The non-conference slate is in the books, and the road to the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference championship officially kicks off Friday. Eight teams now turn their focus to the grind of league play, where consistency, depth, and late-season form will determine who lifts the trophy.

Southwestern Sets the Early Pace

Southwestern College enters conference play on top of the standings at 2-0-2, establishing itself as the team to beat. The Jaguars have been sharp on both sides of the ball, outscoring opponents 5-1 and riding the steady play of goalkeeper Aaliyah Campbell, who already owns three shutouts.

Palomar and Grossmont in the Chase

Palomar College and Grossmont College sit in a tie for second at 1-1-1. The Comets bring offensive firepower, led by Sophia Frederick (4 goals) and Lizzy Cook (3 goals, 2 assists), who paced a 9-goal performance against East Los Angeles. Grossmont, meanwhile, has shown balance, with Camille Mora netting two goals in their opener to spark the Griffins’ attack.

Miramar a Dangerous Sleeper

Though San Diego Miramar College sits in fifth with a 2-2-1 record, they’ve proven they can put the ball in the net. The Jets have scored 12 goals in five games, fueled by standout performances from Jaedyn Thibideau (4 goals, 2 assists) and Giselle Lopez (4 goals). If they tighten up defensively, Miramar could quickly climb the table.

MiraCosta and Mesa Look to Climb

MiraCosta College (1-2-1) has been competitive in every match, highlighted by a 3-0 win over West LA. With balanced scoring from Hailey Benito, Amslee Mikichi, and Bridget Marino, the Spartans have the tools to be a factor. San Diego Mesa College (1-3-0) has battled through a tough schedule, leaning on Ashtyn Turner, who scored both of the Olympians’ goals during non-conference play.

City and Imperial Valley Building Momentum

San Diego City College (1-1-0) split its opening two matches, with Grecia Lopez and Briseis Gutierrez finding the net early. Imperial Valley (0-1-1) is still searching for its first win, but with goalkeeper Azul Amador averaging five saves per game, the Arabs have a reliable last line of defense.

The journey toward the PCAC crown starts now. With Southwestern leading the way, Palomar and Grossmont close behind, and dangerous challengers lurking in Miramar and MiraCosta, the stage is set for a competitive season where every point will matter.

With one week remaining in non-conference play, the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) is proving to be one of the deepest and most competitive leagues in California. Four teams are currently ranked in the state’s Top 25, while a fifth earned a “Best of the Rest” mention.

Mesa Leads the Way

San Diego Mesa College headlines the group at No. 4 in the state and No. 1 in the South Region. The Olympians are off to a 7-1 start, including a perfect 4-0 record at home. Led by standout outside hitter Mia Lundberg (94 kills, 3.48 per set) and middle blocker Isabella Barrios (.455 hitting percentage, 38 total blocks), Mesa has shown balance across the board. Setter Ruby Ennis has been steady with 241 assists (8.93 per set), while the team’s 85 service aces showcase their aggressive approach behind the line.

Palomar and MiraCosta Neck-and-Neck

Palomar College comes in at No. 19 in the state poll and No. 10 in the South. The Comets are 6-2 overall, anchored by the offensive power of Reese Maffit (82 kills, .239 hitting) and Emma Bambe (68 kills, 2.43 per set). Setter Caden Pinto has been one of the conference’s most efficient playmakers with 253 assists (9.04 per set).

Just behind is MiraCosta College, ranked No. 20 in the state and No. 11 in the South. The Spartans are 4-1 thanks to strong performances from Willow Snow (54 kills, 2.35 per set) and middle hitter Feagaiga Naotala (.341 hitting percentage, 53 kills). Setter Millie Miller has distributed the ball effectively, averaging 7.13 assists per set.

Miramar on the Rise

San Diego Miramar College is ranked No. 22 in the state and No. 12 in the South, sporting a 5-4 record under first-year head coach Brooke Callahan, who previously coached at Grossmont. Outside hitter Madelyn Wutzke has been a force with 113 kills (3.90 per set, .289 hitting percentage), while Gabriella Gutierrez (84 kills, 2.90 per set) provides a second reliable option. Libero Lucia Wu anchors the back row with 118 digs.

Grossmont Rounds Out the Group

Grossmont College holds a South Region ranking at No. 16, earning the conference’s fifth recognition. The Griffins are 1-5 overall but have been competitive in nearly every match. Andrea Torres (58 kills, 2.90 per set) and Rachel Ashburn (47 kills, .267 hitting percentage) lead the attack, while setter Norma Ramirez has tallied 219 assists (9.52 per set).

The PCAC enters its final week of non-conference play with momentum and expectations running high. With five teams already receiving statewide recognition, the conference season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.