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By Pricilia Mugwa
TUCSON – Pima Athletic teams faced intense competitions as they wrapped up their fall season. From a fierce volleyball tournament run to a heart-pounding women’s soccer overtime and a thrilling men’s soccer championship, the Aztecs delivered high-energy performances across the board.
MEN’S SOCCER
The men’s soccer triumphed with a thrilling overtime win in their championship match, marking their first Region I, Division II title since 2020-21. Freshman Robert Castaneda scored the golden goal in the 99th minute, leading Pima to a 1-0 victory over Phoenix and securing their spot in the national tournament.
The Aztecs’ defense, led by Most Valuable Player Jose Carlos Ortiz with seven saves, was crucial in maintaining their 11th shutout of the season. Head coach David Cosgrove praised the team’s resilience, highlighting the solid defense and readiness for nationals.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
(Photo Courtesy: Pima Athletics/Photo by Raymond Suarez)
Pima’s Women’s soccer team (12-4) came close to capturing the Region I, Division II Championship but fell 2-1 in overtime to top-seeded Phoenix (16-1-1). Jessica Alvarez scored in the 59th minute with a header, assisted by Lizzie Walker, giving Pima a 1-0 lead.
Phoenix’s Ariany Mapula tied it up in the 71st minute, and Yadira Escobedo secured the golden goal in the 91st minute to claim victory. This marked the third consecutive year that Phoenix defeated Pima in the finals, all by 2-1 scores. Despite the tough loss, the Aztecs hold hopes for an at-large bid to the NJCAA Division II Tournament.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
(Photo Courtesy: Pima Athletics/Raymond Suarez)
The Aztecs volleyball team concluded their season with a hard-fought third-place finish at the Region I, Division II Tournament. Despite a valiant comeback against Scottsdale, where they fought from two sets down to force a tiebreaker, Pima ultimately fell 3-2 (25-18, 25-21, 16-25, 21-25, 15-12).
Sophomores Elli Meinke and Kenna Simon led the team, with Meinke recording eight kills and 13 digs and Simon securing 12 kills. The Aztecs had eliminated the top-seeded Glendale earlier in the day with a thrilling 3-1 victory. Their performance showcased resilience and determination, but they ultimately missed the title.
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