Women’s soccer team heads to playoffs

The women’s soccer team, which started the season as one of the most promising teams at PCC, reached its goal of going into the post-season on Friday.Forward Randi Richardson scored the only goal in PCC’s 1-0 home victory over El Camino College Warriors, letting the Lancers clinch a spot in the playoffs.

Richardson’s goal came in the 36th minute of the first half after she put the ball on the net off a cross from the right side by teammate Elba Menjivar.

Richardson reached the mark of five goals and Menjivar made her third assist in the season.

The victory helped the Lancers to improve their record to 8-5-7 in the regular season, 5-4-3 in the South Coast Conference, while the Warriors dropped to 12-9-2, 4-7-1.

From the first minute of the game, Lancers Makenzie Pedrotti, Cindy Aguillon, Kristie Castellon and Menjivar dominated the midfield to set the course of the game.

The Lancers outplayed El Camino in every category, creating the most dangerous situations for Warriors’ goalie Lauren Humphrey.

“It was a tough game,” said captain Pedrotti. “But, we just had to keep our head focused on the game.”

The second half was almost a déjÂ… vu of the first half, PCC kept possession of the ball throughout the game, although El Camino tried in vain to tie the game.

Midway through the second half, the Warriors had a clear chance when Cindy Moran’s free kick was blocked by PCC’s goalie Priscilla Castellon.

Castellon was essential in maintaining the victory as she made four critical saves. For the Warriors, goalie Humphrey made two saves.

PCC also outshot El Camino, 10-9.

The Lancers, seeded No. 14 in Southern California, will visit No. 3 San Diego Mesa College (18-1-2, 13-1-2), on Saturday for the first round of the playoffs.

Lancers’ expectations are high, as they tied San Diego Mesa, 0-0, earlier in the Ventura Tournament.

“The [San Diego Mesa] players are very fast and they had a complete full roster,” said Soccer Director Cherif Zein.

“We are going to sit back and wait for them,” added Zein. “Our ace cards will be the counter-attack and long balls.