SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Texas Collegiate Athletic Conference Final Four delivered everything fans could hope for—and more. Inside a packed Northeast Lakeview College gymnasium on Sunday, the Palo Alto College Palominos rose to the moment, capturing two of three TCAC Championship titles in a day filled with drama, grit, and unforgettable performances.
Entering the finals as the top seed in all three brackets, Palo Alto proved why it has become one of the premier athletic programs in the conference.
By day's end, the Palominos celebrated championships in women's volleyball and women's basketball, capping off a historic and electrifying weekend.
Volleyball Claims First Title Since 2012 in Instant Classic
The day opened with a match that will be talked about for years.
Facing the University of the Incarnate Word Club Cardinals, Palo Alto volleyball battled through a grueling, back-and-forth contest that went the distance—five intense sets for the second time in three meetings this season.
With both teams splitting regular season match ups and entering as the top two seeds, the championship clash lived up to the hype. Diving saves, powerful spikes, and relentless rallies had the crowd on its feet from start to finish.
The decisive fifth set pushed both squads to their absolute limits. Deadlocked at 14-14, the tension inside the gym was palpable. Every point felt like the championship itself hung in the balance.
Then came the breakthrough.
After a series of breathtaking exchanges, the Palominos found their edge, closing out the set 19-17 to secure the title.
The victory marks Palo Alto's first volleyball conference championship since 2012, a milestone moment for a young and hungry squad. Despite the upcoming departure of team captain Harley Valdez, the future remains incredibly bright, with the majority of the roster set to return next season.
Women's Basketball Battles Past Rival for Championship Glory
If the volleyball match set the tone, women's basketball carried the intensity even further.
Taking on the Northwest Vista Wildcats, Palo Alto entered a rubber match between two evenly matched rivals. With each team owning a win in the regular season, the championship game became a test of resilience and willpower. The first half was a dogfight. Possession after possession, both teams traded blows in a physical, fast-paced battle. At halftime, the Palominos trailed by just one point—everything still up for grabs. Then came the second-half surge.
Palo Alto tightened up defensively and executed when it mattered most, pulling away late to secure a 68-60 victory and the conference crown.
Kendall Gonzales led the offensive charge with 15 points, while Gabby Santos added 11 crucial points, delivering in key moments down the stretch. On the defensive end, Alyssa Garcia and Anelyna Cavazos dominated the paint with rebounds and blocks, anchoring a unit that shut the door on the Wildcats.
The win marks Palo Alto's second women's basketball championship since 2022, reaffirming the program's place among the conference elite.
Men's Basketball Falls Short but Shows the Palomino Fight
The final game of the night brought another heavyweight showdown, as Palo Alto's men's team squared off against Northeast Lakeview College in a highly anticipated championship clash.
With both teams splitting their regular season meetings, the stage was set for a dramatic trilogy finale. A packed crowd brought playoff-level energy, but the Palominos ran into early trouble. Cold shooting and a surging Nighthawks offense led to a difficult first half, with Palo Alto trailing by 30 at the break. Despite a determined effort to rally in the second half, the deficit proved too much to overcome.
The Palominos ultimately fell 78-52, finishing as conference runners-up.
Still, there were bright spots. Jasiah Saunders led the team with 14 points, knocking down deep shots, while Shaheim Bogues added 13 points, electrifying the crowd with powerful dunks. Micah Krajca made his presence felt inside, contributing 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Though the title slipped away, the season remains a success—and motivation is already building for a return run next year.
A Season to Remember
As the final buzzer sounded on the TCAC season, one thing was clear: this was a defining year for Palo Alto athletics.
With two championships, a runner-up finish, and history made across all three indoor sports, the Palominos have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse program on the rise. And they're not done yet.
What's Next
The championship-winning volleyball team will wrap up its season later this week with an offseason tri-match against Texas Lutheran University and Wharton County Junior College in Seguin, Texas. First serve is set for 1:00 PM and 3:45 PM on Friday, April 17. It's one more chance for fans to see the newly crowned champions in action—and a preview of what promises to be an exciting future.
