Bobcats shipwreck Pirates in OEC opener

The Saddleback women's soccer team opened Orange Empire Conference play with a 5-0 win over Orange Coast College on Tuesday in Costa Mesa.  The Bobcats scored early and often in their highest scoring game of the season. 

Tuesday was another big test for Saddleback as it opened up Orange Empire Conference play at Orange Coast, a team that entered the game at 7-0-1 after a solid pre-conference schedule.  Saddleback proved to be the superior team in the game, leading 2-0 at the half and scoring in the opening minutes of the second half to put the game out of reach.

Lizbeth De Loera opened the scoring for Saddleback in the 11^th minute when she took a pass from Kylie Beu and slid it past the OCC keeper.  It was De Loera's team-leading fourth goal of the season and seemed to energize the team.

Saddleback increased the lead to 2-0 in the 29^th minute when Chloe Green fed Abby Grabowski for her first goal of the season.  It gave the Bobcats a 2-0 lead heading into the locker room after outshooting the Pirates 8-4 in the opening 45 minutes.

Saddleback turned up the heat in the second half, scoring in the 46^th minute when Christina Santoyo (pictured) tallied her second goal of the season off a pass from Kylie Beu for a 3-0 lead.  The Bobcats then piled on the goals, scoring two more times in the half.  Chloe Green added goals in the 72^nd and 74^th minute as Saddleback opened up a 5-0 lead. 

Saddleback controlled the pace from the outset.  The Bobcats outshot the Pirates 20-4 for the game, with Orange Coast managing just a couple of shots on goal and no shots in the second half. 

Jamie-Lynne Clark started in goal for Saddleback and was replaced by Olivia Wynn in the 75^th minute.  The duo combined for the fourth shutout of the season.

Saddleback (6-1-1, 1-0-0) will continue Orange Empire Conference play on Friday with a big game against Cypress College (5-0-1, 1-0-0) inside the Saddleback Stadium.  The Bobcats and Chargers tied for the OEC title last season and Cypress knocked off the Bobcats in the regional finals en route to a spot in the CCCAA State Tournament.  Game time is scheduled for 3:00 PM.  The game can also be watched live via streaming video at Saddleback v Cypress.