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Pacific Coast Conference Champions 1995, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2006

2007 Photo Gallery

2007 Final PCC Standings

Borowinski is fifth Griffin to commit

Moving on to Columbus State

Sophomore Nicole Borowinski (Torrey Pines) has chosen Columbus State University in Georgia. She has given a verbal commitment to a scholarship offer from coach Jay Entlich. Borowinski was an All-Pacific Coast conference selection in 2006 and was instrumental in the Griffins conference championship and playoff run to the regional semis that year. For her career she scored 12 goals and recorded 7 assists in her two years. Columbus State finished 2007 with a 20-3-2 overall record and a trip to the NCAA Div. II quarterfinals. They were also the Southwest Regional Champions as well as the Peach Belt Conference champions in 2007 with an 8-0-0 record.

Swan to join former Griffin teammates Parada, Lowrey at KWU

Sophomore Rhonda Swan (Serra) has verbally agreed to a scholarship offer to attend Kansas Wesleyan University in the fall of 2008. The move will re-unite Swan with her 2006 Griffin teammates Eliana Parada and Lauren Lowrey. KWU was an NAIA Regional champion and National quarter-finalist in 2007. Swan's greatest highlight was her game-winning goal vs. Mesa CC during the 2006 championship campaign. She spent part of 2007 rebounding from ACL surgery but finished the season very strong and is now more than ready for the next level. Swan joins the list of Tennille Rust & Dena Richardson (San Diego Christian) and Jessica Munoz (UC Riverside) of players moving on. Still more to follow...

Munoz Makes Verbal Commitment to UC Riverside

Sophomore Jessica Munoz (right) of Eastlake High School, will be heading up the I-15 to continue her soccer career as a Highlander. Munoz has made a verbal commitment to accept an offer to play on the team for 2008.

She finished her 2007 season for the Griffins as the teams leading scorer with 6 goals and 8 assists for 20 points. Munoz was also voted as the Outstanding Midfielder by her Grossmont teammates. She becomes the third Griffin to move on and play at UC Riverside. Elizabeth Chappell and Kristin Cocks transferred there in 2000.

GC Alum Parada is NAIA All-American

Grossmont Alumni Eliana Parada is an All-American at Kansas Wesleyan University. Parada was instrumental in the Coyotes run to the NAIA final four. She scored 18 goals while registering 11 assists. She was also a first team All-Regional selection.

Two Griffins Give Verbal Commitments to SDCC

Griffin Sophomores Tennille Rust and Dena Richardson have given verbal commitments to offers to play at San Diego Christian College in the fall of 2008. Richardson played primarily as a forward in '06 & '07 scoring 14 goals while registering 9 assists for 37 points in her two year career. Rust played mostly as a midfielder and some at forward in '06 & '07. She scored 15 goals while adding 7 assists for 37 points. Both were part of the 2006 PCC championship team and have been solid players for Grossmont that should add needed depth for the Hawks in 2008.

GC Alum Brittany Ester plays in NCAA Division II Final

GC Alum Brittany Ester finished her first year away from Grossmont College with a trip to the NCAA division II final with Franklin Pierce College. Ester was the hot goalie through the playoffs as she set a streak of 788 minutes of shutout goalkeeping. Their quest for an NCAA championship came to an end as they lost to Tampa in the penalty kick shootout after a scoreless tie through regulation and overtime. Players and staff are all very proud of Brittany Ester's accomplishments at the next level. Well done Brittany!

Another strong season, playoff appearance

Season recap (11/30) 2007 was another strong season for Grossmont Soccer but also a test of determination and pride. Despite getting off to a slow start going 1-5-1 through the first 7 games, the Griffins again reached the final of the Victor Valley "Duel in the Desert" tournament. Each of those first losses were all to playoff teams and in close games including a first match with defending state champion Santiago Canyon. It was a matter of getting heads up and proving that they were still a good team. By the mid point of conference play Grossmont had nearly improved to .500 finishing the first half of league play with a league record of 4-4. From that point the focus was about redeeming themselves by getting better results than in the first half.

That commitment paid off. In the second half their only losses were one goal losses to the first and second place teams which were closer results than the first half. They had a wild 3-3 tie at Southwestern and turned a 0-1 loss to a 3-0 at Palomar. They finished the second half 5-2-1 which gave them an overall record of 11-8-1 and a berth in the So.Cal Regional playoffs. It is the 12th playoff appearance for Grossmont in 13 years. Ironically through the complicated playoff power point system they would be traveling to the site of their first game of the year, Santiago Canyon.

That first game saw the Griffins play well at times but also made some early mistakes that cost them goals which resulted in a one sided loss. This game would be much different as the Griffins had become a closer team and more disciplined to their game. This time they held the state champs even through the first half. Down by only a goal late in the second half they found themselves in a strong position to tie the game several times with great chances on the SCC goal. Unfortunately the equalizer did not come but the improvement did as did the respect and pride for themselves as a quality soccer team.

Ali McCartney was voted PCC Defensive player of the year. McCartney and Sara Rago were selected to the All-Pacific Coast Conference team. Several of the girls are currently being recruited by four-year colleges. Commitments and signings will be forthcoming...stay tuned.

If you are interested in being part of the Grossmont soccer team for 2008, contact coach Howard Hawver at: (619) 644-7879 or email: howard.hawver@gcccd.net for more information on the Grossmont Soccer program for 2008.

McCartney, Rago selected to All-PCC team

Freshman defenders Ali McCartney (Thousand Oaks) and Sara Rago (Santana) were selected to the All-Pacific Coast Conference Team by the PCC coaches. McCartney played as the sweeper keeping the defense organized while Rago was an outside defender that also specialized in one on one marking. They were two of the reasons for Grossmont's tough defense that only allowed 11 goals in 16 league games.

Griffins ousted in playoffs but put scare into state champs

(11/18) Halfway through the PCC season, the Griffin women's soccer team were determined to turn their season around by getting better results against teams that they had played previously. The "Redemption Tour" certainly came to a climax Saturday in the So Cal Regional playoffs at Santiago Canyon College.

Playing the #1 seed was a challenge in itself but they were more determined to overturn an early season 0-6 loss. For the Griffins this game was a "Classic". The final score was 1-0 for the hosts. It may have been closer than that. The Griffins came out very focused and disciplined to a strong game plan which caught the Eagles off guard at times. Grossmont were able to attack and counter attack. The defensive pressure in the midfield forced them to be able to take only long shots which goalkeepers Amanda Ward and Jennifer Armer had not trouble with. The score at half time was 0-0.

The Eagles got their goal from a beautiful header off a cross in the 67th minute. After that Grossmont stepped up and spent the better part of the last 15 minutes pounding on the Santiago goal. Nicole Borowinski nailed a header that the goalie just got to. Amanda Ward had a chance just miss. Dena Richardson hit a point blank shot that right at the keeper. Ali McCartney just missed from long range. Shots in the game were even with 7 a piece.

They did everything possible to equalize but fell just short. Regardless of the result, the game played by the Griffins was incredible. Grossmont finishes with a record of 11-9-1. Their losses were only to teams in the playoffs or that just missed the playoffs.

Griffins snag final playoff spot, brackets set

(11/13) For the 12th time in 13 years the Griffins soccer team will be participating in the So Cal Regional playoffs. Earning the spot this year proved a more dramatic task than in years past. The Griffins had to rebound from a slow 1-5-1 start to finish with a 11-8-1 mark, which earned them the #16 seed in this year's postseason. They will open the playoffs the same way they started their season, with a trip to the defending state champion Santiago Canyon College. The Griffins are certainly hoping for a different result the second time around. The game will take place at SCCC on Saturday at 11:00 am.

McCartney named PCC Defensive Player of the Year

(11/13) Freshman defender and team captain Ali McCartney (Thousand Oaks) was voted defensive Player of the Year by the coaches in the Pacific Coast Conference. This is the first year the award has been given. McCartney, playing primarily as the sweeper, was instrumental in organizing the Griffin defense that allowed only 11 goals in 16 games. "She reads the game very well and always makes great decisions", says Coach Howard Hawver.

GC Alum Ester named NE-10 Goalkeeper of the week

GC Alum Brittany Ester was named this last weeks North Eastern 10 Conference goalkeeper of the week. She and her Franklin Pierce team are headed to the NCAA Division II New England Regional final.

Griffins win home, conference finale, prepare for playoffs

(11/12) Grossmont soccer have finished their conference season on a much higher note than they began. They won their home season finale 9-0 over visiting Imperial Valley. The win was the Griffins 3rd in a row and 7th in their last 10 games. Tennille Rust and Tiffany Ragano lead the scoring with 2 goals each. Other goalscorers include Alexis Carreon, Amanda Ward, Dena Richardson, Jessica Munoz and Lizzie Williams. With a few scattered make up games being played today the Griffins await the outcome to determine their first round playoff opponent. It will likely be Cerritos College who ended the Griffins playoff run last year or defending champion Santiago Canyon.

Griffins win again, move into playoff picture

(11/7) Grossmont soccer beat visiting San Diego City by a score of 6-0. More importantly it moved them up to 15th on the Southern California regional list for playoffs with one game left to go. Jessica Igney scored two goals to lead the Griffins. Other goalscorers included Jessica Munoz, Dena Richardson, Ronda Swan and Tennille Rust. Amanda Ward recorded the shutout in goal for Grossmont. The Griffins will play their PCC and home finale on Friday 11/9 against Imperial Valley at 1:00 p.m.

Dena Richardson	Nicole Borowinski

Griffins lose close one but move up in Power Rankings

(11/6) The Griffins lost a close one on the field but still moved to within two teams of the top 16 for a playoff spot. The girls fought back from a 2-0 deficit at Cuyamaca before Lizzie Williams scored to cut the lead to 2-1. The final 7 minutes were spent trying to equalize but Grossmont needed a bit more time. Due to last weeks cancellations, Grossmont are behind most So. Cal teams in games played. As they make them up this week they have found themselves moving up the chart and ever closer to a playoff berth. With three more games this week including two at home (Wed & Fri), it looks positive for GC to again earn a playoff spot....stay tuned.

Griffins take early lead but fall just short against league leader

(11/2) Grossmont played a great game against league leading Mesa holding the lead for much of the game. Jessica Munoz scored for the Griffins to take the lead. After the Olympians took the lead Grossmont had a couple more good opportunities to equalize. This was clearly a playoff caliber game. Grossmont will play 4 games next week adding rescheduled games that were postponed due to the San Diego fires. Monday they will be at Cuyamaca, Tuesday at Mira Costa and the return home Wednesday to face San Diego City and finish up conference play either Thursday or Friday against Imperial Valley.

GC Alum Parada named to KCAC 1st team

Griffin Alum Eliana Parada has continued her excellence at the next level. Parada was selected to the 1st team All-KCAC (Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference). She helped lead Kansas Wesleyan to a perfect 9-0 conference record and 18-1-1 overall. They are currently the #1 seed in the NAIA Regional playoffs.

Griffins make it 2-0 vs. Jets

Photo Gallery

Grossmont got back in the swing of things after being off for a week due to the fires. For the second time this year the Griffins handed Miramar a 2-0 loss. Goals by Lizzie Williams and Ali McCartney were all they would need to extend their unbeaten streak to five. Jennifer Armer recorded the shutout with two saves. Grossmont will host Mesa on Friday then close out the conference season with four games next week as they will a make up games on Monday (at Cuyamaca) and Tuesday (at Mira Costa).

Griffins play wild one and earn 3-3 tie

The Griffins last game before the wild fires was a wild game at Southwestern. The game ended in a very entertaining 3-3 tie. Grossmont went down 2-0 in the first half but pulled a goal back when Jessica Igney scored. However they found themselves down by 2 again a few minutes later when the Jags scored again. Dena Richardson scored to pull the Griffins to a goal again just before half time. In the second half, Grossmont dominated most of play with Richardson netting the equalizer. Despite several good chances the Griffins fell just short of the winning goal. The tie keeps them very strong in the hunt for a playoff spot.

GC Alumni Parada selected KCAC Player of the Week

Grossmont continues to be one of the leading schools in sending players to the next level. Our graduates are not only moving on but excelling at the next level. Check out the link below to see how GC Alum Elian Parada was selected conference soccer player of the week.

Strong Defense / Balanced Attack Pace 3-0 Win

• GC Alum, Brittany Ester named North Eastern 10 Conference Goalkeeper of the week

The Griffins got the second half of conference play off to a very good start with a convincing 3-0 win at Palomar. This was a big turn around from the 0-1 loss they suffered in the conference and home opener. The win moves Grossmont to 7-6-0 and over the .500 mark for the first time since September 9th. With the game tied 0-0 at halftime, the girls came out very focused in the second half when goals by Jessica Munoz, Samantha Spatter & Jackie Mezzacappa led the way offensively. The defensive core of Ali McCartney, Sarah Rago, Mandi Morgan, Evie Cortez along with goalkeepers Amanda Ward and Jennifer Armer worked well to preserve the shutout. Grossmont will next face Southwestern at the Jaguars field in their sixth out of eight straight road games. The Griffins are 4-1-0 on the current trip.

Sophomore D Mandi Morgan

Griffins finish first half of PCC with win

Despite going 0-3 in the beginning of conference play, the Griffins soccer team have pulled back to .500 in league with a 7-0 win vs. Imperial Valley in the last game of the first half of conference play. They are 4-1-0 in their last 5 games. The win pulls the Griffins right up with the pack entering the second half. They are also within striking distance of the playoffs. Goal scorers in the IVC game include; Jessica Munoz, Alexis Carreon, Hilary Lewis, Amanda Ward, Dena Richardson, Jessica Igney and Tennille Rust. Jennifer Armer recorded her second straight shutout and is now ranked #2 on the statewide list with a 0.375 goal against average. The Griffins will face Palomar next Wednesday to begin the second half. Palomar won the first meeting 1-0.

Griffins get second road win in PCC

The Griffins rebounded well coming off the loss at Mesa with a 7-0 win at SD City. Playing at City is one of the toughest places to play with all the freeway noise and airplanes flying overhead, however the Griffins made the necessary adjustments at halftime. Leading 1-0 at the half from a goal by Dena Richardson the girls really put things together scoring 6 goals in the second half. Goal scorers include Jessica Igney (2), Tiffany Ragano (2), Rachel Tresser and Jessica Munoz. It was the first collegiate goals for Tresser and Igney. Grossmont is 2-1 on their current 8 game road trip. The win moves the Griffins right up into the thick of things in the PCC as well as the So Cal playoff picture as they finish the first half of conference play on Wednesday at Imperial Valley.

GC Alum Brittany Ester is now starting for Franklin Pierce

Click here to read about GC Alum Brittany Ester's latest shutout performance for #16 Franklin Pierce.

Griffins play well but come up short

The Griffins played another strong game against a solid team at Mesa but still fell short on the scoreboard. Grossmont dominated large portions of the game and out shot Mesa 14-10. The Griffins will next test themselves at San Diego City College on Friday.

Griffins make it two in a row with road win

The Griffins finished their first 2-0 week with a strong 2-0 win on the road at Miramar College. It was the first ever meeting between the two teams. Miramar was first place and undefeated in the PCC entering the game. Grossmont played a very upbeat tempo with Hilary Lewis scoring early in the 5th minute. Twelve minutes later Lewis had a hand in the second goal which was one of the nicest of the year. Jessica Munoz scored her first goal for Grossmont after a nice passing sequence by the Griffins found her open at the top of the box. Amanda Ward had 4 saves to earn the shutout. Grossmont now faces Mesa in their second of eight straight road games.

Griffins finally find net and first conference win

After playing three very close games and coming up short, the Griffins finally found their scoring stride in a big way. Eight different players scored goals for Grossmont en route to their first home win of conference play vs. Mira Costa 9-0. Goalscorers included; Ali McCartney (2), Hilary Lewis, Lizzie Williams, Rachel Tresser, Tiffany Ragano, Mandi Morgan, Nicole Borowinski and Dena Richardson. Goalkeepers Amanda Ward and Jennifer combined for the third shutout of the year. Grossmont will hope to continue some offensive success as they face PCC newcomer Miramar CC on Friday at 1:00 at the Jets field at Hourglass park.

Griffins searching for offensive rhythm

(9/19) For the second conference game the Griffins have out shot their opponents only to fall short on the scoreboard. Southwestern notched their first ever victory over Grossmont 1-0. The Griffins outshot the Jaguars 14-8 but were unable to find the net despite several chances in front of the Southwestern net. Grossmont will face intra-district rival Cuyamaca on Friday at 3:15 at Grossmont.

Griffins drop home opener vs. Palomar

Despite dominating huge portions of the game and outshooting the visiting Comets 14-5, the Griffins were unable to find the needed goal to get their home season and conference season off to a winning start. A late miscommunication between defenders resulted in an "own goal" being scored by Grossmont which gave the visitors a 1-0 victory. Grossmont will get their next attempt to redeem themselves on Wednesday when a very improved Southwestern team will visit the Grossmont campus for a 1:00 kickoff.

Griffins reach final at "Duel in the Desert"

For the second time in three years Grossmont reached the final of the "Duel in the Desert" tournament at Victor Valley College. The Griffins went 2-1-0 on the weekend against very good competition. In the opening game a goal by Kristin Gunion led the Griffins to a 1-0 win over Western Nevada College.

In the semi-final against the host team, Victor Valley, the penalty kick shootout was need to determine a winner after a 0-0 tie in regulation. It actually went to the 9th round of kicks were Alexis Carreon was successful with her kick and goalkeeper Amanda Ward came up big stopping the 9th Victor Valley shooter. In the final the girls played a great game against their old nemesis LA Pierce but fell just short. Down 1-0 in the second half the Griffins pushed players forward to try to equalize coming very close on several occasions. Pierce got one more late to make it 0-2.

Grossmont will now prepare for their first league game and home game Friday against Palomar.

GC Alum Parada scores first goal for KWU

Griffin alum Eliana Parada picked up right where she left off at Grossmont. Parada scored the first goal of the game and season and recorded an assist for Kansas Wesleyan in their 5-0 win over Concordia. KWU is ranked #22 nationally in the NAIA. Story

Griffins test themselves against the best in the state

In the first game of the year for the Griffin women's soccer team, they faced the top team in the state. Santiago Canyon are the defending state champions. They showed why there are ranked #2 in the nation. They are quick to attack and very deep. The Griffins stayed with them and played them tough for 50 minutes before making a few mental errors which resulted in goals. In the end the girls finished strong and now know where they need to go to be at that level by playoffs in November. They Griffins will travel to Victor Valley next to compete in the "Duel in the Desert" tournament. Their first game will be against Western Nevada CC.

GC transfers already making an impact at four year schools.

Griffin alum, Brittany Ester got her first start and complete game at Franklin Pierce (NH) versus Holy Family College. The Junior goalkeeper made seven saves to post the shutout in her Franklin Pierce debut. The #7 ranked (Div. II) Ravens won the game 6-0 in their season opener.

Here in the west coast, Griffin alum Brittany Neill recorded her first assist as a member of the BIOLA Eagles. Her assist came by way of a cross to a team mate for a header goal in the second half of a 2-1 loss to Cal Poly Pomona.

GC Alum Brittany Ester records first game and shutout for Franklin Pierce

Griffin alum, Brittany Ester got her first start and complete game at Franklin Pierce versus Holy Family College. The Junior goalkeeper made seven saves to post the shutout in her Franklin Pierce debut. The #7 ranked (Div. II) Ravens won the game 6-0 in their season opener.

Griffins open with #1 team in the state

(8/24) The Lady Griffins will open up this year's schedule on September 5th on the road against Santiago Canyon CC. The Eagles are the defending California State Champion and Orange Empire Champion. Grossmont is the defending Pacific Coast Conference Champion. This will certainly be an early test to see how teams measure up.

• 2006 Season Archive