(TRINIDAD, CO) – Trinidad State wrapped up the 2016 regular season with a pair of games at Los Niño's Park in Trinidad this past weekend. The Trojans split with Region IX opponents Northwest and Sheridan leaving TSJC's final record at 7-6-2 and ensuring a third place finish and a home playoff game next weekend.
On Friday afternoon the Trojans were able to put three goals past the Northwest keeper while holding the shutout on their own side. Alex Mendez got the scoring going for the Trojans when she took an assist from Alex Stabler and blasted it into the net. Claire Gay would double the advantage a few minutes later on a beautiful header off of a Rachel Fraser corner kick. Laeticia Rambeau wrapped up the scoring late in the second half, taking an assist from Ariana Acosta and finding the back of the net for the ninth time this season. Tori Bonahoom stopped all five shots that came her way to preserve the 3-0 win.
Saturday afternoon started with an emotional tribute to the sophomores, honoring them and their families, and ended with an emotional 1-0 loss to the Generals of Sheridan. Sidney Burrell scored in the 32nd minute on a lob shot for the only goal of the contest. Bonahoom had six saves in the game.
"I am very proud of this team," commented Head Coach Peter Freeman. "I've had great leadership from the upperclassmen all year and for that we've grown stronger as a team since our first game and I am very pleased with the direction we are going heading into playoffs. The girls have worked very hard on the pitch and in the classroom and it has shown on the field and in the standings. I want to thank the friends, family, and community for your support all year. We have our first playoff match October 22nd and I know the girls would love to see everyone out there supporting us one last time at home."
The Trojans finished third in the region behind Laramie County and Otero. They will host a playoff game this weekend between the loser of Tuesday's match between Sheridan and Northwest. The winner of Saturday's contest will travel to the Region's final four in Denver at the end of the month. More information on time, place and opponent will be available later in the week.