Cal Poly Pomona Soccer: How One Shocking Win Changed Everything for the Team!

The Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer team is proving its mettle on the national stage, following last year’s triumph as NCAA Division II national champions. The Broncos, currently ranked No. 4, have showcased an impressive defensive performance, entering their third-round matchup of the Division II Tournament against the No. 21 Azusa Pacific Cougars without conceding a single goal through the tournament's first two rounds. This pivotal match will take place on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Kellogg Stadium in Pomona.

Head coach Jay Mason expressed confidence in his squad, noting, “

Azusa’s a great team and a familiar opponent, but this group has battled all year and we’re excited for the next challenge.

” The Broncos have had a successful season thus far, securing a second consecutive title in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), although they faced a setback when they were eliminated from the CCAA postseason tournament after a narrow 1-0 loss to Cal Poly Humboldt on November 14.

Mason praised his players for their resilience, stating, “

The girls did a really, really good job of trusting each other and trusting themselves. They were up for this and they wanted another opportunity.

” The Broncos rebounded strongly, defeating Humboldt 1-0 in the first round of the NCAA tournament, with Kiarra D’Arcangelo scoring the critical goal. They continued their winning streak with a 2-0 victory over Simon Fraser, where Vanessa Cruz, the CCAA Offensive Player of the Year, found the net in the 33rd minute, followed by Marisa Salazar adding an insurance goal.

In this latest victory, freshman goalkeeper Jenna Tetrault made three saves, contributing to the Broncos’ 11th shutout of the season. “

We just played super together,”

said junior defender Mikaela Marr, acknowledging the improvements in team communication. “We’ve struggled with communication, but it’s been fluid lately.”

The upcoming clash with Azusa Pacific adds another chapter to a storied rivalry dating back to 1990, where the Broncos hold a 14-7-0 advantage in their all-time series. They previously defeated the Cougars 3-1 in this year's season opener. Azusa Pacific (12-3-5) made its way to the third round by overcoming Point Loma 2-1 in the first round and edging out Western Washington in a nail-biting shootout, winning 6-5 after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, the Cal State San Bernardino women’s volleyball team is also making waves, entering the Division II Tournament as the No. 6 seed following a recent victory at the CCAA Tournament. With a strong record of 22-5 overall, the Coyotes swept past last year's Division II runner-up, San Francisco State, to claim their seventh conference tournament title. Under the guidance of coach Kim Cherniss, the Coyotes have found their stride, winning nine consecutive matches and 14 of their last 15 games since early October. They will face the third-seeded Point Loma, the PacWest Conference champion, on December 4 at 4:30 p.m.

Adding to the excitement, the La Verne women’s volleyball team has reached the Division III Elite Eight once again. The No. 5-ranked Leopards (28-2 overall) secured their spot with a dramatic five-set victory over No. 6 Johns Hopkins. They executed a remarkable comeback from an 0-2 deficit, winning 17-25, 21-25, 25-21, 27-25, 15-13. The Leopards will compete against Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the national quarterfinals on December 3 at 5 p.m. The Division III Elite Eight will be hosted at Shirk Center Arena in Bloomington, Illinois.

In individual achievements, Bryan Cabrera from San Bernardino Valley College made headlines by setting a new school record with 11 three-pointers in a commanding 156-52 victory against Imperial Valley. The sophomore guard, who also scored a game-high 41 points, helped the Wolverines (4-3 overall) set new records for most points in a game, most points in a half (89), and the largest margin of victory (104). The Wolverines will next face Ventura at the Riverside Holiday Classic on December 4.

As the postseason unfolds, several local teams are showcasing their talent and determination, aiming for glory on the national stage. The performance of these athletes not only highlights their individual and team skills but also underscores the competitive spirit flourishing in collegiate sports across America.