Canyons Pounces on West Hills in 7-0 Victory

The College of the Canyons women's soccer team enjoyed a dominant 7-0 victory over visiting West Hills Lemoore on Friday, as the Cougars erupted for seven goals. 

Canyons (6-3-1) used the offensive output to get back in the win column after dropping a 2-1 match to Santa Barbara City College earlier in the week. Prior to that, COC played to a 1-1 draw at Long Beach City College.

On Friday, the Cougars pounced on the completion with an early 2-0 lead in the first 13 minutes of action. From there the Eagles (0-6) struggled to contain the Canyons attack. 

Freshman midfielder Emily Simon got things started with her first goal of the season coming in the 12th minute.

Barely a minute later freshman midfielder Angel Quintero netted her team-leading sixth goal of the season, on an assist by sophomore Amanda Balzer.

Freshman defender Hailey Phipps closed out the first half, and nearly all hopes of a West Hills rally, with her fifth goal of the season in the 36th minute. Sophomore Therese Blackstock was credited with an assist on the play.

COC sophomore Kianna Hemphill (6-3-1) started the game, and was credited with the win, but was subbed out for Dayane do Nascimento in the 16th minute of the first half.

Nascimento recorded two saves over her nearly 75 minutes of play, while combining with Hemphill for the shutout. 

The Lady Cougars were credited with 32 shots in the game, compared to just two from the Eagles. Eleven of those kicks were on goal. Canyons also recorded 10 corner kicks. 

In the opening minute of the second half Balzer scored her fourth goal of the year on an unassisted play. 

Freshman Emily Aguilar was the next to put her name in the stat book with her scoring play in the 54th minute, on an assist by Jackie Mendez.

Mendez, who is tied for the team lead with three assists, also contributed to freshman Taylor Lopez' first goal of the season in the 66th minute.

Putting an exclamation point on the victory was midfielder Rayleen Stacy, who scored on an assist from Jade Ane, in the 80th minute.

Canyons will have the week off before beginning conference play vs. Bakersfield College at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11.

—Jesse Munoz/COC Sports Information