Bristol Community College Bayhawks Aim to Win Gold at National Tournament

The Bristol Community College women's soccer team made history over the weekend when they became the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XXI Champions, and they aim to continue their historic run in a few weeks when they compete for the national championship.

Their victory over Holyoke Community College on Oct. 30 marked Bristol's first women's athletic team to win a regional championship and earn a spot in a national tournament.

"If there is a higher cloud than nine, then I'm on it," said coach Jason Tassinari. "We have been talking about this since I got here in 2019. ... We've been knocking on the door for the past three years and we finally knocked it down."

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Thanks to a group of dedicated and motivated women, coach Tassinari was able to take a struggling soccer program and turn it into a team that will be stamped in Bristol Community College history.

"There is a blood kinship that forms when teams win championships. It lasts forever," said Tassinari. "Being remembered is something everyone wants, and this group deserves it and earned it."

Tassinari is not only proud of his team but is also thrilled to see the spotlight shine brightly on women's sports.

After a hard-fought win, Tassinari gave strict orders to his players to rest, recharge, and refuel before hitting the field for another big moment. The Bayhawks will travel to Herkimer College in New  York to compete in the NJCAA Division III Women's Soccer National Championship on Friday, Nov. 11, and Saturday, Nov. 12, in hopes of advancing to the championship match on Sunday, Nov. 13.

The Bayhawks look forward to bringing their A-Game in a few weeks and plan to put the cherry on top of a successful and memorable season.