Sultana girls soccer reaches CIF-SS semifinals with dramatic win

Llerenas scores golden goal in overtime to lift Sultana past Kennedy

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Sultana girls soccer team secured a dramatic 2-1 golden-goal victory over Kennedy on Wednesday to reach the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 semifinals for the first time since 2010. Graciella Llerenas scored the winning goal in overtime, setting off a celebration on the Sultana sideline. Renee Abbott had earlier tied the game for Sultana after Kennedy took a 1-0 lead in the second half.

Why it matters

Sultana's victory marks a historic breakthrough for the program, which is heading to the CIF-SS semifinals for the first time in over a decade under head coach Efren Garcia. The win showcases the team's resilience and ability to battle back after falling behind, traits that have helped Sultana become a consistent postseason contender in recent years.

The details

Neither team scored in the first half, though Sultana created several early chances. Kennedy broke through first in the second half to take a 1-0 lead, but Sultana responded with a goal from Renee Abbott after she headed in a corner kick from Angelique Hernandez. The match went to overtime, where Llerenas scored the golden goal on a loose ball in the box to give Sultana the victory.

  • The match was played on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Sultana is heading to the CIF-SS semifinals for the first time since 2010.

The players

Renee Abbott

A Sultana player who scored the game-tying goal in the second half.

Graciella Llerenas

A Sultana player who scored the game-winning golden goal in overtime.

Angelique Hernandez

A Sultana player who provided the assist on the game-tying goal.

Efren Garcia

The head coach of the Sultana girls soccer team, who has steadily built the program into a consistent postseason contender.

Justin Bartle

The athletic director at Sultana High School, who is working through scheduling logistics for the upcoming semifinal match.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Part of our game-time speech is always looking for that goal. If we score first, we put it in our bag and keep working for that next goal. If a team scores against us first, same game plan. We keep looking for that goal.”

— Efren Garcia, Sultana head coach (vvdailypress.com)

“The girls are warriors. They don't stop. Very proud of all of them.”

— Efren Garcia, Sultana head coach (vvdailypress.com)

What’s next

Sultana will host Del Sol, a 3-2 winner over Alemany, in the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 semifinals on February 21. The school is working through scheduling logistics, as the boys soccer team is also slated to host Fontana that day.

The takeaway

Sultana's dramatic victory showcases the team's resilience and ability to battle back, traits that have helped the program become a consistent postseason contender under head coach Efren Garcia. The Sultans' historic semifinal appearance marks a significant milestone for the program and the community.