SAN DIEGO, CA (3/26/2025) -- The first round of conference play in the 2025 baseball season has wrapped, and Palomar College is once again the team to beat. The Comets sit atop the standings with a dominant 9-1 conference record (17-7 overall) as they chase their fourth consecutive Pacific Coast Athletic Conference title.

Palomar, ranked No. 8 in the state as of Tuesday, continues to impress with a well-rounded attack. They lead the conference in team batting average (.314) and fielding percentage (.961), and their pitching staff sports a strong 4.04 ERA—less than half that of their opponents (8.58). Carter Jorissen has been a consistent force at the plate, hitting .474 with 18 hits and eight RBIs, while Justin Tucker and Jacob Loving spark the offense at the top of the order. On the mound, Brandon Bollerer is 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA, and Jacob Imoto has yet to allow an earned run in 7.1 innings.

Right on their heels, Southwestern and Grossmont Colleges are tied for second place with matching 7-3 records. Grossmont, ranked No. 17 in the state, is anchored by Nico Newhan (.425, 4 HRs, 17 RBIs) and Jacob Embleton (.415), with pitchers Ryan Ellis (1.50 ERA) and Trevor Morgan (2.04 ERA) providing stability on the hill. The Griffins are unbeaten at home (5-0) and will look to carry that momentum into the second round.

Southwestern (7-3) continues to showcase an explosive offense, scoring 88 runs in 10 games. Maddox Haley has been a key two-way contributor, hitting .361 with 3 home runs and also posting a 1-0 record on the mound without allowing a run. Jacob May (.326) and Andrew Guevara (.387) have helped keep the Jaguars competitive at the plate.

San Diego Mesa College (5-5) sits in fourth place and remains in the playoff hunt. Ethan Wright (.375) and Nick Cook (.344) lead a solid offensive group, while Derek Silva (2-1, 4.09 ERA) anchors the pitching staff.

Imperial Valley and San Diego City College round out the standings as the second half of conference play begins. With Palomar seeking to extend its dynasty and two state-ranked contenders close behind, the race for the 2025 PCAC crown is only just heating up.