NOC Women heading to District tournament

TONKAWA — The Northern Oklahoma College women’s soccer team is headed for the NJCAA District Tournament in Tyler, Texas, after sweeping the Region II Tournament in Miami, Okla., Oct. 31-Nov. 1.

Seeded No. 1 going into the Region II Tournament, the Lady Mavs trounced Eastern Oklahoma State College 2-0 and followed with a 1-0 victory over Rose State College. They will meet Region XIV Runner-up Navarro College in the District Tournament at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 in Tyler, Texas.

Winner of this match will play the winner of Tyler Junior College vs. Hill College at 6 p.m. Nov. 7. Weather permitting, all games will be streamed online through the Tyler Junior College Athletics YouTube Channel.

Sophomore Alma Figueroa of Kaufman, Texas, was named Region II Tournament MVP.

“Nothing is accomplished alone,” she said. “You need an amazing team and great coach to go the distance. I am thankful to receive this award and for all of the support I’ve received along the way.”

Region II All-Tournament Team selections included Lady Mavs freshman Mason Richardson and sophomore Thirley Rodriguez of Forney, Texas; freshman Taylor Sargent, The Colony, Texas; sophomore Brie Glaze, Enid; and RS freshman Morgan Pritchett, Bixby.

“I’m very thankful to have received this award,” Richardson said. “I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without my team and the hard work and dedication we put in!”

Rodriguez said, “Receiving the awards was an honor but winning the tournament was even better. It was not just about kicking the ball around or making good passes; every single player was at the point of exhaustion and frustration but we did not give up. We played with a lot of heart and left it all on the field which led us to win the regional tournament.”

Sargent was “thankful to receive this award. It only motivates me to train and play harder as our post season continues.”

“This tournament meant a lot to me so I am thankful to have won this award,” Glaze said.

“I feel very honored to have received this award and am thankful for the chance to play with this group of girls,” Pritchett said. “I am proud of the dedication and hard work that our players and coaches have put into our program so that we can be successful.”

The Lady Mavs are currently 17-2-0 for the season.

Headed for the NJCAA District Soccer Tournament in Tyler, Texas, the Northern Oklahoma College Lady Mavs show off their Region II championship plaque and individual award plaques. In front (from left) are Joshua Smith, head coach; Brie Glaze and Taylor Sargent, Region II All-Tournament Team; Alma Figueroa, Region II MVP; Thirley Rodriguez, Region II All-Tournament and OCAC All-Tournament teams; BreAnn Tolleson, OCAC MVP; and Mason Richardson and Morgan Pritchett, OCAC All-Tournament Team. In back, from left, are Sarah Blakley and Alexis Gipson, OCAC All-Tournament Team; and Samantha Mullins, assistant coach. (Northern Photo by Kyle Lomenick)