Yuma's AWC Falls 1–0 in Regional Final; Nationals Hopes Alive
Arizona Western College's Lady Matadors lost the NJCAA Region 1 Final at home 1–0 to Cochise College on a 77th-minute goal by Stephanie Vazquez, despite generating 11 shots on goal. The result stings locally but leaves AWC in contention for an at-large berth to the national tournament, keeping community hopes for a deep postseason run alive.
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Arizona Western College hosted Cochise College in the NJCAA Region 1 Final and came away with a narrow 1–0 defeat after a 77th-minute goal by Stephanie Vazquez. The Lady Matadors pressed throughout the match, recording 11 shots on goal, but were unable to find the equalizer in front of a local crowd that turned out to support the squad at AWC’s home field.
The loss carries immediate competitive consequences but does not end the season for Yuma’s team. Because the match determined the region’s automatic qualifier, AWC now awaits the national selection committee as it vies for an at-large berth to the NJCAA national tournament. An at-large selection would send the Lady Matadors to national competition despite falling short in the regional final, and the team’s season-long résumé — including two earlier wins over Cochise this year, 2–1 on the road and a 5–0 victory at home — strengthens that case.
For Yuma County, the game was more than a single result; it was a moment of community engagement around a local institution that provides opportunities for student-athletes. Arizona Western College has been a hub for area athletes and fans, and postseason appearances can bring increased visibility to the college, bolster local pride and inspire younger athletes in Yuma’s youth soccer programs. The narrow margin and the team’s sustained offensive pressure suggest a program that remains competitive regionally, an important factor for recruitment and continued community support.
The broader significance extends beyond wins and losses. Collegiate athletics at AWC contribute to student health and well-being by promoting physical activity, teamwork and discipline, while also offering educational pathways and scholarships that matter to many families in Yuma County. Continued postseason exposure can help maintain and potentially expand resources for the program, supporting equitable access to athletics for women and improving the campus athletic infrastructure.
As the Lady Matadors await word on an at-large selection, the community will be watching how the season is evaluated by regional and national committees. Regardless of the immediate outcome, the team’s performance this season — including two prior victories over Cochise and a competitive showing in the regional final — leaves open the possibility of a return to national competition and provides a rallying point for supporters across Yuma County.
