VENTURA, Calif. – An early second-half goal from forward Natani Kent-Earle proved to be the winner in the SBCC women's soccer team's 2-1 season-opening win over Orange Coast on Thursday at the New Balance Showcase hosted by Ventura College.
"It was good for the squad to be playing again after a break of two years against opponents which we last saw in the second round of the playoffs in 2017," head coach John Sisterson said. "It was a very good emotional win for us in our first game of the season."
A pair of Vaquero midfielders linked up to open the scoring in the 34th minute, as Romy Alberts put her side ahead off an assist by Delaney Kenney. Unfortunately, Alberts day would be cut short due to a severe leg injury.
"Orange Coast (1-2) had previously won both their games this year so it was important we worked hard and stayed focused," Sisterson said. "Our women did just that in a difficult situation after losing their captain Romy."
In the 43rd minute, the Pirates would equalize to make it 1-1.
Coming out of the halftime break though, Santa Barbara didn't take long before snatching the lead back on Kent-Earle's go-ahead score in the 49th minute. Once again, it was Kenney on the assist, her second of the day.
"It was disappointing to concede a goal just two minutes before halftime, but the women picked themselves up and were determined to win the game for Romy," Sisterson said. "We came out very well in the second half, hitting the bar three times and peppering the goal with shots and opportunities."
SBCC Goalkeeper Analea Pule finished the day with eight saves. The offense meanwhile posted 18 shots as a team.
The Vaqueros have now won their last three contests with Orange Coast dating back to at least 2013. This was also their first season-opening win since their 3-1 triumph over the Pirates at the 2016 Ventura Tournament.
This Saturday, SBCC will close out its opening week slate at the New Balance Showcase with a 9:00 a.m. meeting against Hartnell (0-1).
