FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUT
Dubs storm past PUC, move into Cal Pac final
| Final | 1 | 2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 |
|
|
1 | 5 | 6 |
Team Stats
| Game Statistics | Pacific Union (CA) | Westcliff (CA) |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 1 (0) | 32 (15) |
| Saves | 9 | 0 |
| Fouls | 3 | 5 |
| Corner Kicks | 1 | 6 |
| Offsides | 0 | 10 |
By Brandon Petersen
The Warriors are heading back to the Cal Pac championship match.
Westcliff punched its ticket with a commanding 6-0 win over Pacific Union in Sunday's Cal Pac semifinals at Saddleback High School in Santa Ana, turning a 1-0 halftime edge into a five-goal barrage after the break.
Brianna Mejia opened the scoring just 16 seconds in on a feed from Jordyn Gather, and the Warriors never looked back.
Samantha Aguila struck twice early in the second half — the second off another Gather assist — before Mejia, Stephanie Serrato, and the Westcliff attack piled on late to seal the result.
Afterward, head coach Jack Gidney praised his team's adaptability and discipline amid the constant tactical challenges of postseason play.
"We prepare to try every tactical nuance and get so many games against you try them all," Gidney said. "We are having to solve different problems all the time and come into games blind."
He credited the group's collective mindset and understanding of the game as keys to their consistency.
"I credit the mindset of this group and their willingness to get into tactical discussions and game understanding with Matt and myself to allow us to always solve problems," he said. "But mostly I credit the depth of the squad. We have so many good players in this team with different skill sets that allow this group to be like a Swiss Army knife for whatever the job is at hand. We are truly blessed."
Gidney also singled out sophomore Samantha Aguila, whose two-goal performance continued her breakout campaign.
"For me, she's the most underrated player in the league," Gidney said. "She's come in and tore it to pieces. She's good in the air, good on the carry — a brilliant runner. She's been fantastic."
Westcliff (16-1-1) advances to Tuesday's Cal Pac Championship match, where the Warriors will look to claim their second straight conference tournament crown.