Delta’s women’s soccer team gets ready to compete for the Big 8 Conference title and in the NorCal regional playoffs for a spot in the state championship tournament.
Entering the postseason ranked first in the state by the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA), the Mustangs (18-0-1) remain as the only undefeated team in the state and aim to win the Big 8 Conference title and the regional playoffs.
Later this afternoon at 3 p.m. Delta will take on Sierra College in the Big 8 tournament final at home for the conference championship.
Head Coach Adrienne Sorenson said her team is prepared to take on the postseason, as she and her players have been preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.
“We’re definitely preparing ourselves for tough moments in games and if a tough moment happens how we would respond,” said Sorenson. “This group has been playing, practicing the whole season for the postseason, and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
Delta will not have to travel away from Stockton for the entire postseason up until making it to a hypothetical CCCAA State Championship tournament.
As the No. 1 seed in Northern California, Delta is guaranteed to host all of its playoff games at the Delta College Soccer Complex, where the Mustangs maintain a 37-game undefeated streak and have not lost a game since 2017.
While the Mustangs are excited about having the home field advantage for the playoffs, the team is aware that its opponents will give it their all to give Delta a tough battle.
“I don’t think teams particularly love to play here [at Delta], but at the same time teams come in knowing that we love to play at home and that we play well at home so they always bring their best here. I think that’s something that we have to understand mentally, that we come ready,” said Sorenson.
On a team that’s currently ranked the best in California on the community college level there are several players who are having a season to remember.
The most significant player of them all, however, is forward Alexis Brewah who has had an outstanding performance.
Scoring 19 goals in 18 games, Brewah has been a key player for the Mustangs’ offense. She is also important when it comes to generating plays up top and has the third highest number of assists in the state with 19.
More than just her performance on the field, Brewah plays an important leadership role as the team’s captain.
“At the end of the day that’s just my job. That’s what I’m here to do is to make everyone’s job easier,” said Brewah. “If I can help people score, that’s what I’ll do. If I have to score myself, that’s what I’ll do. I’m just here to help the team in whatever way they need my help.”
Sorenson also pointed out that Brewah is one of the reasons why the players on the team bring out the best of themselves.
“I would say the biggest thing she brings is the competitive edge she brings to the team,” said Sorenson. “It’s about winning for her, she’s definitely team first and not just about getting her assists and goals. When she’s off the field she’s definitely gasing up her teammates into the game.”
Of course the team doesn’t completely rely on Brewah to get on the offensive in every game.
Forward Sabrina Cabrera — Delta’s leading scorer — has formed an attacking duo with Brewah that has given the Mustangs an edge against other opponents when it comes down to putting the ball in the back of the net and winning games.
Cabrera has scored 25 goals and given 8 assists this season, as well as making four hat-tricks.
Combining the goals and assists of the duo throughout the season, Brewah and Cabrera have been involved in the scoring of 71 of the team’s 92 goals.
Even though Brewah admits Cabrera is a great partner to have on the offense, she doesn’t disregard the effort put in by the rest of her teammates.
“I think we just thrive off each other, but it’s a coincidence that we’re both scoring a lot of the goals,” said Brewah. “Everyone helps us out and gets in on the goal-scoring action as well, it’s not just us two.”
The team carries experience along with its level of performance to confront the season in the way it has.
Apart from having nine returning sophomores this year, Sorenson has coached two state final four tournaments, which she said helps her have a better idea of what the team will have to face should the Mustangs return to the tourney for a third straight season.
“The top priority in the postseason is winning and advancing, even if it’s [playing] ugly that’s all that matters,” said Sorenson. “I think the biggest thing that I took from those two final four experiences is that there’s going to be very tough moments in those games, and the teams that are able to respond have a chance to win. If you can’t respond you can’t win those big games.”
Following the dispute for the Big 8 title against the Wolverines, the Mustangs are set to participate next week in the NorCal regional playoffs and attempt to secure a ticket to the CCCAA State Championship tournament.