Giants' women's soccer launches new era with nearly new roster
By Nick Giannandrea
COS ATHLETICS
A new era of College of the Sequoias' women's soccer is underway with a relatively new slate.
First-year coach Elliott Hord has only one player -- sophomore forward Gloria Silva (Mt. Whitney High) -- who has ever suited up for the Giants before.
Silva played for Sequoias in 2019, scoring three goals and contributing one assist to a team that went 7-9-4 in the final season of former coach Ryan Rowland-Smith.
The Giants didn't field a team during the 2020-2021 school year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hord, who was hired in April, has assembled a 17-woman roster featuring Silva, two sophomore transfers and 14 freshmen.
"We are definitely a young squad," Hord said. "It will be interesting. It's tough to say where we're at, but what I can say is the girls are buying into the culture I'm trying to create. They are hard workers and disciplined."
The Giants are off to a 0-3 start heading into their next game, scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 14 against Cerro Coso in Ridgecrest. Sequoias will host Cerro Coso on its campus field at 1 p.m. Sept. 17.
Midfielders Judith Lopez (Tulare Western) and Viviana Pantoja (Lindsay) have returned to their Tulare County roots after launching their college careers in 2018 at Hawaii Pacific and Taft, respectively. Lopez retains freshmen eligibility, while Pantoja is a sophomore.
Sequoias' other sophomore is midfielder Jennifer Lucero (Fresno), who started her college career at Reedley, where she had a goal and two assists in 2018.
"They are experienced players, a bit older, and fill a leadership role," Hord said.
Among the freshmen newcomers, Elvira Garcia (Tulare Union), Marycruz Nerto (Lindsay), Fallon Jensen (El Diamante) and Jahnessah Cavazos (Tulare Western) will lead the top of the attack.
Hord said Redwood product Savanna Saesee is a player to keep an eye on, describing her as a box-to-box midfielder who adds lots of different threats to the game. Savannah Noell (Golden West) also is expected to make an impact in the midfield.
Defensively, the Giants will rely on Isabella Sanchez (Farmersville), Mckenna Rodriguez (Hanford), Madison Navarette (Redwood), Sadie Avila (Hanford) and Staley Martin (Mission Oak) to be attack stoppers.
Patrolling the box will be goalkeepers Katie Crawshaw (Kingsburg) and Teresa Dominguez (Mt. Whitney).
"I think we have some dynamic players, some high soccer IQ players mixed in with some speed and attacking players," said Hord, who is assisted by Lindsey Porter. "What I like about this group is they are humble players and that work hard. They are willing to put the work in. I think we can have some success."
Sequoias opened the season with a 2-1 home loss against Bakersfield on Aug. 31.
The Giants opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Lopez connected for a goal off a Pantoja assist before allowing goals in the 43rd and 75th minutes.
Crawshaw came up with seven saves during Sequoias' 4-0 home loss to Modesto on Sept. 3, and three more during a 4-0 loss at Cuesta on Sept. 7.
Sequoias will open Central Valley Conference play at 1 p.m. Sept. 28 at home against Reedley.
"I think the goal for our team is to continue to improve," Hord said. "I know being in the first year with a new group it's tough to really start and create something. My mindset is that every day, we can be a little bit better. At the end of the day, of course we want to win and be conference champions and state champions, but if the girls are enjoying what they are doing and improving, I'm happy with that. And as they do, I think we'll see more and more success."
