Cuesta and Western State Conference rival Los Angeles Valley have shared the past 11 WSC Crowns and today the two undefeated teams measured themselves against their rival.  The Monarchs drew first blood on a goal by Sako Kaputikyan, but the Cougars evened it on a Johnny Northcutt goal and the two teams continued to trade goals into the final quarter.  Cuesta finally pulled away in the 4th quarter on a goal from Jordan Northcutt and then iced the game with Eron Ray's penalty shot, 8-5.  The 8th-ranked Monarchs joined #1 Golden West as the only two teams this season to come within eight goals of the Cougars and forced them to shorten their bench and battle until the final buzzer.  Johnny Northcutt joined Stash Perry and Noah Gniffke with a team-leading two goals each, while Jordan Northcutt and Eron Ray (pict) each netted a goal in support of the Cougars' cause.  Goaltender Armin Jusztin recorded eight saves and went the distance for the win.  The triumph improved the Cougars' record to 13-1 on the season and 2-0 in the Western State Conference.  

Today's game was just the beginning of a long week for the Cougars, who still have six games to play before resting on Sunday.  Cuesta completes its first round of Western State Conference play tomorrow at Citrus College in Glendora. The Cougars play WSC foes Santa Monica (12:30) and host Citrus (2:50) in a WSC mini tournament.  On Friday, the Cougars go further South to play in the Cal Baptist Tournament.  They open with UC Santa Barbara (11:40) and also play host Cal Baptist (4:20), who are ranked, respectfully, #8 and #16 nationally. On Saturday, Cuesta heads to La Mirada for a twinbill at Biola University.  The Cougars open the day against Toronto University (1:45) and close out the weekend against the host Eagles (4 PM). The Cougars are 13-1 overall and 2-0 against the WSC.