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Baca Getting Her Kicks at Long Beach
by Rhiannon Potkey, Ventura County Star
September 10, 2006
The legs are typically sore after games, but the hand was a new experience
for sophomore Sara Baca (Buena).
After the Long Beach State women's soccer team played its home opener
two weeks ago, Baca and her teammates spent an hour signing autographs
on posters.
The girls at the Beach are gaining a following, and fans are starting
to fill the stands at games.
"It was such an awesome atmosphere," Baca said of the showdown
with Southern Utah. "There were like 700 people there, and every
time someone would shoot the ball over the crossbar or the goalie would
make a save you could hear the oohs and aahs. I was getting goose bumps."
Baca has a Buena connection to share in the excitement this year with
freshman striker Yeraldy Hurtado joining her at Long Beach.
Having another Bulldog on the field has been mutually beneficial.
"I think it helped her as far as comfort in making the transition,
and it helped me because I am so used to playing with her," Baca
said.
"It's like we are back at Buena. We know each other's strengths and
weaknesses. I always know Waldo will be wide outside."
Baca started every game last year as a freshman and the 5-foot-7 midfielder
expects to fill a similar role but with added leadership responsibilities.
"I have to be like the backbone defensively, help start the attack
on offense and do all the dirty work," Baca said. "The coaches
talked to me and said they really wanted me to step up and said this is
my year. Last year, I was still getting used to the strength and speed
of college in the beginning, but now I know what to expect."
Hurtado is the one working through those early transition stages.
"You wouldn't know she is a freshman because she has blended right
in with our team," Baca said. "At times, she has been a little
frustrated physically because she is not that big of a player. She's been
knocked around a few times. But once she realized she can keep up and
is no different, she has been fine."
Hurtado is living in the dorms, while Baca resides off campus with five
teammates.
"She has it made with free food and having everything cooked for
them," Baca said. "I have to cook for myself and do my own laundry.
When you get home from a game, you don't want to do any of that. You just
go with Mac and Cheese sometimes."
Baca took an anatomy course at Ventura College during the summer, and
spent the rest of the time conditioning so she could arrive to camp in
shape.
"I wanted to pass all the fitness tests. That was my main priority,"
Baca said. "It definitely has paid off. I could feel the difference
right away."
Baca's goal is for Long Beach State to win the Big West Conference tournament
title, and host a first-round NCAA Tournament game.
"That would be huge for us," Baca said. "For sure that
would put us on the map for good. There would be no more, 'Where is Long
Beach?' questions. We get a lot of that."
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