COC Women's Soccer Back Ready to Get Back on the Pitch

By Mari Kneisel/COC Sports Information

College of the Canyons women's soccer is back on the pitch for 2024, opening the regular season on the road at Ventura College Friday, Aug. 23. 

The Cougars are gearing up for a 16th season under head coach Justin Lundin who has led the program to 12 straight postseason appearances. Canyons is returning nine players from the 2023 squad, including two Western State Conference (WSC), South Division honorees.

Sophomore Ashley Striegel was among those selected to the All-WSC, South Second-Team for her performance in the midfield. The Saugus High School grad started in 21 games for the Cougars producing four assists and 10 goals, three of which pushed Canyons to victory.

Joining her on the All-WSC, South Second Team was Vivian Martinez. The center-back out of Pete Knight High School held the back line and even worked for an assist and 13 shots on goal across her 22 games.  

Striegel and Martinez will be joined by seven sophomores: Hayley Bench (Valencia High School), Alexa Garcia (Paraclete High School), Gigi Montiforte (Hart High School), Kiana Madera (Canyon High School), Victoria Martinez (Pete Knight High School), Sofia Soler (Saugus High School), Felicia Marquez (SOAR). 

COC will also see nine new recruits join the program in: Amanda Hurlimann (Valencia High School), Emma Wenz (Saugus High School), Lexi Friedrich (Golden Valley High School), Amy Fimbres (Sun Valley Magnet), Leyla Goodman (Golden Valley High School), Paige McGee (Saugus High School), Emily Mazariego (Ulysses S. Grant High School), Ashley Folgar (Hart High School), and Bailey Williamson (Canyon High School).

Canyons will remain on the road for its first three matches, Following the matchup with Ventura the Cougars travel to San Diego Miramar on Tuesday, Aug. 27 for a 1 p.m. first touch. That road trip continues at San Diego Mesa College at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29. 

The Cougars will play in their home opener on Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Fullerton College.  

In all, COC is scheduled to host 10 home matches, including seven conference games. 

The WSC, South schedule begins at home Tuesday, Oct 1 vs. Glendale College.

COC women's soccer home games will continue to be live streamed to fans free of charge via YouTube on the Cougars Sports Network throughout the 2024 season. Live Stream links will be provided to fans via www.COCathletics.com or via the @COCathletics social media channels.

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.

—Photo by Robert Hanashiro/COC Athletics