Where Are They Now? Locals form triple threat for CSUDH women's soccer team
| Tuesday, Dec 01 2009 07:10 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Dec 02 2009 05:35 PM
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Paige Peel
Allyssia Vasquez
Molly Brennan
After guiding Cal State Dominguez men's soccer team to the NCAA Division II National Championship last year, head coach Joe Flanagan figures it's the women's turn this season.
Flanagan, who doubles as both men's and women's coach, has the women's team in position, thanks to a few upset victories and the strong play from a trio of Bakersfield products.
The Toros (16-8-2, 11-5 in the CCAA) advanced to the Final Four with a 5-2 victory over West Texas A&M last week. Dominguez will play undefeated West Florida on Thursday in Tampa, Fla.
Of the locals, sophomore defender/midfielder Paige Peel has led the way on defense and has also showcased her offensive skills with two goals and two assists.
"Paige has been our rock," Flanagan said. "She probably been our defensive MVP. She covers everybody, she makes tackles at the right moment, she gives us great balance and shape in the back, and she communicates and leads us on and off the field. She's had an unbelievable year for us."
Peel, from Centennial High, scored her first goal to open the scoring in a 3-0 victory over Cal State Monterey Bay in September and then scored on a free kick in a 1-1 tie to UC San Diego on Nov. 6.
"She's really stepped up as a sophomore," Flanagan said. "We knew she was going to be good, but she's actually playing a little out of position. Sweeper's probably not her natural position but we had to do it because of injury and she's embraced the role."
A pair of freshman defenders from Liberty have also made an impact.
Allyssia Vasquez has played solid defense, but it was her game-winning header in a 2-1 overtime victory over Humboldt State that provided one of the season's biggest thrills.
"Allyssia came in as a freshman and we knew she was a pretty good defender, but she's transitioned really quickly to the speed of the game and physically she does very well," Flanagan said. "She's been a real integral part of our defense all season."
Molly Brennan hasn't seen as much playing time, but has impressed Flanagan just the same.
"She's kind of a jack of all trades," Flanagan said. "She came in as a defender, we played her a little there, and we've played her a little at forward. She hasn't got in as much as she'd liked, but she's doing really good for us and has improved a lot and we're happy with her so far."
Football
Michael Berry (Garces), WR, TCU -- Redshirt freshman is a member of the undefeated Horned Frogs, who will find out Sunday which BCS game they will play in.
Jeremy Bethell (West), DL, Azusa Pacific -- Freshman had five tackles, including one unassisted, in seven games.
Jacob Bower (BC), QB, Tulsa -- Junior threw an incomplete pass in a 33-30 win over Memphis.
Ryan Clanton (Bakersfield Christian), OL, City College of San Francisco -- Sophomore is a co-captain and starting guard for Northern California Conference co-champions. Has verbally committed to play at Oregon next season.
Jacob Hickman (Centennial), OL, Nebraska -- Senior is a captain for the Cornhuskers and listed on the 2009 Rimmington Award watch list, which ultimately recognizes the top college lineman.
Will Mahan (BHS, BC), P, Washington -- Junior had three punts for a 40.7-yard average in a 30-0 win over Washington State.
Princeton McCarty (West High), RB, Idaho -- Sophomore had eight carries for 46 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown, in a 52-49 loss to Utah State.
Brandon Owens (Ridgeview), DB, Colorado State -- Sophomore assisted on a tackle in a 17-16 loss to Wyoming.
Hockey
Kristi Kehoe (Liberty), F, Northeastern -- Junior scored her team's lone goal in a 2-1 loss to New Hampshire on Sunday.
Kevin Trihey (Garces), Oregon -- Senior has two goals and six assists in six games.
Soccer
Jenny Karson (Frazier Mountain), MF, Pepperdine -- Freshman had four shots on goal in 16 games this season.
Volleyball
Cassandra Anderson (BHS), Florida -- Sophomore had seven kills and an ace in a 4-game win over Notre Dame on Saturday. Had six kills and a block in a sweep of South Carolina.
Mallori Gibson (Foothill), OH, Pacific -- Senior was named first-team All-Big West Conference. She was second on her team in kills with 342 and led the Tigers with 42 aces this season. She also had 239 digs and six blocks.
Men's basketball
Cesar Menjivar (East), G, Cal Baptist -- Junior 3-for-3 from 3-point range and finished with nine points and a rebound in 22 minutes in a 53-48 loss to Grand Canyon on. Nov. 24
Demetrius Williamson (BC), F, Niagara -- Senior was 3-of-7 from 3-point range and finished with 11 points and two rebounds in an 80-68 loss to Akron.
Women's basketball
Jausecca Cockerel (Stockdale), G, Ventura College -- Freshman didn't score in four minutes of action in a 66-43 victory over Mt. SAC on Sunday. For the season, she is averaging 2.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Ashlee Stewart (Stockdale), G, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo -- Senior had six points, five assists and two rebounds in an 89-80 victory over Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday.
Cheyenne Wallace (Stockdale), F, Concordia -- Junior had four points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 14 minutes of an 65-53 victory over Holy Names College on Saturday.
