Bronco Trio Earns All-West Region Accolades, Mason Named West Region Coach of the Year
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.
Latest All Athletics News
- Late Surge Pushes Cal State LA Past BroncosThe Cal Poly Pomona Broncos dropped a hard-fought contest to the Cal State LA Golden Eagles, 67-58, in a CCAA conference showdown. Despite a strong start, the Broncos couldn't overcome a late surge from the Golden Eagles and ultimately fell short.
- Fourth-Quarter Firepower Propels Broncos Past Golden EaglesThe Cal Poly Pomona Broncos rallied back from an early deficit to defeat the Cal State LA Golden Eagles 63-52 in a thrilling women's basketball contest. Despite a strong start from the Golden Eagles, the Broncos found their rhythm and dominated the final quarter to secure the victory.
- Toros Run Away with 67-50 Victory Over BroncosThe No. 25 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos were defeated by Cal State Dominguez Hills, falling 67-50 in a tough match up. Despite a strong start, the Broncos were unable to overcome the Toros' offensive momentum and defensive pressure throughout the game.
- Broncos Fall Short in Tight Contest with TorosThe No. 17 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos battled fiercely but ultimately fell short to the No. 5 Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros, 65-61, in a tightly contested match up that saw both teams trading leads throughout the game.
- Winslow, Jackson, and Lena Named Scholar All-AmericansA record three Cal Poly Pomona men's soccer student-athletes were named to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Scholar All-American team. It is the first time in program history three athletes have received the honor in the same season.
- CPP Athletics Sets Department Record With No. 4 Ranking in Learfield Director’s CupThe National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) released the fall national standings for the Learfield Director's Cup on Monday morning, seeing Cal Poly Pomona receive it's highest ranking in department history at No. 4 in all of NCAA Division II with 267.0 total points. Only Grand Valley State, Wingate, and Colorado State Pueblo beat out the Broncos with more points.