Cabrillo College Sports Teams Shine in Early Season Matches
Women’s Soccer Triumphs
In a standout performance this Tuesday, Cabrillo College’s women’s soccer team opened their fall season with a resounding 8-1 victory against Yuba College. Freshman Valeria Acosta played a pivotal role in the match, contributing four goals and one assist. Acosta, a former star player from Pajaro Valley High, showcased her skills and teamwork in this non-conference encounter.
“Everyone played with great energy, teamwork, and determination,” said head coach Gladys Mandragon in an email. Notable contributions also came from Watsonville graduate Lili Zavala, who scored in the first half, and Marissa Freeman, who added another goal. Former Watsonville players, Yadira Gonzalez and Yamilet Madueno, each chipped in with a goal as well.
Defensively, Cabrillo was solid, with Alessandra Zuñiga, a former standout from Aptos, making three crucial saves during the first half, and Giselle Santillan adding one save in the second half. “Keeping our defense solid throughout the game,” remarked Mandragon.
The Seahawks, holding a 1-1 season record, are set to face Diablo Valley in non-conference play on September 9 at 4 PM.
College Football Highlights
The Cabrillo College football team continued their successful run with a dominating 31-7 win over Contra Costa on August 30. Caron Madison led the charge with 238 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Mario Cosma contributed one rushing touchdown and a 13-yard passing touchdown to Cruz Ferris, a former Soquel High player. Eduardo Garcia further boosted the score with a field goal.
Watsonville alumni Patrick Miller-Brown and Ryan Solorio each recorded a 15-yard reception, while Vaugn Bredy caught a pass for nine yards. Oliver Carbajal added 55 rushing yards as Cabrillo (1-0) prepares for their game against Chabot College (0-1) on Saturday at 1 PM.
Men’s Soccer Victory
In men’s soccer, Cabrillo defeated American River with a score of 2-0 on August 26. Goals were scored by Tome Morel and Adam Anaimi, assisted by Luca Venturoli and Kelian Freeman, respectively. Goalkeeper Bryan Bravo Martinez kept a clean sheet with four saves. Cabrillo will host Clovis on Friday at 6:30 PM.
Women’s Volleyball Success
The women’s volleyball team marked a successful outing against Modesto, winning 3-1. The Seahawks saw a strong performance from five players in double-digit kills, with Alyssa Courchene leading at 11 kills and 17 digs. Other key players included Jocelyn Ruelas (10 kills), Sophie Hall (11 kills, 13 digs), Jordan Simpkins (12 kills, 12 digs), and Iaysha Vargas (12 kills).
Maintaining an impressive season, the Seahawks won five consecutive games, with only two sets lost. They aim to continue their winning streak against Feather River College at the San Joaquin Delta Classic on Friday at 1:15 PM.
Cross Country Performances
The Mustang Cross Country Invitational held on August 28 saw the MVC boys team clinch the title with a total score of 34. Senior Gavin Beckmen led his team, finishing fourth with a time of 16:12.52. Other top finishers included Brady Bliesner and Anthony Sanford-Carroll.
In girls’ cross country, MVC runners Anna Conca and Finley Castro shined at the same event, placing third and fifth, respectively. Conca clocked in at 18:42, while Castro completed her race in 19:54. The next competition for them will be the Jackie Henderson Memorial Cross Country Invitational starting at 9 AM on Saturday.
Flag Football Update
In flag football, King City triumphed over Watsonville with a narrow 6-0 victory, thanks to a game-winning touchdown from Shyrah McDonald in triple overtime. For Watsonville, junior Evelyn Hernandez stood out with 11 flag pulls and an interception. The Wildcatz (0-1) will look to bounce back as they host Palma on Wednesday at 5:45 PM, followed by a match against Aptos on Thursday at the same time.
