pac Conference Recognition; Marisol Bravo for earning Second Team All Cal Pac Conference Recognition and Savannah Aborqui and Citalli Pedraza for their Honorable Mentions.
It was a pleasure watching you all play. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifices to make this season happen!
