Box Score

ARCATA — The Warriors took care of their own business on the final day of regular season as they left little doubt that they are one of the best teams in the CCAA. Two and a half hours later, they found out they are getting a return "trip" to the CCAA tournament.

On HSU's senior day, it was the Warrior seniors Marissa Dunaway and Liz Scherrer leading the offensive attack. They scored early goals to set the tone as Cal State Stanislaus concluded the regular season with a convincing 5-0 win over Humboldt State. Cal State Stanislaus improved to 9-4-5 overall and 8-4-4 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

With Chico State beating Sonoma State, 2-1, late in that contest a couple of hours after the conclusion of the HSU-Stanislaus match, Cal State Stanislaus has earned the fourth and final spot into the CCAA Women's Soccer Championship tournament. The "trip" back to the tournament won't actually be a trip as the Warriors will play at home, at Warrior Stadium, Nov. 4-6.

The Warriors will face top-seed UC San Diego in a semifinal game on Friday at 1:30 p.m. Cal State L.A. and Chico State opens the tournament at 11 a.m. Cal State Stanislaus qualified for the event last year for the first time in program history.

"It is not easy to go into a game knowing you must win to have any chance to advance," CSUS head coach Gabriel Bolton said. "I'm extremely proud of the effort we had today. From the first minute of the game to the last we played with great intensity.

"Our seniors really led the way today. Vanessa (Cervantes) was a beast in the back and Marissa and Liz had great games," he added.

Dunaway wasted little time to get Stanislaus on the board. The senior scored 95 seconds into the match after getting a feed from Karenee Demery. It was the fourth time these two connected on a scoring play with each scoring twice. It was Dunaway's third score and Demery's 10th assist in 2011.

Liz Schererr then sent in a shot from the far right at 21:45 to give the Warriors a 2-0 lead. Her score was assisted by Alexia Poon.

The relentless and quick-striking Stanislaus offense kept attacking on the new field turf at HSU's College Creek Field. Bolton credit that to the whole team, but in particular praised midfielder Alisa Barlow's play.

"Alisa had a great weekend playing all 200 minutes and controlling the center of the midfield," he added.

Allison Case converted on a penalty kick score in the 33rd minute before Jessica Cervantes headed in the Warriors' fourth score in the 42nd minute for a 4-0 Stanislaus lead at the break. Emily Relles had sent in the ball into the box for the assist on Cervantes' score.

Demery finished off the rout with her 11th goal of the year (30th of her two-year career) in the 54th minute for the final count. Poon was again credited with the goal on a great outlet pass that led to the breakaway goal.

In the end, the Warriors dominated with a 24-9 shot advantage. CSUS out-shot HSU 10-5 in the first half. The match could be said was a physical one with nine yellow cards and a red card issued. Only two yellow cards were given to the Warriors with HSU Mengan Kendal getting a red card in the 59th minute.

"HSU played very physical and were clearly bent on disrupting our style of play," Bolton said. "Despite the opponents tactics we played with great poise and kept playing good soccer."

Amber Woolcock picked up nine saves for Humboldt State (3-12-2, 1-12-2 CCAA). Millie Brown earned the win with two saves and Brianna Murawski played the final 33 minutes of the match with one save for the Warriors.