Women's Soccer 2007 Season Review

            The Lady Brahmas had another great season at Pierce with a 17-2-5 record. Not only did the Pierce ladies continue their winning tradition by winning 10+ games for the 7^th straight year; they have won an amazing 124 games in seven years. Their overall record is an incredible 124-19-23.

            The Lady Brahmas were nationally ranked as high as 12^th and were #2 in California throughout the season. The team made it to the Southern California State playoffs for the 7^th straight year; where they faced their Southern Region rival Cypress College losing 2-1 in the 1^st round of the playoffs.

             Pierce was led by 2007 Western State Conference Player of the Year, Patricia Garcia, who won the award in her freshmen season. Patricia led the Brahmas with 11 goals and 14 assists. She is one of two Pierce players to ever be selected captain in her 1^st year. Patricia’s leadership and great play elevated her to becoming an All American Candidate as well as being selected to the Western State All Conference team.

            Natasha Jackson in the goal will be remembered as one of the best goalies to ever play at Pierce. She had an amazing goal against average of .3556 and an incredible 19 shut outs, which made her an All American Candidate. Natasha was also selected to the 2007 Western State All Conference 1^st team.

            Four other players were named 1^st Team All Conference. First Team All Conference recipient Heather Painter had a great year. In most games her role was marking the opponent’s best forward. Painter in her 2^nd year was awarded not only for her defense, but also her ability to make every set piece into a scoring threat.  Another 1^st Team All Conference player was Jamie Doyen. Jamie after being away from the game for almost 5 years brought a leader’s and winner’s mentality to the field. Her ability to tackle and win 50/50’s stopped the opponent’s attack before it even got started. Another player selected 1^st Team All Conference was Captain Elizabeth Salguero. Elizabeth, a converted forward contributed an explosive quality to the Brahmas with 9 goals and 8 assists. Her speed and dribbling ability made her dangerous as a forward. Last but not least, Allison Fass was also awarded 1^st team honors. She played an incredible role on defense as an impenetrable wall as a sweeper. After a slow 0-1 Pierce start, the Brahmas went on to produce 19 shut outs in 23 games with her at sweeper. With her relentless determination she became a wall in the defense that was impenetrable allowing only 8 goals throughout the season. Statistics alone cannot measure how she played for the Lady Brahmas, which earned her being selected Pierce College’s Most Valuable Player for 2007.

            But still awards continue, receiving 2^nd Team All Conference was Captain Mia Swafford, who played a vital role in the team’s midfield. Her presence in the middle of the field was valuable in controlling all the opponents. Swafford contributed to Pierce’s great attack with 7 goals and 5 assists. Also, named 2^nd team All Conference was Lindsey Liggera (a.k.a. ZaZu, Wizard, Liger) because of her poise and confidence on the ball. She also contributed the nicest “Bend it Like Beckham” free kick in Pierce history. Another 2^nd Team All Conference selection is Samantha Miles. Samantha’s determination and relentlessness was vital in making Pierce one of the best defensive teams in the country. Rocio Abundez is the fourth lady Brahma to be named 2^nd Team All Conference. Rocio had an incredible season for the Brahmas. Receiving recognition as Conference Honorable Mention was Captain Kimber Oborn, whose presence could not be ignored in every big game playing “lights out” defense. Amanda Bernal also received Honorable Mention. Amanda despite missing half of the season after suffering a knee injury was still 3^rd in scoring with 8 goals and 3 assists. “Have a speedy recovery”.

            Together everyone achieves more and without the exceptional contributions of Casey Schwartz, Lisette Alfe, Rebecca Mendez, Stephanie Weaver, Yasmin Yahoum, Marisela Escobar, and Dilhani Perera the season could not have been possible.

            At the annual awards banquet, Kimber Oborn and Amanda Bernal earned the Coaches’ award. Jamie Doyen and Samantha Miles received the Most Improved Players Award. Heather Painter received Pierce’s Best Defensive Player. Elizabeth Salguero and Patricia Garcia received Best Offensive Players and receiving the 2007 Most Valuable Player award was Allison Fass.