Spartans Cap Historic Season with State Runner-Up Finish

The women's beach volleyball program concluded another historic season with a second-place finish at the 2026 3C2A State Championships, capping off one of the most successful years in program history.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Andrew Bennett, the Spartans finished the season as Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) Champions with a perfect undefeated conference record, while also earning the No. 1 seed in the Southern California Regional playoffs.

MiraCosta opened the 3C2A State Championships with a strong 4-1 victory over Santa Barbara City College. The Spartans were led by the No. 1 pair of Hailey Heflin and Kiara Keibel, who earned a dominant straight-set win, 21-7, 21-12. The No. 2 pair of Daniela Szajkowski and Chara Wondercheck battled through three sets for a key victory, while the No. 3 duo of Gwen Mitchell and Kylie Osborne secured another straight-set win. The No. 5 pair of Willow Snow and Emily Musolf clinched the dual with a gritty three-set comeback victory.

In the semifinal round, the Spartans faced a tough Feather River College team in one of the most competitive matches of the tournament. MiraCosta emerged with a thrilling 3-2 victory to advance to the state championship match for the third consecutive season.

Heflin and Keibel once again set the tone for the Spartans, delivering a commanding 21-12, 21-12 win at the No. 1 position. Mitchell and Osborne battled through a three-set match to earn a crucial point at the No. 3 spot, while freshmen Savai Kilaulani and Claire Komadina responded after dropping the first set to rally for a decisive three-set victory that secured MiraCosta's place in the state final.

MiraCosta ultimately finished as the 3C2A State Runner-Up after facing an undefeated Fresno City squad in the championship match.

The Spartans' postseason run marked the third consecutive season the program has qualified for the 3C2A State Championships, further establishing MiraCosta as one of the premier community college beach volleyball programs in California.

The success of the season was highlighted by the outstanding play of MiraCosta's No. 1 pair, Heflin and Keibel. The duo earned PCAC Pair of the Year honors and was also recognized nationally as AVCA All-Americans after leading the Spartans throughout the season against elite competition.

MiraCosta finished the year with an overall record of 25-5, including an undefeated 12-0 mark in conference play and multiple victories over nationally ranked opponents throughout the spring.

"This team competed with incredible toughness, consistency, and heart all season long," said Bennett. "To win a conference championship, earn the No. 1 seed in Southern California, and reach the state finals speaks to the commitment of our student-athletes and the culture they continue to build within the program."

With another championship-caliber season completed, the Spartans continue to build momentum as one of the top beach volleyball programs in the state and look forward to continuing that success in the years ahead.