Merced College men’s soccer playoff run ends with 1-0 loss to Oxnard in state semifinals
The Merced College men’s soccer playoff run came to an end with a 1-0 loss to Oxnard in the semifinals of the state playoffs in Sacramento.
Alfonso Lopez’s goal in the 77th minute lifted Oxnard (21-1-1) into Sunday’s state championship game against Mt. San Antonio, which defeated Taft in the other semifinal match on Friday.
The Blue Devils managed just three shots on goal with Oxnard goalie Efrain Perez saving all three shots.
Angel Ruiz-Hernandez finished with three saves in goal for Merced College.
The Blue Devils finish the season with a 17-4-3 record.
Football—The Blue Devils ended the season 8-3, after a 50-32 division championship loss to Feather River. Freshman quarterback
Aiden Meyer from Hughson and sophomore linebacker Johnny Bravo (Pacheco, Los Banos) received All-Golden Coast League honorable mention.
Sophomore running back Justin Incaprera (Los Banos) and sophomore offensive linemen Hector Velazco (LeGrand) and Aristeo Prado (Golden Valley) made First Team Offense.
First-Team Defense selections included three sophomores—safety Youlas Dickson and linebacker Nate Ruiz, both from Buhach Colony, and defensive end Tengata Tuitupou (Pacheco)— and three freshmen—cornerback Jeremiah Robinson and defensive end Jaylen Thao-Booth, both from Merced, an defensive tackle Samari Russo (Buhach Colony). Freshman Jason Mendoza (Buhach) was voted GCL Kicker of the Year.
Thao-Booth was Defensive MVP, and sophomore running back Isaiah Hidalgo (Central Valley, Ceres) was named All-Purpose Player of the Year and Returner of the Year.
Merced College’s Justin Pinasco was selected Coach of the Year.
Women’s Water Polo —The Blue Devils finished second in the Coast Conference and third in Northern California with a season record of 18-10. They fell one game short of a final four appearance after an 8-7 to San Joaquin Delta in the NorCal playoffs.
Sophomores Libby Hamilton (Golden Valley) and Gabi Perez (Buhach Colony) were voted first team All-Conference and All-NorCal, along with freshmen Claudette Asenjo (El Capitan) and Alina Hodge (Reedley).
Sophomores Jazzmen Hicks and Emma Kollman, both from Buhach Colony, and freshman Savonah Ward (Golden Valley) made second team.
Hamilton, Asenjo and Perez were voted All- America, a designation exclusive to the top 30 players in the state.
Men’s Water Polo —With an overall record of 20-15, the Blue Devils finished third in the Coast Conference and fifth in Northern California. Sophomore Dominic Guerra (Bullard, Fresno), second in the state in assists with 85, was named first team All-Conference, first team All- NorCal, and second team All-America. Teammate Jack Bustabade was first team All-Conference, second team All-NorCal, and honorable mention All-America.
Sophomore goalkeeper Austin Escobar was second team All-Conference. Freshmen Kevin Curtiss (Bullard) and Ashton Jenkins (Clovis West) both received All-Conference honorable mention.
