Soccer edges Santa Ana

The Saddleback women's soccer team picked up a critical win on Friday, toppling Santa Ana College 1-0 in Santa Ana.  The Gauchos moved into third place with the win in trying to make the playoffs.

Saddleback and Santa Ana were even through 77 minutes when the Gauchos struck for the only goal of the game.  Helene Hollidge scored an unassisted goal as she slid one past SAC keeper Kassandra Herrera, giving Saddleback the only goal it would need.  It was Hollidge's fourth goal of the season and second in the past four games.

The teams were somewhat even throughout, with Saddleback holding an 8-5 edge in shots for the game and a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal.  Gaucho keeper Dz-Rae Jara was perfect in the nets, stopping all four shots as Saddleback recorded its seventh shutout of the season.

The win puts Saddleback in third place, passing Orange Coast in the Orange Empire Conference standings.  The Gauchos (9-2-4, 6-2-3) will try for their 10^th win of the season next Friday when they travel to Golden West College.

Following the win, Saddleback now ranks No. 9 in power points in the southern half of the state and No. 14 in the state overall.