Crooker scores 2 more in 3-1 victory

Kaitlyn Crooker continued her scoring rampage with two goals and an assist on Friday, leading SBCC to a 3-1 women's soccer win at Cuesta.

The sophomore transfer from Grand Canyon University has scored in six straight games and she has 10 goals during that stretch. She's scored two goals in eight games this year, including four of the last five.

Crooker is No. 2 among WSC goal scorers with 18 (in 17 games) and she's No. 8 in the state.

The first-place Vaqueros won their sixth straight to improve to 12-3-4 overall and 8-0-3 in the WSC North. SBCC has outscored its last six opponents 20-4.

Ventura (6-0-4) tied Pierce 0-0 on Friday, leaving Santa Barbara with a five-point lead. The Vaqueros can clinch  their second title in the last four years with a win or tie in their WSC finale on Tuesday at home vs. Ventura. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Sandy Grimaldo gave SBCC a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute. She took a through ball from Crooker and scored her sixth goal on a low shot to the left side. Cuesta (7-10-2, 2-7-2) tied it in the 28th minute after a poor clearance.

Crooker scored the go-ahead goal in the 72nd minute by drilling a left-footed shot into the top right corner on an assist from Jackie Hollmer. It was the eighth game-winner of the season for Crooker, tying her for first in the state.

Hannah Martin served up a cross on a 40-yard free kick in the 80th minute and Crooker volleyed it in. Her 18 goals are No. 4 on SBCC's single-season scoring chart.