LTCC soccer teams win 2023 Golden Valley Conference titles; men's team wins first round playoffs

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a big day for Lake Tahoe Community College's (LTCC) soccer teams on Saturday when they both played in the California Community College Athletic Association's 3C2A Northern California Regionals.

This year is the first time since 2009 that a college has had both the men's and women's teams win the 2023 Golden Valley Conference, sending them to the postseason.

First off for the day was the men's team as they played the #1 seed Skyline College in San Bruno. The LTCC coyotes went in as the #16 seed with their 11-5-2 record. The two teams were tied 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes of regulation.

LTCC came away victorious with a 4-2 win in the penalty kick shootout. This is the first playoff win for men since 2018.

The men's team will meet the winner of the game between #8 seed Fresno City College and #9 seed Merced. That game will be held next week (Tuesday or Wednesday).

The women's team played on Saturday afternoon in Rocklin against #4 seed Sierra College. The Coyotes went into the playoffs as the #13 and it is the fourth time in the last five playoffs the two have played each other. In 2022, Sierra won, and in 2018 and 2019, LTCC won. Today's match went the way of Sierra, with LTCC losing by a score of 3-0.

The Men's Team

Coach Jeremy Evans said they made some moves on the field going into the first round of playoffs. The team had been struggling to make goals so he moved Aidan Chrascina, defender to forward and he led the team with 8 goals. Freshman defender Jensen Peaker has 6.

This was the first conference title for the men since 2015. They had nine conference wins, the most in LTCC program history and this is their third playoff appearance.

Prior to their leaving South Lake Tahoe this weekend, two players took time out of practice for an interview. Oscar Marzocco, a 2020 graduate of South Tahoe High, and Olly Perrow of Falmouth, England were both excited for the playoffs. Oscar is center midfield, and Olly a left outside back. Oscar said (prior to Saturday's win) that his favorite part of the season was winning the conference. He said they struggled at the beginning of the season put a string of four wins to end it. Olly came to South Lake Tahoe to play soccer at the next level. He said he's always wanted to come to Tahoe and continue playing while studying.

Both players appreciate Coach Evans.

"He's an amazing coach and makes sure standards are really high," said Olly. "he puts his trust in us."

"He is very honest and puts a lot of extra work in behind the scenes," added Oscar.

Prior to the win on Saturday, Oscar said, "Can't wait - it's another chance to let the state know who we are."

They are both business majors.

The Women's Team

Izzy Tauataina is an 18-year-old from Woods Cross, Utah. She was recruited to come play at LTCC during a soccer tournament in Las Vegas. Izzy said the environment around South Lake Tahoe is like that of her hometown.

Izzy, a child development major, said this has been a great season.

"I love the fact that we are united and there is no drama," said Izzy of the team.

Two teammates, Leslie Jacobo-Duran (from Reed High School) and Kelsey Hogan (an STHS graduate) have been dominating on the field this season.

Leslie led the state in goals (33), assists (20), and points (86). Not only does she lead the state, but she also leads the nation in total points and broke the LTCC single-season scoring record.

Kelsey is in the Top 10 in the state in scoring as a midfielder, and is the top midfielder in Northern California with goals and assists.

The women's team has won six conference titles in a row and has outscored opponents 83-0 and the women haven't given up a goal in conference since 2019.