Cochise Women’s Soccer Wins First West District Title in Program History

EPHRAIM, Utah (Nov. 8, 2025) — The greatest postseason run in Cochise College women's soccer history is headed to the national stage. The Apaches captured their first-ever NJCAA West District Championship on Saturday afternoon, defeating Snow College 2–1 at the Snow College Soccer Complex to earn a place in the 2025 NJCAA Division I National Tournament.

Sophomore forward Chayton Barron delivered both goals for Cochise, scoring in the 45th and 59th minutes, while goalkeeper Marissa Tamayo anchored the defense with six saves in a complete 90-minute performance.

How It Happened

Cochise controlled the opening half with urgency and pressure, and finally broke through just before halftime when Barron finished a pass from Jocelyn Navarro at 44:55, giving the Apaches a 1–0 advantage.

Snow rallied after the break, equalizing in the 59th minute on a finish from Quincie Knudson. But just sixty seconds later, Cochise answered — Barron struck again, converting a setup from Perla Sanchez in the 60th minute to restore the lead.

From there, the Apaches locked in defensively. Tamayo produced key second-half saves, and the back line held firm through Snow's late push, including five shots in the final 15 minutes.

Final Box Score Highlights

• Final Score: Cochise 2, Snow 1

• Goals: Barron (45', 59')

• Saves: Tamayo 6

• Shots: Cochise 16 | Snow 13

• Fouls: Cochise 8 | Snow 12

Barron finished the afternoon with three shots on goal and two goals, while Ana Velazquez, Diana Taddei, and Tiia Kuhmonen added pressure with quality chances throughout. Cochise also outshot Snow 9–6 in the first half, setting the tone early.

History Made

With the victory, Cochise claims:
✅ Second NJCAA Region I Championship (Nov. 1 vs. Arizona Western)
✅ First NJCAA West District Championship (Nov. 8 vs. Snow College)
✅ First trip to the NJCAA DI National Tournament in school history

The Apaches now stand as one of just a handful of teams still competing for a national crown.

Next Stop: Nationals

Cochise advances to the 2025 NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Enid, Oklahoma, beginning November 16. Tournament schedule, opponents, and opening-round match times will be released in the coming days.

Coach Rangel's Reaction

"Two championships in two weeks — this team continues to make history," said Head Coach Santos Rangel. "They've earned this moment. We're excited for Oklahoma and ready to keep going."

The journey continues. For the first time ever, Cochise College women's soccer is heading to the NJCAA National Tournament.

Fans can stay updated at athletics.cochise.edu and through official team social media channels.