 "Photo: Fernando Sarabia")
 "Photo: Fernando Sarabia")
 "Photo: Fernando Sarabia")
The women had a great regular season, mounting a 7-3 record in the South Coast Conference and an overall record of 20-9. All of their hard work has paid off as they have earned a spot in the Southern California Championships.
The Panthers’ great play at home in the South Coast Conference Tournament on Nov. 5 and 7 have them going into the playoffs on a positive note. They went 2-1, with a 9-5 win against El Camino College and a 7-6 upset victory over Long Beach City College, a team that beat them by three the last time they met.
Freshman goalie Mary Baker was instrumental in the win against Long Beach. She had 20 saves, setting a new school record for the most saves in a single game.
Fellow freshmen Ashley Dorrego and Kadee Patterson both scored two goals, while sophomore Bryttanie Clark led all with three.
The tournament’s championship game took place on Nov. 7. The Panthers took the pool against the all familiar Cerritos College, a team they were getting ready to play for the fourth time this season. This game would determine who would be crowned the South Coast Conference champions.
The Falcons had demolished the Panthers in their three previous meetings with one another, winning by six or more in each game. Knowing this had to motivate the Panthers. They battled the Falcons from start to finish, scoring three goals in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to one.
Unfortunately, the strong play showed by the Panthers came up just short. The Falcons added a goal with just over a minute left, securing an 8-6 victory and a conference championship.
Panthers’ head coach Jim Dopf was proud of his team’s performance.
“We played really well,” Dopf said. “The team is playing tough at the right time.”
Sophomore Caitlin Ellis and freshman Brittney Howell both scored three goals. Howell took clear advantage of her opportunities on the offensive end.
“I just played my game, took my shots when they were there,” Howell said.
Freshman goalie Mary Baker had another monster game with 18 saves.
“I have put in a lot of hard hours of practice,” Baker said. “It has really paid off.”
“Communication with my teammates and patience and hard work on my part have been the keys to my success as a goalie.”
The Southern California Championships were held in Pasadena on Nov. 13 and 14. The Panthers took on Long Beach, Orange Coast and Golden West colleges.
All three opponents were tough matchups for the Panthers. They went 1-2, beating Orange Coast 8-7 for their lone victory. Long Beach handed the Panthers a 7-2 loss.
The toughest loss for the Panthers to swallow came against Golden West as they lost 10-8 in overtime.
The Panthers 1-2 finish put them in fourth place for the So-Cal Championships.
Unfortunately, the results ended their season, eliminating them from making the State Championships.
The women had a successful season and have a lot to be proud of, finishing with a 21-11 overall record.
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