It’s been a down year in Coast Conference-South. Only Cañada has a winning record in the last 10 games. No one else has more than two conference wins.
Which means the Oct. 28 showdown between Las Positas and Foothill was for second place. The Owls were slightly ahead. But a Hawks win at home would vault them ahead in the standings.
So the Hawks’ tandem of goalkeepers shut Foothill down. Four players scored for Las Positas, including freshman Yulia Ikuta getting her team-leading seventh goal of the season. But the Hawks only need one score.
That’s because sophomore Aimee Ledezma and freshman Jordan Tovar combined for a blank sheet in goal. After losing back-to-back games, the Hawks fell below .500. They were in desperate need of a win. It was no surprise who came though.
“Their great working relationship helps each other and therefore helps the team the most.” said head coach Andrew Cumbo. “They’re super tough, hard working, and good role models and resources for the players.”
Despite a season marked by numerous injuries and lineup changes, the women’s soccer team has battled through adversity to remain competitive, boasting a .500 overall record (7-7-3) and securing key wins down the stretch.
A major factor in their resilience has been the play between the posts, Ledezma and Tovar. They share goalkeeping duties and, together, they’ve combined for six shutouts and have become the backbone of a defense that continues to give the team a fighting chance in every game.
“We’ve had our highs and we’ve had our lows,” Tovar said, “but we made sure that we all come out at the end as a big team, making sure that we’re all accounted for.”
Their story is one of perseverance and teamwork. They are proof that leadership and trust can come from every position on the field.
As the team navigates the challenges of a tough conference schedule and injuries, the partnership between Ledezma and Tovar reflects the spirit of a squad that refuses to give up. Their mutual commitment in the goal not only keeps the team ranked, but also sets the tone for a culture built on grit, support and belief in each other.
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TOP PHOTO: Sophomore Aimee Ledezma (left) and freshman Jordan Tovar (right) share goalkeeping duties for the Hawks. The pair have six combined shutouts to anchor the defense. (Photo by Annie Moore/ The Express)
Annie Moore is the Sports Editor of The Express. Follow her on X @SanJosAnnie.
