SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – The Corban University Women's Soccer team (11-3-3) will enter the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Tournament, presented by U.S. Bank, as the No. 5 seed next Monday, looking to break a tie with No. 4 seed Eastern Oregon University at 2pm PDT on Monday, November 7th.
To access the CCC Women's Soccer Tournament Championship page, click HERE.
Earlier this season, Eastern Oregon (11-3-3, 8-2-2 CCC) traveled to Salem on September 23rd to face off against an undefeated in conference play Corban squad at the time (11-3-3, 7-2-3 CCC). The two teams fought hard, but neither couldn't break through on the scoreboard that resulted in a 0-0 tie after 90 minutes. At the time Eastern Oregon was ranked 21st in the nation.
Eastern Oregon was making consistent appearances in the NAIA Top 25 poll all season long, either appearing directly in the poll or receiving votes. The Mountaineers were in the top three or better in every CCC offensive category, including first place in shots (296).
A balanced offensive attack was the trademark of Eastern Oregon University in 2022. The attack was headlined by two players, forwards Kana Mateaki and Erika Skindlov. Mateaki, tallied five goals, two assists and 12 points, while Skindlov recorded four goals, six assists and 14 points in total.
The 2022 Warrior squad consistently showed up in big time games, using their defense and ball control to hold high powered offenses to shutouts or low scoring affairs. Boasting a 31-9 goal advantage on the season, Corban ranks 3rd in the CCC in both goals scored and goals against average at 0.53 on the season.
While the defense played a huge part in the success of the Warriors' regular season, the offense was dynamic as well, as Corban ranked top four in the CCC in points (83), goals (31), goals per game (1.82) and assists (21).
The Navy and Gold offense was anchored by a tandem of aggressive attackers in sophomore forward Alysia Alvarado and junior defender Jamine Biava. Alvarado produced 11 points on the season, accounting for five goals and one assist, while Biava, a CCC Offensive Player of the Week honoree, accounted for a team-high in both points (19) and goals (8).
While Alvarado and Biava garnered a lot of scoring attention, the Warriors had plenty of weapons to compliment the duo. Senior midfielder Aubrey Smith occupied the midfield attack with three goals and two assists for the season, while senior midfielder Mei Suetsugu stretched the outside attack alongside junior forward Maria Juarez and junior midfielder Moe Sato. The trio was consistently attacking the box, with a combined 27 shots on goal in 2022.
Defense was the ultimate calling card of the Warriors, holding 12 of their opponents scoreless this season. The rotating defensive line of Biava, sophomores Maria Allen and Josie Brence, and freshman Chloe Beck displayed their dynamic skill set in front of the talented goalkeeper, junior Makida Herbert. Both Allen and Brence provided length and control in the middle of the field, while Biava imposed her physicality on attacking opponents, stonewalling many attacks throughout the season. Beck was never out of a foot race, which led to many wasted possessions for the opposition. Look for these defenders to continue their great seasons in the playoffs.
Herbert proved that her 2021 season was not a fluke. In fact, she proved she belongs alongside other great goalies in the Warrior history books. Herbert had eight solo shutouts on her sheet, adding four more in combined efforts in 2022, with 64 saves and a goal against average of 0.57.
The winner of the conference tournament will receive the CCC's second automatic berth to the NAIA National Tournament, which will begin on November 17th. Should Northwest claim the CCC Tournament title, the bid would go to the tournament runner-up.
Live stats for next week's tournament will be available HERE, while live video will be made available HERE.
Follow Corban Athletics:
Facebook l Twitter l Instagram l Snapchat l YouTube l Email
Download our App: iOS (iPhone/iPad) l Android
