Preview: Women's Soccer Set to Host 3C2A Southern Regional Round One

For the 22nd time in program history, the Santiago Canyon College women's soccer team has secured a spot in the 3C2A Southern Regional playoffs, with an opportunity to claim the program's fifth state championship.

The Hawks, who finished the season in third place in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC), have earned the 11th seed for the second consecutive year. They will host the 22nd-seeded Mt. San Jacinto College Eagles on Wednesday, November 20, at 2 p.m.

As per 3C2A rules and regulations, there will be an admission fee for the game. General admission is $12, while students, faculty, staff, seniors (ages 60 and over), and children (ages 12 and under) will be charged $8. This is a cash-only event. Live stats will be available at www.scchawks.com.

The Hawks and Eagles previously met in late September for the final non-conference match of the season, which ended in a 3-3 draw. The teams exchanged two goals in the first half, with each scoring once in the second half to secure the draw.

SCC grabbed an early lead when sophomore Jordyn Lamastra assisted sophomore Samantha Aguila for the game's first goal in the 16th minute. Aguila assisted in extending the Hawk's lead shortly after, setting up sophomore Alyssa Marino for a goal in the 22nd minute to give the Hawks a 2-0 advantage.

Mt. San Jacinto College responded with two quick goals, one in the 23rd minute and another in the 33rd, before taking a 3-2 lead with a goal in the 59th minute. However, the Hawks equalized in the 70th minute, with Lamastra scoring to secure the 3-3 draw.

The Hawks employed a goalkeeper-by-committee strategy in that match, with sophomore Grayton Normand playing the first half and recording one save. Freshman Mikayla Worcester took over in the second half, making four saves.

Over the course of 20 matches this season, the Hawks have averaged just over two goals per game and registered more than 16 shots per contest. Defensively, they have allowed just over one goal per game.

Aguila leads the team with nine goals in 20 games and has added five assists for a total of 23 points. Lamastra, who has tallied a team-high 24 points, has scored seven goals and recorded 10 assists. Marino and freshman Mia Lussier are tied for third on the team with six goals each.

In goal, Normand has started 15 games, recording 45 saves and a .776 save percentage. Worcester has started the last three games, posting a 2-1 record with 12 saves and 21 saves on the season.

The Hawks are one of four OEC teams advancing to the Southern Regional playoffs. Joining them are No. 1 Cypress College, No. 3 Saddleback College, and No. 19 Orange Coast College.