by Robert Nilsen

After finishing second in the Orange Empire Conference, the Cypress College Women's Soccer team (13-2-6, 10-1-5) had six members named to the All-Orange Empire Conference Team.

Freshman forward Kristen Nolan, sophomore midfielder Nicole Walters and sophomore defender Kelsea Freiling were named to the All-Orange Empire Conference First Team.

Kristen Nolan had a great regular season for the Chargers as she finished second on the team with 10 goals while contributing 4 assists. In addition, Nolan finished the season tied for the third most goals in conference play with 9, including 3 game winning goals for the Chargers. Nicole Walters made an immediate impact for the Chargers after transferring from Vanguard University. Walters scored 2 goals and contributed 6 assists on the season, including a team leading 5 assists in conference play. Kelsea Freiling had a tremendous regular season for the Chargers both offensively and defensively. Offensively, Freiling netted 5 goals and contributed 1 assist. She started every game for the Chargers this season and anchored a strong backline, which only allowed 13 goals in conference play.

Sophomore forward Kailey Merino, freshman midfielder Julissa Zuniga and sophomore defender Ashley Smith were named to the All-Orange Empire Conference Second Team.

Kailey Merino led the team with 11 goals and 6 assists, more than doubling her total from last season. Merino finished the season tied for the third most goals in conference play (9), including 3 game winning goals for the Chargers and a team leading 36% shooting percentage in conference play. Julissa Zuniga finished the regular season with 9 goals and 5 assists. Zuniga tied for the tenth most goals in the conference with 7, including 3 game winning goals for the Chargers. Ashley Smith in her second season was a force on defense for the Chargers. She started every game for Cypress and helped anchor a backline that only conceded 19 goals in 21 games. Furthermore they allowed the second fewest goals in conference play (13).

The Chargers are set to begin postseason play as the #13 seed on the road Saturday, November 19 at 7:00 PM against Rio Hondo College.

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