– Westlake High School’s girls soccer team is heading back to the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 semifinals, fueled by a dynamic sister connection and a dominant performance. The Warriors secured their return trip with a decisive 4-0 victory over Fullerton-Rosary Academy at Cal Lutheran University.
The win was highlighted by the interplay between sisters KK and CC Chowana. Freshman forward CC Chowana netted two goals, both assisted by her older sister, KK Chowana. This sibling synergy proved pivotal in breaking down a Rosary Academy defense and propelling Westlake into the semifinal round.
“It’s been really fun, especially since I get to share the moment with my sister and our teammates,” CC Chowana said. “It gets a little intense, but our team is really tight and good together.”
Senior KK Chowana didn’t just contribute with assists; she orchestrated much of the Warriors’ attack, finishing the game with two assists and demonstrating the leadership expected of a seasoned player. Senior Grace Wetzel also made a significant impact, scoring a goal and adding two assists to the Westlake tally.
“I think this is the first game when we’ve been able to get everyone in the attack involved,” KK Chowana noted, suggesting a growing cohesion within the team’s offensive strategy.
Westlake’s journey to the semifinals wasn’t just about offensive firepower. The team also displayed a strong defensive performance, effectively neutralizing Rosary Academy’s dangerous winger, Jada Faison, who is committed to playing for UC Berkeley. Freshman fullback Hailley Johnson emphasized the team’s collective effort in containing Faison and disrupting Rosary’s offensive flow.
“Their offense was very good,” Johnson said. “We did a really good job of covering for each other. Even when they got past us, we were able to cover for each other, cover the space and block their crosses.”
The Warriors established control early, taking the lead midway through the first half when junior Sam Bateman scored off a rebound created by a free kick from KK Chowana. Westlake then extended their advantage with a flurry of three goals in a ten-minute span at the beginning of the second half, effectively sealing the victory.
This semifinal appearance comes on the heels of a heartbreaking finish last season, where Westlake fell in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw against Troy. The memory of that loss appears to be fueling the team’s determination this year.
“It’s really big for us,” KK Chowana said. “It’s so important that we get to keep playing. We want to play for as long as possible.”
Westlake (15-2-1) will now face Newport Harbor in the Division 1 semifinals on . This marks their second consecutive appearance in the semifinals, signaling a sustained period of success for the program.
The Warriors’ advancement is part of a strong showing for local teams in the CIF-SS playoffs. Simi Valley, Del Sol, and Grace also earned semifinal berths, demonstrating the growing strength of girls’ soccer in the region. Four local teams in the semifinals underscores a competitive landscape and heightened stakes for the championship.
The live coverage of the CIF-SS playoffs on highlighted Westlake’s impressive performance, with observers noting the “silky step over” by KK Chowana that led to a goal by her sister, CC. This moment, captured during the live coverage, exemplifies the dynamic and exciting play that has defined Westlake’s season.
As Westlake prepares for its semifinal clash with Newport Harbor, the team will look to build on its recent success and continue its pursuit of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship. The Chowana sisters, along with the rest of the Warriors, are determined to make this season one to remember.
