No. 9 Canyons Tops No. 8 Allan Hancock 3-2 in OT Thriller

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director 

SANTA MARIA — Jessie Bonsness scored a pair of goals, including one in overtime, before Alyssa Edwards netted the game winner in OT liting No. 9 College of the Canyons past No. 8 Allan Hancock College 3-2 in the opening round of the 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoffs on Saturday.

Canyons (14-4-4) began its 12th consecutive postseason run with a thrilling road victory over an Allan Hancock (15-4-3) side that played the final 60 minutes over regulation and overtime down a player after seeing defender Mia Santana sent off with a red card in the 59th minute. 

The Bulldogs earned an early goal from leading scorer Cynthia Ramirez in the 26th minute to move ahead 1-0. The score was Ramirez' 31st of the season and allowed AHC to take its advantage into the halftime break. That set up a contentious start to the second half in which a combined four cards were issued, including Santana's red card.

Eventually, it was Bonsness able to find the equalizer near the end of the 72nd minute for a 1-1 game. That score came off a touch from Edwards, who continued to have an impact on the game down the stretch.

The two sides remained tied after regulation which forced an overtime period consisting of two 15-minute halves.

After a scoreless opening half, Bonsness creatd an opportunity which proved successful, this time beating AHC goalkeeper Sam Patchin off a touch from Sofia Soler to give COC a 2-1 edge.

The thrill of that goal was short lived, however, as Allan Hancock tied the game back up at 2-2 on a Liliana Jones score in the 109th minute. Ramirez was credited with an assist on the play.

Moments later, Edwards gave the Canyons contingent another thrill when she was able to get home on a strike that found the back of the net for the 3-2 game winner. Freshman Ashley Striegel earned the assist on a play. The game winner was the second of the season for Edwards.

Canyons goalkeeper Hazel Saucedo (8-4-3) earned the win with three saves to her credit. 

COC was credited with 36 shots in the game alongside 12 corner kicks. Allan Hancock ended with a lone corner to go with nine shots. There were a combined 25 fouls in the game with the four cards.

The Lady Cougars will now advance to the next round of the 3C2S Southern California Regionals and will take on host No. 1 Chaffey College at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 in Rancho Cucamonga. Tickets and parking are now on sale with fans encouraged to pre-purchase prior to Tuesday's match.

Chaffey (19-1-3) defeated visiting No. 16 Mt. San Jacinto College 3-0 on Saturday.

The winner of Saturday's match will advance to the third round of the SoCal Regional playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 25. The state championships final four will be held Dec. 1 & 3 at Mt. San Antonio College.

The postseason's third round will take place Saturday, Nov. 25, with the state championship final four taking place at Mt. San Antonio College Dec. 1 and Dec. 3.

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.