Hawks Back-to-Back State Champions
Ultimately, the Hawks soared when it was important. The strength of the Orange Empire Conference was apparent in that 5 of the 8 teams made the play-offs.
December 8, 2019
Ultimately, the Hawks soared when it was important. The strength of the Orange Empire Conference was apparent in that 5 of the 8 teams made the play-offs. The evenness in the competition was apparent in that both finalists were winners courtesy of penalty shoot-outs in the first-round. But when it mattered, the 2018 State Champions rose to the occasion and delivered the first back-to-back State Championship in the program's history.
San Diego Mesa were worthy opponents but were out-shot 24-5 on the day. SCC started and finished the stronger team. Chloe Helenihi came close to connecting on a Tara Hansel cross in the early stages, and Brianna Diaz also went close late in the first half. After the break, the Hawks went up another gear, and Hansel capitalized with a header from a Diaz cross to open the scoring on the hour. SCC continued to press forward and ten minutes later, after another spell of pressure, Ashley Roskelly scored her second goal of the week-end with a header from a Diaz corner.
Mesa looked to pull a goal back in added time, but Ariana Radilla was not to be beaten as she preserved her 5th consecutive shut-out in the play-offs.
Santiago Canyon finish the season as Back-to-Back State Champions with a 19-3-2 record. Thank you to the alumni of the program, family and friends who travelled to support the Hawks, as well as those near and far following along on the telecast at home. #ProudtobeaHawk, #Hawk4Life.