ECS staff report
EL CAJON — Grossmont College is about to learn plenty about its women’s volleyball team.
The Griffins take a 2-1 record into the NorCal vs. SoCal Showcase at Fresno City College, where they will face four of Northern California’s leading programs during a demanding two-day stretch Friday and Saturday.
Three of Grossmont’s opponents are ranked among the top four teams in the first 3C2AWVCA State Top 25, beginning with a Friday morning match against two-time defending state champion Feather River.
The Golden Eagles occupy the No. 1 position after opening the season 4-0 and extending their winning streak to 22 matches dating to last season. Feather River has captured four state championships since 2019.
Grossmont returns to the court Friday afternoon to face No. 4 Fresno City, which enters its own showcase with a 3-0 record.
The challenge continues Saturday when the Griffins meet No. 3 San Joaquin Delta in the morning and No. 12 College of San Mateo in the afternoon.
Seven of the eight teams participating in the showcase appear in the State Top 25, including each of the top five programs in California.
For Grossmont and first-year head coach Kara Barkdoll Coy, the weekend represents an immediate opportunity to measure the Griffins against the state’s elite.
Grossmont received early recognition after winning two of its first three matches. The Griffins are listed among the “Best of the Rest” in the first state poll, tied for the No. 15 position in the South Region, and stand No. 10 in the initial Southern California RPI.
The Griffins are coming off Wednesday’s four-set road victory over Cerritos.
Rachael Ashburn led a balanced Grossmont attack with 12 kills against the Falcons. Shalynn Copes, Taya Vincient and Jessica Meda added nine kills apiece, while setters Alicia Bustmante and Samantha Sabaot contributed 20 assists each.
Tatum Lawton anchored the defense with 20 digs at Cerritos. Vincient added 16 digs, Bustmante finished with 13 and Meda delivered three service aces.
Those early results have given Grossmont reason for optimism. This weekend will provide a much more meaningful indication of how the Griffins compare with potential state-playoff competition.
Grossmont faces No. 1 Feather River at 10 a.m. Friday and No. 4 Fresno City at 2 p.m. The Griffins return Saturday to meet No. 3 San Joaquin Delta at 10 a.m. and No. 12 San Mateo at 2 p.m.
Following the showcase, Grossmont will compete in the Eagles Invitational at LA Mission on Sept. 11-12 before opening Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play against No. 5 San Diego Mesa on Sept. 16.
Grossmont freshman outside hitter Taya Vincient
