POMONA, Calif. - In a defining moment for Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer, the Broncos secured their second straight NCAA Division II West Region Championship with a 1-0 victory over Azusa Pacific. The win not only marks another significant chapter for the program, but also showcases a group that has embraced high expectations, leaned on its maturity, and risen when the stakes were highest. With the result, Cal Poly Pomona improves to 17-2-3 and continues its postseason journey on the national stage.
The opening half carried a tense, measured rhythm as both teams searched for momentum. The Broncos created early chances through
Liberty Ortiz and
Braedyn Kincade before finally breaking through in the 39th minute.
Kiarra D'Arcangelo slipped a precise pass into the box for senior forward
Angelina Rivas, who turned and finished cleanly to give the Broncos a 1-0 advantage. For Rivas, the goal represented much more than a moment on the stat sheet. "It was definitely surreal," Rivas said. "It's a moment I've been waiting for these last few games, and it was so special to be able to celebrate it with my teammates on this field for the very last time as a senior."
From that point forward, Cal Poly Pomona settled into its defensive identity. The back line, anchored by
Georgia Rink,
Giselle Samayoa,
Mikaela Marr, and Ortiz, kept the Cougars at bay and denied them clear attacks. Goalkeeper
Jenna Tetrault added two crucial saves, securing her 12th shutout of the season. While additional second-half chances came through
Marisa Salazar,
Sabine Ramos, and Ortiz, the first-half strike remained all the Broncos needed.
Head coach
Jay Mason praised his team's mental strength and the weight they've carried throughout the season. "When I think about everything they've dealt with—the expectations they feel, even when we talk about not carrying that pressure—I'm just incredibly proud," he said. "Teams always get up when they play us, and our players kept finding ways to get results in really difficult scenarios. Our region is one of the toughest in the country, and they went through it with added weight this year. I'm super excited to represent the West region and to see what comes next."
Up Next:
With the West Region title secured, Cal Poly Pomona now advances to the NCAA Quarterfinals, where they will travel to face the winner of the UC Colorado Springs vs. Dallas Baptist matchup on Saturday, December 6th.
Update: With Dallas Baptist defeating UCCS on Sunday, the Broncos will play in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, December 6th, at 1:00 PM PT (3:00 PM local).
Bronco Bits:
- Jay Mason is now 99-50-26 as the head coach of the Broncos
- The Broncos are 15-7 all time against Azusa Pacific
- Cal Poly Pomona is now 17-2-3 overall
- Now in its 42nd season, CPP Women's Soccer is 408-304-94 all-time with a 220-147-58 record in CCAA matches.
- This victory marked the 50th for the Cal Poly Pomona athletic department this academic year
- The Broncos claimed their 10th win at home this season, tying last year for the most in a season in program history
- Angelina Rivas scored the game-winning goal in both this year's and last year's West Regional Championship. Both matches were against PacWest opponents
- Jenna Tetrault is currently fifth in the nation for minutes in goal
