Women's Soccer Takes Season Opener 3-1 at Ventura

By Mari Kneisel/COC Sports Information  

VENTURA — College of the Canyons launched its season with a 3-1 non-conference road victory over host Ventura College in the 2023 season opener last Friday.

The Lady Cougars (1-0) made their presence known within the first two minutes when freshman Ashley Striegel put it past Pirates' goalkeeper Isa Garcia, with the assist from Lizeth Gutierrez.

The Pirates (0-1) answered back in the 17th minute to even things up and briefly held a 1-1 tie before Canyons sophomore Ryan Shepherd netted her first of the year in the 18th minute, this time assisted by Jessie Bonsness, put another lead for the visiting side on the board. 

Canyons held its 2-1 lead through halftime and the majority of the second half. The last goal came off another assist from Gutierrez, with sophomore Natalia Zuluaga Ramirez solidifying the 3-1 victory with her score in the 72nd minute. 

Sophomore Hazel Saucedo (1-0) led the Cougars from the net, allowing one goal against and recording a save.

COC's defense proved strong, allowing just one other shot on goal, while the Cougars kept Garcia busy, recording eight total shots on goal.

Canyons will next play Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Moorpark College with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

The Lady Cougars will bring the action back home Wednesday, Sept. 6 for the 2023 home-opener vs. top-ranked Chaffey College. First touch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.