2026 Softball Season Preview
CHULA VISTA, CA – Softball returns to the diamond with intentions of carrying momentum and results from winning 7 out of the last 10 regular season games in 2025.
Southwestern has been hard at work this past fall and continued to get better with a handful of scrimmages in preparation of a 40-game schedule that begins Jan. 23. Last season helped shape new leaders and part of the offseason development has been the natural maturity and the experience players obtained. And now, with the start of season on Jan. 15, head coach Mike Gross officially welcomed back key returners while integrating a solid group of newcomers setting the stage for a bounce-back season.
The JAGS
The 2026 squad is balanced with a strong core, pitching, defensive support, and lineup versatility that collectively are ready and capable of a much improved season. A blend of returning and new players will have a vital role in the success of the Jaguars. The workload will be distributed among many players, emphasizing the importance of the team.
RETURNERS
Iliana Romero (P/SS)
A two-way second-team All-PCAC pitcher and shortstop for Southwestern. From the circle, Romero made 17 appearances last season and paired velocity and movement to lead the team with 44 strikeouts. A shortstop with range, agility, and glove skills to complement her field vision and defensive ability. Additionally, Iliana Romero is a contact hitter with plate discipline who can get on base and move runners. Tallied a team high .336 batting average and 35 RBI.
Gloria Rodriguez (C)
Set to make her return after a first-team all-conference breakout freshman campaign at catcher in 2024. Possesses softball IQ, leadership, game sense, quick transfer and a strong arm to prevent advances, and aggressively blocks and stops balls. A high on-base percentage player with hitting prowess, hand-eye coordination, bat speed, and strength to adjust to different pitches and situations who keeps the lineup rolling. Hit over .425 with 22 RBI.
Lynnette Demumbra (3B)
The reflexes, footwork, coordination and situational awareness to field fiery grounders, read hops, and charge bunts while making the long accurate throws across the diamond. A second-team All-PCAC selection and a consistent bat with pop, extra-base hit ability and run production who hit .321 with 8 doubles and 24 RBI.
Jules Lemen (RF/C)
An honorable mention All-PCAC athletic speedy right fielder that reacts, covers ground, and chases balls down. Has the arm to limit extra base hits, cut off runners and make the long throws. Hitter with a .287 batting average and 6 doubles that can start rallies with the ability to consistently get on base and put pressure on the defense.
Alisa Quitoriano (CF)
A center-fielder with range, athleticism, speed, peripheral awareness, and anticipation to take angles and quickly reach shallow or deep balls. An accurate arm to throw to bases or back up infielders. An honorable mention All-PCAC player with the ability to regularly get on base and hit in clutch situations. Power to hit for extra bases and drive in runners. An offensive catalyst with a .324 batting average and team leading 4 triples.
NEWCOMERS
Jaelene Jenkins (2B)
A second baseman with defensive instinct, soft hands, and quick feet to field grounders, handle bad hops, relays, and gets the ball out fast. The agility, hustle, and range to cover ground and make double play pivots. Projected to get on base, move runners, create opportunities, or extend innings. 2025 CIF San Diego Division I Champion.
Jacqui De Murguia (SS/LF)
A short stop/left-fielder with quickness, reaction, range, and the ability to read batters/ball flight and charge balls correctly and cleanly to get in a good throwing position. An arm with zip that quickly gets across the diamond or home plate. Expected to have an immediate impact with her swing and ability to consistently lift the ball over the infield for extra bases and drive in runs. 2025 first team-All Metro-South Bay League, Field Player of the Year and CIF San Diego Division I Champion.
Mia Guzman (P)
Pitcher who consistently throws in the low 60s with effective movement to disrupt a hitters timing. Has presence in the circle, wants the ball and controls the game's pace. Expected to pitch and pitch well and can remain in the lineup to hit offensively. 2025 first team-All Metro-South Bay League
2026 Season Schedule
The 2026 schedule is well-rounded and competitive, blending early non-conference road matchups with a six game home stand.
The Jaguars' first game this season is on Jan 23 at Citrus College (Glendora, CA). The non-conference stretch includes seven opponents who participated in the 2025 3C2A Softball Southern Regionals (Citrus, El Camino, Chaffey, Cerritos, Moorpark, Long Beach, Ventura). The 2026 schedule will elevate the team's competition level and provide road experience for a mixture of home and away Pacific Coast Athletic Conference games. The regular season concludes with a two game homestand on April 16 and 18, versus Mesa and Ventura.
Season Opener: Friday, January 23, at Citrus College (2:00 pm)
Home Opener: Friday, February 2, vs. LA Mission (2:00 pm)
PCAC Opener: Thursday, February 19, at San Diego City (2:00 pm)