California Baptist University Women’s Soccer Triumphs to Reach NCAA Tournament

The California Baptist University (CBU) women’s soccer team has demonstrated incredible resilience this season, securing their spot in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year.

WAC Tournament Drama: CBU Defeats Utah Valley for Championship Title

CBU faced significant challenges during the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament final against Utah Valley on November 8. After falling behind 2-0, the team rallied back in the second half. Goals from Anja Jestrovic and Taylor Held brought the score level, leading to a thrilling penalty shootout. In a decisive moment, Mikayla O’Brien, a standout goalkeeper from Fontana, clinched the victory with a successful penalty, earning CBU a dramatic 4-3 win and the conference championship.

The California Baptist women’s soccer team will face Kansas in the first round of the NCAA Division I Tournament. (Courtesy of CBU Athletics)

With this triumph, the Lancers (12-8-2 overall) secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for a first-round clash against No. 3-ranked Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, this Friday. Coach Kristen St. Clair expressed pride in her team’s tenacity, stating, “I’m proud of this team, and at the end of the day, we advance and have an opportunity.”

Journey to the Tournament: CBU’s Season Highlights

Despite a tough conclusion to the regular season with a scoreless draw and a narrow 2-1 loss during their Texas road trip, the Lancers dramatically shifted their fortunes in the WAC Tournament. St. Clair praised her team’s “heart, resolve, and grit” in overcoming adversity.

Mikayla O’Brien, named the WAC goalkeeper of the year, played a pivotal role in their success. During the tournament, she recorded two crucial saves in the semifinal shootout against Utah Tech and was instrumental in the final against Utah Valley, where she not only made eight saves but also scored the decisive penalty, earning her the title of Most Outstanding Player of the WAC Tournament.

A Remarkable Comeback: CBU vs. Utah Valley Highlights

The final match against Utah Valley was a rollercoaster of emotions. After conceding two goals, CBU displayed remarkable composure when senior captain Kaylee Hauck earned a penalty via VAR review. Jestrovic capitalized on this opportunity, scoring in the 61st minute to ignite hope.

The momentum shifted further when a goal by Taylor Held, confirmed by VAR, leveled the match. A nail-biting finish awaited, with both teams fighting hard in regulation time. As the game progressed into a penalty shootout, CBU maintained composure, with key contributions from Jestrovic, Hauck, and Westlund securing their path to victory.

Upcoming Challenges: Facing Kansas in the NCAA Tournament

With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the Lancers are poised to face a formidable opponent in Kansas. The match promises to be an exciting opportunity for CBU to showcase their skills on a national stage. More details about the tournament can be found on the NCAA website.

Additional Sports Updates

Pomona-Pitzer Hosts NCAA Division III West Regional

In related news, the Pomona-Pitzer women’s soccer team will host the NCAA Division III West Regional tournament in Claremont. As the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season champions, they will face St. Joseph’s of Long Island on Saturday. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps will also compete in the regional, vying for a spot in the finals.

Riverside City College and San Bernardino Valley College Secure Bowl Invitations

Despite falling from playoff contention, the Riverside City College football team received a bid to play in the Southern California Bowl at Fullerton College. Meanwhile, San Bernardino Valley College will compete in the Western State Bowl. Both teams are eager to finish their seasons on a high note.

Recent Athlete Highlights

UC Riverside guard Marqui Worthy Jr. earned Big West men’s basketball player of the week honors, showcasing his impressive start to the season. Additionally, the Cal Poly Pomona men’s cross country team qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships, continuing their strong performance from previous years.

Stay tuned for more updates on local athletes and teams as they embark on their postseason journeys!