By: Delanie Gearing, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

POMONA, Calif. - The 2024 season will be forever remembered in Bronco history. This was a year where every challenge was met with resilience, every opponent with determination, and every victory with humility. From an unforgettable start to a national championship finish, the Broncos exceeded expectations and achieved milestones that have solidified their place among the elite in NCAA Division II women's soccer.

A Historic Start

The season began with a statement win: the Broncos defeated Point Loma, ranked No. 1 in the nation at the time, marking the first time in program history that they triumphed over a No. 1 ranked team. That victory was a prelude to what would become a season of dominance and unwavering consistency. 

A Dominant Regular Season

In the CCAA, the Broncos were a force to be reckoned with. With a regular season record of 8-1-2, they clinched the CCAA regular-season title and set the stage for a thrilling postseason run. The team's resilience and teamwork were evident, as they faced off against some of the toughest competition in the conference. "Drive, consistency, and belief made this team special," noted senior Kat Aguayo. "We treated every game and every opponent as if it was any other day at work, and that is what led us to our success."

CCAA Tournament Glory

The Broncos' journey to the CCAA Tournament Championship was one of grit and camaraderie. In the first round, they faced Stanislaus State in the semifinals, where they delivered a dominant 5-1 victory over the same team that had handed them their only regular-season loss. "I have a lot of amazing memories from this season, but when we traveled to Humboldt for the CCAA Tournament, that weekend sticks out the most," said freshman Kiarra D'Arcangelo. "We avenged our loss to Stanislaus with a big win, and we played through the rain to win the CCAA Tournament. But also, I had a great time hanging out with my teammates off the field. We visited the beach and took a hike in the Redwood forest, we played cards in the lobby most nights, and we had good conversations during meals." This victory was a testament to their unity—both on and off the field—that carried them to their second-ever CCAA Tournament Championship.

West Region Dominance

Following their CCAA triumph, the Broncos entered the NCAA postseason as the No. 1 team in the West Region. In the third round of the NCAA West Regional, they faced Point Loma once again. This time, the stakes were higher, and the Broncos rose to the occasion. A dramatic overtime win, highlighted by junior Angelina Rivas' game-winning goal, secured the Broncos the NCAA West Region title and a ticket to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. "One of my favorite moments from the season was Angelina's game-winning goal in overtime to beat Point Loma a second time to make us West Region Champions and send us to the Elite Eight," said freshman Jenna Tetrault.

Elite Eight: Overcoming the No. 1 in the Nation

In the Elite Eight, the Broncos squared off against Colorado School of Mines, the No. 1 team in the country. This was the second time in program history that the Broncos defeated a No. 1 ranked team, and they did so in style. The win secured their place in the Final Four and added another chapter to their historic campaign. Freshman Lizzy Northcott shared about the mentality that helped her team make it to the Final Four, "I think what made this team so special was that we all played for each other. Of all of the soccer teams I've been a part of, this team was definitely the most selfless and united." 

Rewriting History

The Broncos' semifinal match against Franklin Pierce University was more than just a game—it was a chance to rewrite history. The last time these two teams met in a high-stakes match was in the 1999 NCAA Division II Final, where the Broncos fell 3-1. This time, the Broncos were determined to change the narrative. They did just that, advancing to the NCAA Championship match and proving that the past was no longer a limiting factor. 

National Champions

When the Broncos stepped onto the field for the NCAA Championship against Minnesota State, they were driven by an unrelenting desire to finish what they had started. "Going into the national championship, I knew it was somewhere I had always wanted to be. Let alone, it was somewhere this team easily deserved to be as well," said junior Angelina Rivas. "I was not nervous going into our first game in Matthew's. I knew our team was up for anything that would come our way, and we would handle business as usual. This team had a passion and hunger that we wouldn't travel the distance, be away from our families, and wake up at 6 AM every single day to lose. Losing wasn't an option for this team."

And lose they did not. The Broncos triumphed in the final match, winning the NCAA Division II National Championship and cementing their legacy as the best in the nation. "It honestly felt amazing to win. It falls into the WE before ME motto that we have. We wouldn't have won without all the support from our team," said senior Bella Anderson.

A Season for the Ages

The Broncos finished the season with a remarkable 22-1-2 record, the best winning percentage in program history at .920. They were also ranked No. 1 in the nation to end the season and set numerous program records, including most wins (22), most goals (58), and most shutouts (14). Senior captain Tara Oper, who was named United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year and named a finalist for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year, broke the program record for assists with 12, while senior captain Bella Hara set the record for most wins (22) and shutouts (14) by a goalkeeper and was the NCAA DII statistical champion for shutouts.

The individual accolades didn't stop there. The Bronco coaching staff was named United Soccer Coaches National Staff of the Year, and head coach Jay Mason was named West Region Coach of the Year and CCAA Coach of the Year. The team earned further honors, with Oper and Vanessa Cruz named to the CCA All-West Region First Team, and Liberty Ortiz earning a spot on the Second Team. The academic success of the Broncos was also highlighted, with Hara, Oper, Alexis Macias, Georgia Rink, Anna Schellpeper, and Lavinia Vaipulu all named to the CSC Academic All-District team.

Looking Ahead

While the 2024 season was a historic one, the Broncos are already focused on the future. "The biggest thing is to return with the same attitude and mindset," said sophomore Lavinia Vaipulu. "Our mentality this season was a huge reason why we went all the way, and it's going to be important that we return with it." Junior Liberty Ortiz echoed that sentiment, "While this season was a team effort, it couldn't have been done without our seniors. They have left a legacy for us to follow, and I, along with others, will be doing everything we can to keep us successful in the season to come." Senior Lindsay Sung shared about her time at Cal Poly Pomona and the impact that the team had on her, "To be a Bronco is knowing that you have a herd of people riding behind you. I can't say this enough, but the amount of support from all parts of CPP Athletics is like no other. Being a Bronco is one the greatest decisions I've made and I'm so lucky to have found my family during my collegiate career."

From start to finish, the 2024 season was a remarkable journey. The Broncos displayed unparalleled teamwork, resilience, and passion, overcoming every challenge and creating memories that will last a lifetime. With a national championship now in their trophy case, the Broncos have proven that greatness is within their reach—and with the legacy they've created, the future looks just as bright.