The Gold Coast's leading contenders, UC Riverside and Southern California, have been overtaking the conference whereas Cal State Fullerton, Claremont, and Occidental have been falling short.

Claremont and Occidental have had a run of misfortune when it comes to point differential. Cal State Fullerton has had to withdraw from the Gold Coast due to low numbers. UC Irvine and Long Beach State each hold almost equal amounts of wins and losses. UC Irvine was scheduled for a match against Cal State Fullerton, however due to the withdraw, will be facing Southern California. Long Beach State will have to work on its supportive offense and physical defense to defeat UC Riverside. In contrast, UC Riverside remains undefeated and Southern California's almost perfect record has one blemish due to a 19-0 loss to UC Riverside. However, Southern California is doing well compared to previous seasons.

Southern California first year coach Ian Ibbetson said, "I knew they didn't have a winning record, so my job this year was to stabilize the team, create consistency, and end up with a winning season."

UC Riverside's previous record and reputation dented Southern California's confidence going into the game, which ultimately led to UC Riverside's victory.

"It was a big one for the girls, because I think they might have talked themselves into losing the game before they actually had gone out there," Ibbetson said. "They put them on a pedestal."

Coming down from a 56-0 win against Occidental, Southern California didn't have the fluidity in game play needed to take on a team like UC Riverside. However, Ibbestson believes his team has grown in confidence since their one loss and continuously expresses how pleased he is with this season's outcome.

Southern California is slated to play UC Irvine to claim second or third in the conference, which will affect national rankings. Claremont and Occidental are also pitted against each other within the upcoming weeks.

Photo courtesy of USA Rugby Stats