SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Cal Poly Humboldt women's soccer team is heading back to the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament semifinals after surviving a dramatic quarterfinal against Cal State San Bernardino on Monday morning. Following 110 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Jacks prevailed 4–2 in penalty kicks to advance and set up a 2023 semifinal rematch with top-seeded Cal Poly Pomona.
Neither side could break through in regulation or double overtime despite a combined 39 shots in a highly physical and fast-paced contest. The Lumberjacks (6–5–8, 4–2–5 CCAA) tallied 17 shots, including four on goal, while the Coyotes (8-6-5, 6-3-2 CCAA) recorded 22 shots—seven of which were stopped by Humboldt goalkeepers Carson Thomson-Terrel and Ari Beddoes.
The keepers anchored a stout Humboldt defense, turning away multiple dangerous attempts throughout the match, including four saves in the first half. The Jacks' backline—led by Payton Heaney, Josie Wolitzky, Camryn Patten, and Kyla Okamoto—stood tall against relentless Coyote pressure, holding firm through both overtime periods.
In the shootout, Humboldt was clinical from the spot. Okamoto opened the scoring with a composed finish before Heaney and Nicole Beauchemin converted their kicks. After CSUSB missed twice, Alexis Blue sealed the victory with the decisive fourth make, sending the Jacks through to the semifinal with a 4–2 shootout triumph.
"It was a pretty even game, quite honestly," said head coach Grant Landy. "I felt like both teams created some good chances—it was kind of a defensive battle. The heat was definitely an issue for both sides, but we battled all the way through overtime and into penalty kicks. Once you get there, anything can happen, and we were fortunate to come out on the winning end."
The victory capped off a long and challenging road stretch for the Jacks, who have been away from home for three straight weeks and overcame a weather delay that pushed the match back a day.
"We've literally been on the road for the last three weeks, so we've talked a lot about adapting to things and controlling what we can control," Landy added. "This team has done an excellent job of that all year. Yesterday was a tough day, finding out we couldn't play, but they put it behind them and gave their best effort. This was a team that really deserved to move on based on their grit and resolve."
With the win, Humboldt advances to face No. 1 seed and defending national champion Cal Poly Pomona in Friday's semifinal at 7:30 p.m. at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, Calif.
"We've played a lot of games lately, so we'll take some time to rest, but I think the players are excited," Landy said. "Pomona has been the class of the conference the last couple of years, and they won the national tournament last year. But our players have confidence—we tied them in Pomona a couple weeks ago—and they're excited for another challenge. We've been given some second chances this year, and that's brought a lot of motivation."
Looking ahead to the weekend, Landy said his team is focused but appreciative of the journey.
"Getting to the final site in Monterey is the culmination of all the hard work," he said. "At this point, it comes down to a couple of moments. This team has shown in the last few weeks that they'll work hard for each other and make things happen. We've got a special group of seniors who've been great leaders, and I'm just looking forward to spending more time with them and watching them compete."
Fans can watch the Jacks in action live on FloCollege and follow full tournament coverage via the CCAA Tournament Central.
Before hitting the road, Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics will host a team sendoff at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at College Creek Field. All students, staff, and supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer on the Jacks as they depart for Seaside.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt women's soccer, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.
Instagram: @humboldt.athletics
Twitter/X: @HumboldtJacks
Facebook: Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks
