Cruz and Mason Earn Individual Honors, Broncos Tie Program Record With Nine All-CCAA Honorees
By: Delanie Gearing, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – Nine Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer student-athletes earned All-CCAA recognition on Wednesday morning, tying the most in a season in program history.
Vanessa Cruz was named CCAA Player of the Year, CCAA Forward of the Year, and CCAA Newcomer of the Year, marking the first time a player in conference history has ever earned those awards in the same season. The junior from Oceanside led the conference in goals (10), points (22), and game-winning goals (five).
Jay Mason repeated as CCAA Coach of the Year after guiding the Broncos to be back-to-back regular season CCAA champions, a first in program history. It is Mason's third time earning the award in his eight sesaons at the helm. Cal Poly Pomona opened the season by defeating defending national champions and No. 1-ranked Point Loma. The team remained unbeaten for 14 matches, entering the CCAA Tournament with an overall record of 15-1-2.
Tara Oper, Liberty Ortiz, and Cruz were each selected to the All-CCAA First Team. This marks the second consecutive first team selection for both Oper and Ortiz, and the third straight year they've earned All-CCAA honors.
Bella Hara, Auburn Burnett, and Marisa Salazar were named to the All-CCAA Second Team, marking the second time each of them has earned All-CCAA recognition.
Alexis Macias, Angelina Rivas, and Bella Anderson all received Honorable Mentions. Anderson earned an Honorable Mention last season, while Macias and Rivas earned conference honors for the first time.
The No. 4 ranked Broncos look to carry their success into the postseason as they head to the CCAA Tournament, taking place November 15th and 17th in Arcata, Calif. The Broncos will play Stanislaus State in the semifinals on Friday, November 15th at 2:00 PM PST.
The No. 1 regionally-ranked Broncos are expecting to hear their named called during the NCAA Selection Show this coming Monday, November 18th,at 4:00 PM PST to mark their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019.
Latest Women's Soccer
- Liberty Ortiz Named CCAA Defensive Player of the WeekFor the second time this season, Cal Poly Pomona's Liberty Ortiz will earn the honor as the FloCollege/CCAA Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week.
- Broncos Secure 3-1 Win Over Cal State San Bernardino to Close Regular Season on TopThe Cal Poly Pomona Broncos capped off their regular season with a strong 3-1 victory over Cal State San Bernardino. The win further secured their spot atop the conference standings as they head into the postseason.
- Broncos Claim Top Spot in West Region RankingsThe Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer team was ranked No. 1 in the first NCAA Division II West Region Rankings on Wednesday, it was announced on NCAA.com.
- Bella Anderson Named CCAA Defensive Player of the WeekBella Anderson of Cal Poly Pomona has been selected as the FloCollege/CCAA Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week after leading the Broncos to a regular season title.
- Broncos Clinch Back-to-Back CCAA Titles with Dominant 2-0 Win Over SeawolvesIn a thrilling showdown, the No. 4 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos secured their second consecutive CCAA Regular Season Championship with a decisive 2-0 victory over the Sonoma State Seawolves.
- Cal Poly Clash VictoryIn an intense Cal Poly Clash showdown, the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over the Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks, solidifying their place in the upcoming CCAA conference tournament.