
CHULA VISTA, CA (11/9/2024) -- San Diego Miramar College's women's water polo team secured their second consecutive PCAC Championship with a commanding 9-6 win over Grossmont College. Miramar came out strong in the first half, building a 5-3 lead with key contributions from Erica Pircher and Emma Roberson, who combined for four goals and played a crucial role in maintaining Miramar's offensive rhythm. The team continued to pull away in the second half, with Nalani Galindo netting three of her game-high four goals in the final quarter to secure the victory.
At the heart of Miramar's defense was goalkeeper Riley Hage, whose 13 saves protected their lead and frustrated Grossmont's attempts to rally. For her exceptional skill and consistency, Hage earned the Player of the Year award. This win also marked an impressive milestone for head coach Lucy Gates, who was named Coach of the Year for the third straight season, reinforcing her reputation as one of the top coaches in PCAC.
Looking ahead, San Diego Miramar advances to the 3C2A SoCal Regional as the No. 6 seed, where they'll face No. 11 Golden West College on Thursday, November 14, at Orange Coast College. With two straight titles and a roster of seasoned players, Miramar enters the regional tournament with the drive to continue their winning streak on a larger stage. The team's blend of defensive strength and versatile scoring makes them a formidable contender as they set their sights on regional success.