The San Bernardino Valley College women’s soccer team isn’t going to have long to celebrate its first-ever Foothill Conference title.

The Wolverines (15-6-3) are busily preparing for their first-round playoff game against Cerritos (17-0-4), which isn’t just the top seed but the top-ranked team in the country.

Coach Kristin Hauge was informed of the playoff draw on Tuesday and is excited about the first-round matchup at 2 p.m. Saturday at Cerritos.

The teams played a nonconference game three weeks ago and the Falcons emerged with a 3-2 win. SBVC felt good about that game because it has been the only team this season to score on Cerritos more than once.

“We felt good about the way we played and we’re looking forward to getting another chance,” Hauge said. “Yes it is going to be tough, but we like the challenge.”

The Wolverines will be making their second tournament appearance in school history. The first came last year when they advanced as conference runner-up but defeated Victor Valley 1-0 in a first-round game. They were eliminated in the second round by Cuyamaca 3-1 in overtime.

The Wolverines are led by freshman forward Sylvia Fuentes, the conference’s most valuable player. She has scored 12 goals and nine assists and is second on the team in points to Sarahi Bransford (17 goals, 11 assists).

SBVC also has a solid goalkeeping duo in sophomore Jackie Jaime and freshman Maria Magana.

“We have nothing to lose, so we’re up for the challenge,” Hauge said.

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