While the Bakersfield College women’s soccer team qualified for playoffs this season, the result was the same as last year’s match at San Bernardino Valley College: a 3-1 loss and an end to BC’s season.
Brittany Hunt scored the lone BC goal in the first half.
“We scored first early, but then they got three goals. It was 3-1 at halftime,” said coach Scott Dameron. San Bernardino Valley (17-1-4) had goals from Angelina King, Araceli Sanchez and Ruby Leon, who scored in injury time.
Dameron spoke about the team’s emotion and chances for scoring on both sides.
“We actually came out with a lot of energy – it was up and down,” he said. “They had more chances to score than us on the day, but we had quality chances: they saved one off the line, and there was another one that was a last second save, so we were pushing the quality of chances to score. They just created more chances than us.”
Dameron said about this year’s match compared to last year’s. “I thought we were a lot more competitive than last time. We were in it, it was just a couple of goals scored off set pieces, so give them credit for that.”
He added that the conditions of rain and mud forced BC to change their tactics on the pitch.
“It doesn’t lend well to our style of play when we’re trying to connect feet. It’s hard to do that in the mud,” he said.
Asked about the overall season, Dameron gave credit to his players.
“All season we were up against it – we lost so many people over the course of the season. Some of them were surprised that they were able to stay competitive and strong. That’s a credit to people that kept stepping up and filling in gaps every time we had someone hurt – it’s impressive.”
He said about the loss, “They’re all bummed that we didn’t go on, but they’re proud of what they achieved this season.”
Dameron noted that BC has qualified for the playoffs four years in a row and said,
“I think there were only eight teams in Southern California that have done that, so that’s a pretty good accomplishment on their part.”
BC competes in the Western State Conference south region. Dameron said, “Southern California is a very tough region. Most of the top teams in the country are from Southern California. When you’re competing against that, to say you’re up there is big nationally.”
Dameron talked about losing players for next season.
“We lose 10 sophomores this year – there’s a lot of players left to replace. That’s the next step: get right to work on next year.”
For freshman player Kristina Garcia, according to Dameron, her chances for returning for the next season depend on how far along academically she is.
On scouting for future players, Dameron said, “We already have been. The high school soccer season is coming up. You’re always working on it – we’ve had a few players express interest so that’s going to be a big thing for us, to make sure that we keep the level up because we have been creating bigger expectations. We want to find some people that are up for that.”
Dameron said about the end of the season and overall, “In the end of the season, we were a little thin player-wise, but you can’t argue with what they did – they had a great season.”
BC finished the season with an overall record of 10-8-3 and an 8-4-2 in WSC south.