Pima College Men’s and Women’s Soccer heading to NJCAA Nationals | News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Pima College Men’s and Women’s Soccer are heading to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament!

The men’s team locked up the No. 1 overall seed in the 12-team tournament. That’s a testament to the 18-1 Aztecs’ hard work and success this season. They secured an automatic bid after winning the Region I, Division II title for the first time since the 2020-21 season. 

“We’re very fortunate to have been to a lot of national tournaments,” Head Coach David Cosgrove said. “This is our 5th straight in Division II, 8th straight overall. We feel like we have the experience and know what to expect there. Last year, we didn’t perform as well as we liked. I think that’s a main reason a lot of our players returned.”

“This year we had goals, we had ambitions,” Sophomore Midfielder Brandon Sanchez. “I think we’ve been topping them and righting our wrongs. We want to continue that story.”

Pima College will face off against No. 12 seed Pellissippi State Community College on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 9:15 a.m. Tucson time. The Aztecs close out pool A play on Tuesday, Nov. 19 against No. 8 seed Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at 9:15 a.m. Tucson time.

The Women’s team lost in the region finals, but still earned the 6-seed. It’s the third time in four years the Aztecs have made the national tournament. They didn’t make it last year, so it’s extra special for this year’s sophomore class. 

“It feels so incredible,” Sophomore Forward Lizzie Walker said. “Watching the selection show, my heart was going and going and going. As sophomores we didn’t get to go last year. We were hoping this was going to be are chance and I’m so happy it’s going to be.”

“It’s so exciting and surreal,” Sophomore Midfielder Ixta Mendez-Jimenez said. “We worked very hard this season and I’m so proud of us.”

The 12-4 Aztecs open the tournament against No. 3 seed Heartland Community College on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2:15 p.m. Tucson time. They will go up against No. 10 seed Pensacola State College on Monday, Nov. 18 at 2:15 p.m. Tucson time.

All the games of the NJCAA Division II National Tournaments will be live streamed on the NJCAA Network.