TOURNEY TIME
Cokely breaks saves mark as Dubs close out perfect season
By Brandon Petersen
Westcliff goalkeeper Kayli Cokley etched her name into women's soccer program history Saturday night, recording her 74th career save to become the Warriors' all-time leader during a 2-0 road win at Simpson.
It took just two seasons for Cokely to break the record.
Her milestone capped another dominant regular season for the Cal Pac champion Warriors, who finished 15-1-1 overall and a perfect 8-0 in conference, earning the top seed in next week's Cal Pac Tournament.
"Tough, physical game," head coach Jack Gidney said. "The pitch was awkward—really wide and short—which made the midfield battle so important. I credit Coach Milton and Simpson; they had a pressing plan we hadn't seen before, and we looked uncomfortable and disjointed early. It was a real chess match. Halftime gave us a chance to communicate and impose ourselves again, and once we got the goal right after halftime we probably should have run away with it."
Cokley's record save came in the first half, part of another composed performance as Westcliff limited Simpson to just four shots all match.
"Delighted for Kayli to break the record," Gidney said. "She made a couple big saves in the first half and involved herself higher in the second to help us build out. She's deservedly the record breaker—her leadership, intensity, and drive all match her performances.
"She's been phenomenal since the day she arrived."
Amylette Lopez opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with an unassisted strike, and Lauren Lizarraga added insurance early in the second half.
Westcliff has now won eight straight and will open postseason play against Pacific Union on Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. in Santa Ana.
