Cabrillo College freshman Valeria Acosta was a huge contributing factor Tuesday afternoon in helping the women’s soccer team get off to a fantastic start to the fall season.
The former Pajaro Valley High star player had an outstanding performance with four goals and one assist, and the Seahawks were victorious 8-1 over Yuba College in non-conference action.
“Everyone played with great energy, teamwork, and determination,” Cabrillo head coach Gladys Mandragon said in an email.
Watsonville graduate Lili Zavala opened the scoring with a goal in the first half, followed by a contributing goal from Marissa Freeman. Former Watsonville players Yadira Gonzalez and Yamilet Madueno each also contributed one goal.
“This strong team effort reflects our hard work in practice and the growing chemistry on the field,” Mondragon said. “We’re excited to build on this momentum as the season continues.”
Alessandra Zuñiga, a former Aptos standout, made three critical saves in the first half, while Giselle Santillan added one key save in the second half.
“Keeping our defense solid throughout the game,” Mandragon said.
Next up, Cabrillo (1-1) plays at Diablo Valley in non-conference play on Sept. 9 at 4pm.
College football
Cabrillo 31, Contra Costa 7: Caron Madison put on a clinic with 238 rushing yards and two touchdowns for the Seahawks en route to a decisive victory over the Comets in non-conference play Aug. 30.
Cabrillo quarterback Mario Cosma added one rushing touchdown, and tossed one TD to former Soquel High standout Cruz Ferris on a 13-yard pass in the third quarter. Eduardo Garcia added a field goal later in the final stanza.
Former prep standouts Patrick Miller-Brown of Watsonville and Ryan Solorio each had one reception for 15 yards, while teammate Vaugn Bredy had one catch for nine yards. Oliver Carbajal contributed 55 rushing yards on seven carries for Cabrillo (1-0), which plays at Chabot College (0-1) on Saturday at 1pm.
Men’s soccer
Cabrillo 2, American River 0: Tome Morel and Adam Anaimi each had one goal to help lift the Seahawks past the Beavers in non-conference action Aug. 26.
Teammates Luca Venturoli and Kelian Freeman each recorded one assist, while goalkeeper Bryan Bravo Martinez had four saves in the clean sheet victory for Cabrillo (1-1), which will host Clovis (0-2-1) on Friday at 6:30pm.
Women’s volleyball
Cabrillo 3, Modesto 1: Five players finished in double-digit figures for kills to help the Seahawks beat the Pirates in four sets 25-13, 23-25, 25-23, 25-21 in non-conference play Aug. 29.
Alyssa Courchene finished with 11 kills and 17 digs, Jocelyn Ruelas added 10 kills, Sophie Hall had 11 kills and 13 digs, Jordan Simpkins tallied 12 kills and 12 digs and Iaysha Vargas contributed 12 kills.
The Seahawks have won five consecutive games to begin the fall season, losing just two sets in the process. They will attempt to keep the streak alive against Feather River College at the San Joaquin Delta Classic on Friday at 1:15pm.
Boys cross country
MVC captures Mustang Invitational title: The host Mustangs finished with a team score of 34 points to win the team title at their very own Mustang Cross Country Invitational in Watsonville on Aug. 28.
MVC finished ahead of runner-up Aptos with a score of 40 points, followed by Scotts Valley (58) in third and Palma (97) in fourth.
The Mustangs were led by senior Gavin Beckmen, who placed fourth in 16 minutes, 12.52 seconds. He finished behind this year’s winner junior Sam Hansen (15:54.60) of Aptos, followed by teammates senior Brady Bliesner (15:59.62) and junior Anthony Sanford-Carroll.
Other top finishers for MVC included senior Conor Gilliam (16:23.79) in fifth, freshman Owen Beckmen (16:34.90) in sixth, Joseph Palacios (16:42.38) in seventh and Dilano Lucero (17:48.17) in 13th.
Owen Beckmen set a new school record for a 3-mile race, breaking the previous record of 17:36.
Girls cross country
MVC duo shine at Mustang Invitational: Monte Vista Christian’s Anna Conca and Finley Castro placed third and fifth, respectively, at the Mustang Cross Country Invitational in Watsonville on Aug. 28.
Conca finished the race in 18:42, while Castro crossed the finish line in 19:54. Next up, MVC will compete at the 6th Annual Jackie Henderson Memorial Cross Country Invitational at North Monterey County High on Saturday starting at 9am.
Flag football
King City 6, at Watsonville 0: Shyrah McDonald ran in the game-winning touchdown for the Mustangs to help beat the Wildcatz in triple overtime in the teams’ Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division opener Aug. 29.
Evelyn Hernandez, a junior, had 11 flag pulls and one interception for Watsonville, while teammate senior Stephanie Martinez had 10 flag pulls.
Ashley Mendoza, Taylor Alves and Anaya each had five flag pulls for the ‘Catz (0-1, 0-1), who play back-to-back home games starting with a Gabilan Division meeting against Palma (0-1, 0-1) on Wednesday at 5:45pm.
Watsonville will then host Aptos (0-1) on Thursday, also at 5:45pm.
