NOC soccer preps for Saturday playoffs

NOC soccer preps for Saturday playoffs

The NOC Women's Soccer Team is the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Soccer Champions.

  The Lady Mavs finished the conference season unbeaten at 10-0.  Their overall record is 15-1.  The conference title is the second consecutive championship for the Lady Mavs.

  NOC finished the regular season as the 10th ranked team in the nation. 

  The NOC men finished the conference schedule as the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference runner-up. 

  The Mavericks finished the conference season at 4-1-1.  Overall, the Mavs ended the regular season at 12-4-1 and on an 11 game unbeaten streak winning their final nine in a row.

  Both teams will be in the NJCAA Region II Playoffs this weekend at NEO in Miami.

  The Mavericks tangle with NEO Saturday at 2:30 p.m. while the Lady Mavs face NEO at 5 p.m.

  Should the Northern teams win they would advance to the Sunday final.   The men's final is at 1 p.m., the women's final is at 3 p.m.

  Women's coach Juan Castillo reflected on the undefeated regular season.

  "Actually this season we broke several records we won conference undefeated and that didn't happen since 2011," he said.  "We beat Butler at their place for the first time in the history of our program and also stopped a three year winning streak they had at home.  It was also a first time in four years that we beat Rose State at their field as well."

  Castillo added he is excited for the playoffs this weekend.

  "The girls have worked hard," he said.  "I've always believed in their potential although I believe we haven't reached our full potential as a team. We hope we can bring more satisfaction to our community and NOC family."

  NOC faces NEO on Saturday, the Lady Mavs beat the Lady Norse 4-1 and 5-1 in their two matches this year.

  The Lady Mavs are led by sophomore Gifty Ayew Asare who has scored 25 goals and has seven assists.

  Men's coach Michael DuRoy said the Mavs are ready for this weekend.

  "We are very confident going into the playoffs," DuRoy said. "We feel like we are the team to beat in the region. We just have to go prove it this weekend. We have a lot of respect for everyone in our region. It will be a great test."

  The Mavs are led by sophomore Rojay Smith who leads the team 21 goals and four assists.

  The men face NEO on Saturday.  NOC beat NEO at home 3-1 and played to a 0-0 overtime draw in Miami earlier this year.