SACRAMENTO — The Santa Rosa Junior College women's soccer program, three times a bridesmaid in state title games, finally became champions Sunday afternoon when the Bear Cubs defeated Santiago Canyon College, 4-3, in an epic overtime battle at Consumnes River College.
Forward Cara Curtin, a graduate of Maria Carrillo High, scored all four goals for the Bear Cubs, including the game winner with 30 seconds left in the second overtime period. After taking a pass from her identical twin sister, Lauren, the sophomore raced downfield and blasted a winner past the Santiago keeper.
"My sister and I started practicing that play when we were 6 years old," Cara Curtain said. "She picks up the ball at midfield and I take off toward the goal. Lauren gives me a through ball, I take it in stride and set my sights on kicking it hard in the goal.
"We never dreamed that play we practiced thousands of times would one day win us a state title. This is like a dream."
It was no surprise when it was announced Curtin had been selected the tournament's most valuable player.
Two schools from northern part of the state and two from the south advanced to the finals after winning their regional brackets.
In Friday's opening round match here, Santa Rosa eliminated Cypress College while Santiago Canyon (Orange County) got to the championship game by defeating City College of San Francisco.
Santa Rosa became the first Northern California team in 15 years to win the state title. American River took home the trophy in 1996.
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