Marissa Kneisel Named WSC Player of the Year; Head Coach Justin Lundin Named Coach of the Year

After a dominating season and run through the Western State Conference (WSC) South schedule, the College of the Canyons women's soccer team has been rewarded, with freshman forward Marissa Kneisel named 2014 Conference Player of the Year and head coach Justin Lundin named Conference Coach of the Year to highlight a group of 12 players receiving All-Conference honors.

Kneisel led the WSC in points scored with 55, posting 20 goals and 15 assists in 22 games played for the Cougars. The freshman scored multiple goals in six contests, while registering hat tricks on three different occasions in 2014.

Displaying a knack for late game heroics, three of Kneisel's scores proved to be game-winners. In COC's California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) SoCal Regional second round playoff matchup vs. Cypress, Kneisel scored a pair of late goals, including an equalizer with less than 20 seconds remaining in the second overtime period, sending the Cougars into a shootout.

Kneisel is the third College of the Canyons player to be named WSC Player of the Year in the last four seasons.

She has also named to the 2014 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Continental Tire Junior College Division III Women's All-West Region Second Team.

Lundin takes home his third Coach of the Year honor after guiding the Cougars to a 16-3-3 overall record, a fourth straight WSC South Championship and a trip to the second round of the CCCAA SoCal Regionals.

The Cougars finished the WSC South schedule undefeated at 8-0-2, winning nine of its final 10 home games to close out the regular season.

Over the last four season's Lundin's teams are a combined 63-9-16.

COC sophomores Elise Wassner, Brooklynn Stevens, Anabell Gonzalez, Jennifer Mendez and Kathryn Pulido were all named First Team All-Conference.

Elise Wassner started all 22 games for the Cougars, registering four assists and a goal from the center back position while anchoring a defensive unit that allowed just seven scores in the regular season.

Wassner, who has already committed to play at Division I University of Hawaii at Manoa in the fall, has also been named an NSCAA/Continental Tire Junior College Division III Women's All-West Region Second Team honoree.

Defender Kathryn Pulido's defensive efforts did not go unnoticed by WSC coaches, as the sophomore was joined by fellow defender Anabell Gonzalez, who scored five goals and an assist on the season.

Gonzalez will also continue her collegiate career in the Aloha State, as the sophomore has already committed to play at Division II University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Brooklynn Stevens was another key member of Lundin's team, as the midfielder netted three goals and connected with her teammates on four assists in 19 games played.

Midfielder Jennifer Mendez — who has also committed to University of Hawaii at Hilo — scored nine goals and tallied four assists to tie for second on the team with 22 points in 22 games played.

"It's difficult at this level to see our players come and go so quickly, but it is hugely rewarding as well," said Lundin. "This year's roster was full of supremely talented players and we are already starting to see them accept scholarships and take the next step in both their academic and athletic career.

"I am very proud of this group," added Lundin, "and excited to see what the future has in store for them."

Included among COC's Second Team All-Conference honorees were sophomores Priscilla Duron and Yesenia Avilez and freshmen Astrid Perez and Lucy Maino.

Goalkeeper Priscilla Duron posted a 12-2-3 record for the Cougars. She finished the season with an impressive 0.63 goals against average, making 38 saves en route to 10 shutouts.

Midfielder Yesenia Avilez ranked fifth on the team with 16 points, coming by way of six goals and four assists.

Astrid Perez was another key contributor for Canyons, as the speedy midfielder ranked second on the team with 12 assists. Her five goals gave the freshman 22 points, also tying for second on the team.

Right back Lucy Maino posted two assists in 20 games started for the Cougars, playing a key part in COC's highly effective defensive strategy.

Sophomore forward Kelsey Sherry and midfielder Taylor Sclimenti were each Honorable Mention selections. Sherry scored six goals and three assists for 15 points on the season, while Sclimenti had a goal and an assist, starting in five of 22 games played.