Izzy D’Aquila slowly approached the ball as the NCAA Women’s Football Championship stood on the line. It seemed to be pursuing its goal while gathering energy for a quick blow.
And in a flash, she showed the finishing skills that made her an unstoppable force in Orange County.
JSerra High’s second striker shot a right foot into the right corner of the net on Monday, May 17, to claim Santa Clara’s angry win over the most occupied state of Florida in the NCAA College Cup in North Carolina .
D’Aquila sealed a 4-1 triumph in the shootouts after regulation, and two overtime hours ended in a 1-1 draw. After the golden goal stunned the State of Florida (13-0-3), she sprinted towards her teammates with arms wide open until she slipped to a joyous dog poo celebration.
« Indescribable, » she said in a text message after the game. “I was so excited to bring this championship to my school. We worked so hard as a team and deserved this win. »
Santa Clara’s path as number 11 of the title, including seven regular season games prior to the NCAA tournament due to the pandemic.
The Broncos finished 10-1-1 to claim their first title since 2001. Midfielder Skylar Smith (Tesoro) and striker Julie Doyle (JSerra) also feature on their squad.
D’Aquila’s celebration also included Greg and Matt Baker, her former coaches at JSerra and the Southern California Blues, who attended the match. Greg recently retired from coaching both teams for private training with the Slammers Club.
« I was so glad they came out to support us, » said D’Aquila of the bakers. « I wouldn’t be the player I am without them. »
In high school, D’Aquila led JSerra to three consecutive CIF Division 1 titles as the team’s best striker. She has scored 135 goals in her career and added 59 assists.
She was named Register Player of the Year in her last three seasons and in 2019 she was named Sportswoman of the Year in the Register.
In the semifinals against North Carolina, D’Aquila scored a goal and helped the 3-1 win. Smith also scored a goal.
On Monday, D’Aquila said « every title » is special, but placed her first college crown in a different category.
« This is something we (as) little girls dreamed of and it’s incredible that we could win, » she said.
On the subject of matching items
Tennis Playoffs for CIF-SS Boys: Schedule and Pairings for the Opening Rounds
CIF-SS Girls’ Tennis Playoffs: Eight Orange County teams advance to the semi-finals
Lacrosse polls for CIF-SS students, May 17th
Lacrosse polls for CIF-SS students, May 17
Orange County results and player stats for Monday 17th May
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