ARCATA, Calif. - The Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer team triumphed 2-0 over Cal State East Bay in the CCAA Tournament Championship game, securing their first CCAA Tournament title since 1999. With the win, the Broncos also earned an automatic bid to the NCAA West Regional Tournament, marking the 200th NCAA appearance in school history.
The Broncos wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Tara Oper putting CPP on the scoreboard just 9 minutes into the match. Oper's goal, assisted by Marisa Salazar, came off a well-placed cross into the box that Oper clinically finished past the East Bay goalkeeper. Oper wasn't done yet, as she netted her second goal of the match in the 81st minute, assisted by Liberty Ortiz, to seal the victory for the Broncos.
Defensively, the Broncos were resolute throughout the match. Goalkeeper Bella Hara was awarded the Defensive MVP of the tournament, making three crucial saves to preserve the shutout. The back line, featuring Bella Anderson, Giselle Samayoa, and Liberty Ortiz, played the entire match without conceding a goal, ensuring CPP's defensive strength stood firm when it mattered most.
In addition to Oper's offensive heroics, several other Broncos were recognized for their standout performances during the tournament. Oper was named the Offensive MVP, while Marisa Salazar, Angelina Rivas, Vanessa Cruz, and Liberty Ortiz were all selected to the All-Tournament Team for their exceptional contributions throughout the championship run.
With the victory, the Broncos not only clinched the CCAA crown but also made a statement ahead of their NCAA tournament run. This was their first conference title in 25 years, and the 200th NCAA appearance in the program's rich history.
CCAA All-Tournament Team
- Tara Oper- Offensive MVP
- Bella Hara- Defensive MVP
- Marisa Salazar
- Angelina Rivas
- Vanessa Cruz
- Liberty Ortiz
Up Next
Having secured a berth into the NCAA Tournament, the Broncos await their postseason ranking in the NCAA Selection Show tomorrow, November 18th at 4:00 PM PST. The show will air on NCAA.com HERE.
Bronco Bits
- Jay Mason is now 77-48-23 as a head coach of the Broncos.
- The Broncos continue their best start in program history with a record of 17-1-2 overall.
- CPP won the CCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999.
- This is the 200th NCAA appearance for the Broncos.
- This will be the Broncos first time in the NCAA postseason since 2019.
- The Broncos tied a program record for most wins in a season at 17.
Latest Women's Soccer
- Broncos' Second-Half Fireworks Secure VictoryThe Cal Poly Pomona Broncos delivered a thrilling second-half performance, overcoming an early deficit to dominate the Stanislaus State Warriors 5-1 in the CCAA Soccer Tournament semifinals.
- Marisa Salazar Named Elite 13 Award RecipientMarisa Salazar has been named the 2024 recipient of the Elite 13 Award, it was announced at the CCAA Women's Soccer Tournament on Friday afternoon.
- Cruz and Mason Earn Individual Honors, Broncos Tie Program Record With Nine All-CCAA HonoreesNine Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer student-athletes earned All-CCAA recognition on Wednesday morning, tying the most in a season in program history.
- 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.