Pirates set to host Mounties in SoCal Regional playoff opener

COSTA MESA -- The Orange Coast College women's soccer team will host Mt. San Antonio College in the opening round of the Southern California Regional playoffs on Thursday, beginning at 2 p.m. at the OCC Soccer Complex.

The 15th-seeded Pirates (10-4-2), who finished third in the Orange Empire Conference will take on a Mounties' squad (7-8-4) who finished third in the South Coast Conference's North Division.

Coast finished tied for ninth in the state in goals scored (67) and the Pirates have plenty of weapons to choose from. Led by sophomores Sydnee Busby (20 goals, four assists) and Jordan Moore (13 goals, 10 assists), the Pirates have six different players with five-or-more goals, including freshman Aileen Ortiz (nine goals, two assists), freshman Lupe Rodriguez (seven goals, six assists) and sophomores Emily Malec and Shelle Zito (five goals, seven assists each).

OCC likes to score in bunches. In six of their 21 matches played, the Pirates have scored six-or-more goals, including a season-opening 11-0 rout over Cuyamaca and a 7-0 triumph over conference-rival Santa Ana near the end of the season.

In goal, freshman Tara Tellez has made the big save when called upon and has posted a 1.00 goals-against average, playing all but one half of one match this season and allowing 21 goals with 62 saves.

For the Mounties, this past month of soccer as seen them go on a five-match unbeaten streak (4-0-1) before wrapping up the regular season winless over their last three (0-2-1).

Mt. SAC is led on offense by the freshman trio of Hallie Culotti (eight goals, one assist), Kaliah Redwood (seven goals) and India Hines (six goals, one assists). The Mounties' offense ranks 41st in the state with 41 goals scored. 

In goal, keep an eye on sophomore netminder Britain Chaputa, who has 94 saves and a 1.47 goals-against average, allowing 23 goals in just over 1,400 minutes of action.

The winner of Thursday's matchup will travel to Santiago Canyon College and play the No. 2-seeded Hawks on Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m.

REMINDER -- Admission for Thursday's playoff match at OCC is $12 for adults and $8 for all identified students (with ID), faculty, staff, senior citizens age 60 and older and children under 12. No passes will be accepted. Ticket prices are determined by the CCCAA. No food or drink (except water) allowed at the OCC Soccer Complex.