Pioneers Women’s Soccer Clinch Playoff Berth for the Second Time in Program History
By Kenneth Perez
Images Courtesy of Abigail Suttan
The Pioneers Women's Soccer team has officially clinched a playoff berth and secured the 4th seed in the CAL PAC. Although the Ladies fell to Stanton University 1–0, their earlier season performances ensured their spot in the postseason. A key win against Cal Maritime and a hard fought tie against 2nd place Simpson University on Senior Night helped the Pioneers lock in the 4th seed. This achievement marks only the second playoff appearance in program history, a program that began just six years ago, and their second in the past four seasons.
The Pioneers coaching staff brings valuable playoff experience. The entire staff was part of the 2022–23 playoff team. Head Coach Hernan Granados, who served as an assistant during that run, is now in his second year leading the program. Last season, the Pioneers narrowly missed the postseason after a final day loss to northern rivals Simpson University. This year, under Coach Granados, the Pioneers overcame that setback and earned enough points to return to the postseason. Assistant Coaches Isabella Huerta and Jayleen Casillas were also members of the 2022–23 playoff team. Huerta, a former midfielder and last year's senior leader, finished her career as the Pioneers all time assist leader and second all time in appearances. Casillas, the former goalkeeper, holds program records for most clean sheets in a season with seven, total saves, and career clean sheets.
This year's Pioneers roster features a young but fearless group, with over 80 percent of the team made up of freshmen and sophomores. Eight freshmen started in the team's most recent match, making PUC by far the youngest squad in the CAL PAC. The freshman class has stepped up in a major way, contributing over 60 percent of this season's goals. Taylor Delgado leads the group with two goals, followed by Rose Portillo and Kyleigh Melconian with one each. Freshman goalkeeper Avery Alves ranks first in total saves, second in save percentage, and third in goals against average across the conference. She's been supported by a strong young backline of Melconian, Camryn Folkers, Kambrie Jehs, and Carolyna Mora. Up front and in the midfield, freshmen like Folkers, Portillo, Leah Ronneburg, and Jasmine Zapien have shown impressive versatility and resilience. Their ability to adapt and perform has made them vital to the Pioneers' success both now and for seasons to come.
Anchoring the team with veteran leadership is defender Mia Grijalva, last year's team MVP. Though her minutes have been limited this season, her defensive presence and guidance have been invaluable in helping the younger players adjust to the collegiate level. Juniors Leylah Echeverria and Ryann Van Horn, along with lone senior Kaylin Mincey Neal, round out the leadership core. Together, the three upperclassmen have accounted for more than 80 percent of the team's assists, using their experience to guide the attack. Van Horn has been a force all over the field, earning Defensive Player of the Week honors earlier this year. Echeverria leads the team in assists and continues to be a steady presence in midfield for the third straight season. Despite battling a lingering foot injury, Mincey Neal has still made her mark on the scoresheet and continues to set the tone for the team.
The Pioneers will wrap up the regular season 10/31 at 1 p.m. against Cal Maritime, looking to carry momentum into the postseason.