Women's Soccer Ranked #15 In State Poll, Top Current State Power Points

Lancer Sophia Noriega in action in a recent match.
Lancer Sophia Noriega in action in a recent match.

What a difference a year makes. A program that won just one game last year has made a giant leap in the other direction under second-year head coach Francisco Cantero. The Lancers roared over host Norco, 5-1, on Tuesday, improving their perfect record to 4-0.

And that's just the start of the success staircase as PCC was ranked No. 15 on the first CCCSIA sports information director's state rankings. To top it off team-wise, Pasadena, at least by the time of this release, stands at the very top of the state power points ratings, which ultimately determine seeding in the postseason playoffs. 

Individually, sophomore Katy Coats scored her third hat trick in four games and increased her state-leading points total to 30 as she has a state-best 13 goals. Coats, who added an assist, already surpassed her team-leading goals total of last season of 11. Her 24 career goals has her now tied with Vanessa Capra (2011-2012 Lancers) for seventh place on the school's all-time goals list. She is ninth on the all-time points list with 54 (a goal counts for two, assists count for one).

Also in the Norco victory, Kaily Echeverria, like Coats, has scored in all four of the PCC victories. Her goal in the 25th minute was the game-winner and was her sixth of the season in a monster start to her collegiate career. Sophia Noriega added a goal and an assist and Erica Perez picked up two more assists for a team-high six helpers this year. Montserrat Menendez added an assist. 

Goalkeeper Alyssa Holt played the first half and allowed her first goal in four games (180 minutes of play) but made five saves and earned the net win. Backup Natali Morales kept Norco scoreless in the second half (one save). 

The high-scoring Lancers have outscored opponents, 24-4, this season.

PCC next hosts Allan Hancock this Friday, Sept. 13 at Robinson Stadium (4 p.m. start).