Reigning Champs CSM Softball Tabbed First in 3CFCA Preseason Poll; Open Hosting Taft In Sat. Noon DH

College of San Mateo's reigning 3C2A state and national champion softball team begins its 2026 title defense, opening the season with a Saturday noon doubleheader with visiting Taft College.

CSM begins the season top-ranked in the coaches association preseason poll.

(See below.)

Bulldogs tabbed first in 3CFCA Preseason Poll

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The California Community College Fastpitch Coaches' Association's Preseason Coaches' Poll features the reigning champion at the top and some newcomers rounding out the list.

No. 1 College of San Mateo leads the pack after cruising through the state tournament in May 2025, beating No. 2 Palomar to earn the title. No. 3 West Valley, the tournament's host from a season ago was a surprising early exit after dominating during the regular season.

All of the tournament's attendees are in the top-20 – No. 16 Modesto, No. 7 Orange Coast, No. 6 Yuba, No. 5 El Camino, No. 4 Cypress, West Valley, Palomar and San Mateo.

CSM SCHEDULE INCLUDES THE BEST IN NORCAL:

--CSM is scheduled to play all the NorCal teams ranked among the state's top 16 this season, with No. 8 San Joaquin Delta up first, on Feb. 5 (plus a Feb. 26 rematch). Others include No. 10 Fresno CC (Feb. 17), No. 14 College of the Sequoias (Feb. 28), and No. 16 Modesto JC (March 28).

Coast Conference ranked foes the Bulldogs will see twice include No. 3 West Valley, No. 12 San Jose CC, and No. 20 Hartnell.

3CFCA PRESEASON TOP-10 POLL

Rank      Team

1             College of San Mateo

2             Palomar College

3             West Valley College

4             Cypress College

5             El Camino College

6             Yuba College

7             Orange Coast College

8             San Joaquin Delta College

9             Long Beach City College

10           Fresno City College