Cougars Handle L.A. Valley In Conference Home Opener

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The College of the Canyons downed L.A. Valley College 5-0 on Friday night at Cougar Stadium in the Cougar's conference home opener. After the victory, the Cougars improve to 6-1-2 and 2-0 in Western State Conference, South Division, play.

Canyons used first half goals from freshman Lizzie Rivas and sophomore Stacey Atwater. Rivas started the scoring for COC in the 19^th minute. The freshman was set up on a cross by sophomore Allie Leon. Rivas collected the pass and punched the ball into the right side of the goal.

Atwater added her first score of the day on a header after a corner kick from Leon in the 41^st minute.

Atwater struck again for her team-leading second goal in the 74^th minute. After a corner kick from Kylie Scott, the forward gathered a rebound off a Monarch defender for the goal.

Sophomore Annika Wilson scored less than a minute later. Wilson was setup by newcomer Scott who sent her a cross from the right side of the goal that she pushed to the back of the net.

Freshman Anabell Gonzalez rounded out the Cougar's scoring in the 85^th minute for her first collegiate goal of her career.

The shutout marks the fourth straight for Canyons and sophomore goalkeeper Katherine Koury.

Canyons outshot the Monarchs 23-2. Atwater paced the Cougars with six shots, putting four on frame. Rivas also tallied six, with two on goal.

Canyons will return to action on Tuesday, Oct. 8, as they host Bakersfield at 4 p.m.