SAN MARCOS - The Palomar College softball team was close.

One out away from its 22nd consecutive Pacific Coast Conference title on Wednesday, Comets shortstop Ginalee Davis fielded a ground ball and tossed it into the waiting glove of the second baseman Rachel Wright. But Wright dropped the ball.

The out would have ended a two-out, bases loaded rally, but instead it allowed San Diego City College to score the tying run and extend the inning as the Knights went on to defeat the Comets 4-2 for the first time ever.

"Before the game, I considered both ways," said Palomar coach Scia Maumausolo. "Considering the situation we were in during the seventh inning, I am shocked."

The loss for the Comets (24-21, 11-4) means they are tri-champions with San Diego City (31-11-1, 11-4) and Grossmont (24-6-1, 11-4). It's the first time since 1985 that Palomar is not the sole champion.

Palomar will now play San Diego City today at 1 p.m. with the winner playing Grossmont to determine which team will earn the automatic berth into the Southern California regional playoffs.

Vista High alum Amanda Wilson led the way for the Knights with a double and a walk. When asked why she wasn't playing at Palomar, the freshman said she thought about it, but wanted to see a change atop the conference leaders.

"I wanted to be on a team that could beat Palomar," Wilson said. "I wanted to be on a team that broke the tradition, not on one that rode on it."

- Contact staff writer Matt Null at mnull@nctimes.com.