Fullerton Women's Soccer Heads To NCAA Div. 1 Soccer Championship

FULLERTON, CA — Cal State Fullerton women's soccer has been on a roll, most recently earning 9 Big West Conference All-Conference Honors. The ladies of cal State Fullerton women's soccer battled Cal State Northridge for the title, through a tied match, two double overtime periods, then settling things in PKs to win 4-3 to end their season as the Big West Conference Champions of 2017.

Now, this team will play on the highest stage in the NCAA tournament against Pepperdine University.

"This team is everything to me, and this is the best way to end senior year," Senior and Goalkeeper of the year Morgan Bertsch told Fox Sports West. "There is no feeling like it. We were freshman and sophomores when we won last time. Every one pushed and pushed. This conference is hard, you're battling injuries and fighting on the field. We came through on top and I'm so proud of everyone. We came out on top."

As C0-Goalkeeper of the year, Bertsch held the best save percentage, and lowest goals-against average in the conference with .71 value. Bertsch allowed just one goal or fewer in 17 of the 19 matches, with a total of 7 shutouts for 2017. Other accolades go to Sara Fajnor, a senior forward and Nano Oronoz, a junior defender.

"I'm happy for our ladies," head coach Demian Brown said. "To be recognized by the Big West Conference is an outstanding accomplishment."

Fajor recorded six goals in 2017, and led the league with 55 shots on goal. Oronoz anchored the defense, played and starting in all 19 games of the season.

The team is back in the Big West Tournament, looking forward to playing Pepperdine.

"Our conference has grown so that every game we play is preparing us to play in the NCAA tournament," coach Brown said. "We've been out to Malibu and played there a number of times. We're looking forward to it."

Last year, when they lost to UC Irvine in PKs, Morgan Bertsch looked forward to a bit of payback.

"It's huge to get in that shootout was great for the team, great for me, because I feel the pressure as the real pressure comes this Friday," Bertsch said.

CSUF Women's Soccer