IRVINE, Calif. - The women's soccer team defeated Pacific Union College last night in a 2-1 overtime thriller to claim the 2026 Cal Pac Conference Tournament title.
The Red Hawks drew first blood in the opening minutes as First Team All-Conference selection Nadia Santiago Baron found the back of the net in the second minute, with Cal Pac Player of the Year Maylania Mikaele notching the assist.
The Red Hawks continued to put heavy pressure on the Pioneers as they outshot Pacific Union 17-5 in the game.However, the Pioneers' defense stood tall as they held the Red Hawks off the board for the next 88 minutes.
The Pioneers found the back of the net in the 39th minute as Rose Portillo combined with Leslie Reyes to score the equalizer.
Neither team folded, as it took more than 90 minutes to decide a Cal Pac Champion.
Junior defender and Second Team All-Conference selection Ellianna Keiser hit the game-winner 15 seconds into overtime as she sliced through the Pioneers' defense and eluded the goalkeeper to score the decisive goal.
Second Team All-Conference selection Jenna Sosa earned the win in goal as she picked up two saves while allowing only one goal all tournament.
The Red Hawks have won the elusive Cal Pac title for the first time under Head Coach Milton Carrera as they await the opening round sites. The start of NAIA opening round play is slated for November 19.
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