Sierra blanks Vaqueros 2-0 at New Balance Classic

Sierra handed SBCC a rare shutout loss on Saturday morning, beating the Vaqueros 2-0 on the final day of the New Balance Classic at the Ventura Sportsplex.

It was the first time the Vaqueros (0-2) have lost back-to-back games in four years.

The Wolverines (2-0) of Rocklin, Calif., took a 1-0 lead on Quincey Gieck's goal in the 20th minute and added an insurance tally from Grace Vargas in the 83rd minute. Sierra went 22-2-1 last year and tied for fifth in the state.

"It was a fairly even game that could have gone either way," said SBCC coach John Sisterson. "It was disappointing to lose but the positives outweighed the negatives and we were unlucky to lose."

Trailing 1-0 in the second half, Mekaylla White scored but it was ruled offside and Sisterson felt the call was "harsh."

"We played well in the second half and created chances and should have at least gotten a tie," he said. "Jessica Salas was outstanding on defense. We had to switch her from her usual position to center back when Elin Hedstroem could not continue due to injury.

"Courtney Cook played well alongside her and Lala (Lourdes Marin-Rodriguez), Mekaylla and Savannah Mohatt all had good performances. Savannah Ayers in goal did her job again and made some very good saves to keep us in the game.

"Monica Pizano, Alejandra Alvarez and Lovisa Sigbratt all made an impact when they came on as subs."

The Vaqueros will take on the Cal Lutheran JV team on Friday at 2 p.m. in their home opener at La Playa Stadium.

SBCC has a 23-game home winning streak, dating back to Nov. 4, 2016.