Posted by Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

Much as the Santa Rosa Junior College women’s soccer team dominated all season long, the Bear Cubs placed six players on the All-Big 8 Conference Team – five from Sonoma County high schools.

Santa Rosa’s only loss on the season was to San Bernardino Valley College in the California Community College Athletic Association championship, as the Bear Cubs finished 18-1-5. Santa Rosa won its fourth consecutive conference title. The Bear Cubs also appeared in the 2008 state title game.

Santa Rosa’s success was notable because the Bear Cubs returned only four players from last season’s team that lost in the second round of the state playoffs. Rather than rebuilding, Santa Rosa reloaded with a high scoring team that also recorded 12 shutouts.

Leading the all-conference selections was freshman Cara Curtin, from Maria Carrillo, who was selected league most valuable player. Jazmine Whitlock, a sophomore from Montgomery, was the most valuable defensive player.

Also named to the All-Big 8 Conference Team were: Katie Deneau, sophomore, Santa Rosa high; Sarah Halcomb, sophomore, Shasta (Redding); Lauren Curtin, freshman, Maria Carrillo; Selam Solomon, freshman, Montgomery.

Coach Emiria Salzmann was named as Big 8 Coach of the Year for the fourth straight season, including sharing the honor a year ago.