PCC women's soccer season ends with loss against Monroe College

The Pima Community College women's soccer team held its own against the No. 2 team in the country on Wednesday but the Aztecs fell short in the end.

The No. 7 seeded Aztecs lost to No. 2 Monroe College 4-1 in the final Pool B match of the NJCAA National Tournament. Pima had to beat Monroe by four goals to force a playoff match or win by five goals to move on to the semifinal round.

Angelica Gonzalez (Palo Verde HS) made some great saves early in the first half as Monroe pushed forward but the Pima defense held their own. Monroe led 1-0 at halftime as the Aztecs managed two shots on goal in the first half and Gonzalez had 10 saves.

In the second half, the Aztecs got their first shot on goal within the first minute and got on the scoreboard in the 56^th minute when Devyn Hunley (Sabino HS) headed in a goal after the corner kick assist by Brandi Park (Sabino HS) to tie it at 1-1.

Monroe kept the Aztecs on their heels and would pull away with goals in the 67^th, 69^th and 77^th minutes. Nicole Rivera had a hat trick and had an assist for Monroe.

The Aztecs finished the season with a 16-6-2 overall record; and were 11-0-1 at the Kino North Grandstand. Shannon Shields (Sabino HS) was named ACCAC conference Player of the Year as she finished with 21 goals on the season. Head coach Kendra Veliz was named ACCAC conference Coach of the Year.

Coaches' quote: "I'm really proud of the way we rallied and played today against the No. 2 seed (Monroe College)," head coach Kendra Veliz said. "I don't think either scoreline (Tuesday's 5-2 loss against Owens CC) is indicative of the way we played."