Women's most successful soccer season ends Women's most successful soccer season ends (November 04, 2005)

Gunn grad Lawrence bows out after loss in first-ever playoffs

by Rick Eymer

Gunn High grad Ja'Net Lawrence ended her collegiate career on Tuesday when the Menlo College women's soccer team lost, 2-1, to visiting Point Loma Nazarene in a first round NAIA Region II tournament match.

Lawrence's career at Menlo was anything but a loss, however, as she helped the Oaks (13-5-1) to their most successful season in program history. It was Menlo's first ever playoff appearance following its first ever California Pacific Conference championship.

Lawrence has been one of the Oaks' top scorers the past few years, leading the program out of the doldrums and turning it into a winning tradition. The Oaks have achieved three consecutive winning seasons.

"Each year, we've reached every goal we set forth and this season was no exception," said Menlo coach Owen Flannery, who coached Lawrence at Gunn. "Our next goal is to win the Region II championship and that's up to the returners we have, although I do believe it's a very attainable goal. Point Loma was a good team, very organized and they fought hard. Unfortunately, this was the proverbial game that someone had to lose."

Lawrence, who played despite flu-like symptoms, is one of three seniors who played their final game. Defender Jonel Thomas and reserve defender Becky Fuller also leave after the season.

Lawrence recorded the assist on Menlo's lone goal. She passed the ball to Rachel Anden, who drilled a shot from just inside the penalty box and into the top left corner of the net.

Nicole Johnson scored the first goal of the match for Point Loma and recorded the assist on the game-winner in the 67th minute.

The Sea Lions (13-5-1) dominated the first half, outshooting the Oaks 13-1 and controlling the majority of possession.

Menlo outshot the Sea Lions, 6-4, in the second half.

Menlo went 0-17 and was outscored 157-7 in 2002 but, with Flannery arriving the following season, went 5-9-2 in 2003, and 13-7-1 last year, reaching the Cal Pac tournament title.

Men's soccer

Ian Leibbrandt scored four goals in the first 14 minutes, and seventh-ranked Azusa Pacific cruised to a 7-0 victory over visiting Menlo College on Wednesday in a first round match of the NAIA Region II Playoffs at the Azusa Square.

The Oaks (11-7-1) managed just five shots, three on goal, in their first playoff appearance since 2003. Armando San Vicente, Roberto Gonzalez and Jonathon Delgado came closest to scoring.

Menlo goalkeeper Pat Conte recorded nine saves.

The seven goals raised the Cougars' season total to a school record 71.

"When he scored the fourth goal I looked up at the clock and saw we still had over 30 minutes and I thought oh my goodness that is unbelievable," Cougars' coach Phil Wolf said. "That was great getting to see it especially the way we did it crossing. I thought that was a really positive thing we could take out of it."

In related news, Menlo senior forward Mike Sharabi was named California Pacific Conference Player of the Week on Wednesday for helping lead the Oaks into the playoffs. Her scored give goals in two matches the previous week.

Women's volleyball

Menlo senior Kari Shimomura was named Cal Pac Setter of the Week and sophomore Christa Hewett was named Libero of the Week on Tuesday.

Shimomura led all players with 28 assists as the Oaks beat Bethany last week.

Hewett had 33 digs and an ace in the victory against Bethany.

Menlo hosts William Jessup today at 7 p.m. and Simpson on Saturday at 1 p.m.

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