The Cosumnes River College women's soccer team traveled to Fairfield Saturday to face the number one seeded Solano Falcons in a match that would yield a birth in the State Championship Tournament. The Hawks prevailed with a 5-1 victory that stunned the home crowd. "We knew after our first game that we we're going to be on the road for the duration," Head Coach Cesar Plasencia said. "It was our rallying cry, just keep winning to bring it home." The women are bringing the championship games to their home field Dec. 4-6. "We're hosting the state tournament here at CRC this year," Plasencia said. "Everyone else is still on the road." The women are coming home with a number one place in the state championship tournament. The Hawks took control from the opening kickoff and never let up. Fifteen minutes into the contest, the Hawks scored, setting the pace for what would become a lopsided victory. Maddy Roberts launched a penalty kick from 40 yards out that found Dani Arellano in the penalty area. Arellano scored the goal and the route was on. "I got lucky," Big 8 Conference MVP Arellano said. "I just ran through it and chipped it. I didn't think it was going in, but it did." The Hawks increased their lead again. Toni Fragoso was next to bring one home this time from 15 yards out. "I just 'hawked' it," Fragoso said. "Same thing as a volley, which doesn't always go in, but this one did." The Hawks were able to ward off the Falcons' offense with a ferocious defense that, at times, would bend but not break. Led once again by the tandem of first Team All Big 8 defenders Roberts and Becky Gallo, the Hawks had an answer for every Falcon drive towards goal. "Our backline is so awesome," Team Captain Arianna Fragoso said. "Maddy and Becky just get it done. We were flooded with midfielders this year, so Becky changed positions to defender and she's just killing it. That's how good she is." The women were able to guard against the Falcons with their defensive players. The Hawk's added to their 2-0 halftime lead with three more goals in the second half against just one for the shell-shocked Falcons. A goal by Gallo with an assist from Arellano set the stage early in the second half for the Hawks who simply had their way with the Falcons. "I brought the ball up, passed it off and then all of a sudden it was there again," Gallo said. "I was gonna try to blast it in, then I saw the right corner was open and just chipped it home." After their victory against Butte on Nov. 21, the women advanced to this the game that would be the deciding factor in advancing to the state championship game. "This is amazing," Gallo said. "We're going to state, baby! We have such a great group of girls. It's such a wonderful feeling, but we're not done yet." Fragoso and Arellano scored their second goals of the contest to seal the deal. And it was time to celebrate because the Lady Hawks are going to the Final Four of the State Championship Tournament. "This is a giant step for us, but now we're completely focused on the State Championship." Plasencia said. "I'm so proud of the girls. This is most definitely the result of solid teamwork." First place Team Big 8 midfielder Erika Anguiano felt the same. "This feels awesome. This is my first year here at CRC and to go to state with this group of girls is amazing," she said, adding that the team is full of talent, passion and heart.
Hawks stun Solano, advance to Final Four
Published: Thursday, December 3, 2009
Updated: Monday, April 19, 2010 03:04
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