When Kaitlyn Crooker goes on the attack, good things happen for SBCC women's soccer.
Crooker scored two goals on Tuesday, in the 5th and 82nd minutes, in a 2-0 shutout of Moorpark at La Playa Stadium. It's the seventh time this year she's had a two-goal game.
The first-place Vaqueros (11-3-4, 7-0-3 WSC North) extended their season-high win streak to five games. Crooker, a sophomore forward from Alameda, Calif., has a five-game scoring streak and has tallied eight goals during that stretch.
Crooker boosted her season total to 16 goals, which is second in the WSC and 11th in the state.
Alex Abbott fed a through ball to Crooker in the fifth minute. Crooker eluded the goalie and scored into an empty net for her seventh game-winner of the season.
"Kaitlyn made a beautiful run and I saw her through the corner of my eye and slotted it through," said Abbott. "Kaitlyn is a workhorse. She's dominant on the field and just runs over people. Her mentality is awesome for a forward.
"I love our team chemistry and the way we play together and pass the ball. You couldn't ask for a better team."
SBCC outshot the Raiders 28-7, including 17-3 in the second half. The Vaqueros had nine shots on-goal compared to four for Moorpark (4-8-5, 3-4-3).
Kasey Jensen made her first start in goal in place of the injured Karin Nordin and made four saves to record her first shutout. The Vaquero defense has allowed just three goals in the last seven games.
Santa Barbara is 9-0-3 in its last 12 games and a perfect 7-0 at home this year. The Vaqueros have outscored their WSC opponents 32-6.
"We started off brightly and scored an early goal and that's what we needed," said coach John Sisterson, after his 125th win with the Vaquero women. "Early on in the season, the girls were letting teams back into the game but that's not happening now. They're learning how to work hard for each other and manage the game better.
"Kaitlyn is a strong girl who's quick and doesn't mind putting her foot in there. She's always looking to go forward and has a very positive attitude, which is what a goal scorer needs."
Sisterson is 125-44-37 (.697) in eight seasons as head coach.
SBCC leads the WSC North with 24 points with two games remaining. Ventura (6-0-3) is second with 21 and L.A. Pierce (6-1-2) is third with 20 but both teams have three games to play.
SBCC travels to San Luis Obispo on Friday for a 3 p.m. contest at Cuesta.
