Pirates’ women shut out Chaffey

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- Freshman Vanessa Rocha scored one goal and

contributed one assist to help lead the Orange Coast College women’s

soccer team to a 2-0 nonconference victory over host Chaffey Tuesday.

Sophomore Fernanda Velasco, a midfielder, gave the Pirates (2-0) a

1-0 lead in the 22nd minute. Rocha, also a midfielder, assisted with

a short pass near Chaffey’s goal.

Velasco’s shot was the Pirates’ third of the game and they

finished with 20, while Chaffey came up with five.

Three minutes into the second half, Rocha secured the win scoring

on a throw-in from sophomore Marissa McGregor.

On defense, the Pirates were led by sophomore goalie Margaret

Landeros and sophomore stopper Lauren Cassity. Landeros recorded six

saves, while Cassity provided support on defense to preserve the

shutout.

“The biggest surprise for us was Lauren Cassity,� OCC Coach

Barbara Bond said. “She’s been a force. Last year, she was playing up

(as forward) with Jaycee (Mahler) and now she’s really helping out in

the back.�

Chaffey suffered its first lost of the season, dropping to 2-1.

The Pirates return to action Friday at 2 p.m. when they host El

Camino.