Retooling at Coast

Bryce Alderton

An uphill climb awaits the Orange Coast College women’s soccer team

if it hopes to continue the success it had in 2002.

After setting the school record for wins in a 21-2-2 season last

fall, finishing second in the Orange Empire Conference and reaching

the Southern California regional final, OCC has begun 2003 with only

two returners, allowing newcomers a chance to show their skills for

head coach Barbara Bond and assistant Kevin Smith.

Sophomore Heather Metcalf, a Newport Harbor High product, returns

in goal for the Pirates and will compete with redshirt sophomore

Debbie Landeros. Both players have strong athletic ability.

Forward Melissa Mangrello is Coast’s only other returner.

Mangrello is a hard-working player who can attack the goal and her

experience will prove vital for the Pirates as they develop chemistry

on the field.

Bond and Smith have had to adjust after losing nine from last

year’s squad -- three to injury, three to academic ineligibility and

three to transfers. Forward Sarah Ronquillo tore her anterior

cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and meniscus playing

soccer in the off-season and is out for the year. She produced 11

goals and five assists in gaining second-team all-conference laurels

last season. Summer Chaldu, a gritty defender, will play soccer for

San Francisco State after earning second-team all-conference

recognition last fall.

Coast must also replace forward Jaycee Mahler, a Corona del Mar

High product. She set the school’s all-time scoring record with 58

goals and 20 assists, good for 136 points during her two years.

The Coast defense is a completely new bunch, but one Bond and her

staff look at with optimism. Controlling the middle is Sara Ajifu,

who is tough on the tackle and will be able to disrupt opposing

advances. Allison Apodaca is quick and will help the Pirates link

their attack. Jessica Gatica and Emily Prather are also excellent

defenders and round out the unit.

In the center midfield will be Nancy Diaz and Sarah Sanchez.

Despite being the shortest Coast player at 5-foot-1, Diaz is a gifted

attacker. Sanchez will play more of a defensive role, but will also

step into the attack.

On the outside, Michelle Jacot and Lindsay Vickers are expected to

be key contributors. Both players have good speed and should allow

the Pirates to pressure opponents’ flanks. They are also solid

defensively, a crucial element if the Pirates are to taste victory

often this season. Through five games, the Pirates were 1-4, 1-2 in

conference play.

With many questions surrounding the team at the start of the

season, the coaches remain optimistic the team can and will come

together as the season progresses.