Santa Barbara Captures Second-Consecutive State Championship
It was the battle of top southern teams on Saturday as the top-seeded Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros faced off against the second-seeded Riverside City College Tigers for the title. Santa Barbara struck gold for the second-consecutive season as they earned a hard-fought victory over the Tigers to claim the 2023 crown.
The Vaqueros are the first repeat champions since 2013 and did not lose a single 3C2A contest all season. Additionally, it was the fifth time this season they defeated the Tigers to prove that they were the true queens of the state.
It was a tight contest as both teams traded one goal each in the opening eight minutes, but it was the second quarter that told the tale. Santa Barbara exploded for four goals to the Riverside's one score to grab a sizable advantage.
SBCC's Natalie Mancinelli scored the opening goal, while Caroline Oates and Gabrielle Muehring followed with netters. Claire Daland got in on the action to close the four-goal run with a score after assisting on Oates score earlier in the quarter.
Riverside outscored the Vaqueros in the third period with goals from Nicole Robertson, Jessie Nelson and Mikayla Nielsen, but Santa Barbara held them scoreless in the fourth quarter leading to an 8-5 win.
Cl. Daland led the team with three goals, five steals, three blocks and an assist. Lily Carrick led the team in assists with two, while goalkeeper Kate Densmore earned her 37th victory with 11 saves.
Head Coach Chuckie Roth was named the state's Coach of the Year for the second-consecutive time.
Women's All Tournament Team Awards
Coach Of the Year - Chuckie Roth, Santa Barbara
Most Valuable Player - Claire Daland, Santa Barbara
First Team All State Championship
Kate Desmore, Santa Barbara
Maddie Meyers, Santa Barbara
Jessie Nelson, Riverside City College
Mikayla Nielsen, Riverside City College
Taylor Hendricks, West Valley College
Aiyana mendoza, West Valley College
Brey Pierce, Sierra College
Second Team All State Championship
Sofia Mather, Riverside City College
Anastasija Koreni, West Valley College
Hedi Green, Sierra College
Madeline Hall, Merced College
Molly Kendrick, Modesto College
Olivia Slavens, Long Beach City College
Abigayle Dapena, Saddleback College
(Nicho DellaValle, 3CWPCA)