By: Delanie Gearing, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

POMONA, Calif. – Three standout players from the Broncos soccer team—Tara Oper, Vanessa Cruz, and Liberty Ortiz—have been recognized for their exceptional performances this season, earning spots on the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region teams. In addition, Head Coach Jay Mason was named the United Soccer Coaches West Region Coach of the Year.

Senior Tara Oper, from Riverside, has been named to the All-West Region First Team for the second time in her career, one of just four midfielders selected. With 7 goals and 11 assists, including 3 game-winning goals, she has consistently been a dominant force. A standout moment came early in the season when she scored the game-winning goal against Point Loma, securing the Broncos' first-ever victory over a No. 1 ranked team. Oper has played and started in all 23 matches, logging 1,786 minutes.

Junior forward Vanessa Cruz, from Oceanside, has earned a spot on the All-West Region First Team, one of only four forwards selected. Cruz's explosive attacking play has been a driving force for the Broncos, as she has scored 11 goals this season, 5 of which were game-winners. Her standout performance came in a thrilling match against Cal State East Bay, where she netted a hat trick to lead her team to victory. With 1,281 minutes played in all 23 matches, Cruz's consistency and scoring ability have been crucial for the Broncos. She was also named the CCAA Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Forward of the Year.

Junior defender Liberty Ortiz, from Chino Hills, has been named to the All-West Region Second Team for her outstanding contributions on the defensive end and in the attack. With 4 goals and 4 assists this season, Ortiz's impact has been felt at both ends of the field. Notably, she scored the game-winning goal against Colorado School of Mines, securing the Broncos' spot in the Final Four and marking the second time in program history that the team defeated a No. 1 ranked opponent.

Along with the players' accolades, Head Coach Jay Mason was recognized as the United Soccer Coaches West Region Coach of the Year. Now in his 8th season at the helm of the Broncos, Mason has guided the team to considerable success. His career record is now 80-48-23, and he was also honored as the CCAA Coach of the Year.