Just three points separate the first three spots atop the Orange Empire Conference standings in women's soccer. Defending champions Santiago Canyon College lead the pack with Saddleback College and Cypress College close behind.

The close proximity in the standings was forced by Saddleback's 1-0 win over Santiago Canyon last Friday. The Hawks had defeated each of their OEC opponents up to that match while allowing just two goals in their first seven matches.

The Gauchos also had an impressive run in the first round with their only blemishes coming in a 2-1 loss at Golden West College and a 2-2 tie against Orange Coast College to open conference play. Five of Saddleback's six wins have come via a shutout with Irvine Valley notching the only goal during a Gaucho victory.

Right behind the Gauchos is Cypress as the Chargers have amassed 18 points with their 6-2 record. The only two setbacks for Cypress in the first round have come against the teams that are ahead of them in the standings. The Chargers lost to Saddleback 2-0 and Santiago Canyon 3-1. Otherwise, Cypress has six wins in conference, all via shutout.

Following the three top teams is Orange Coast with 14 points, Golden West with 11 points, Fullerton College with 10 points, Irvine Valley with eight points, Santa Ana College with three points and Norco without any points.

Second round of OEC action gets underway Friday, October 16. Orange Coast hosts Saddleback with a chance to shake up the standings while Santiago Canyon hosts Irvine Valley and Cypress hosts Golden West.

One of the early key match-ups happens on October 20 with Cypress traveling to Saddleback. The top two teams will meet each other on November 10 when Santiago Canyon hosts Saddleback in the last game of the season for the Hawks. Saddleback will play district-rival Irvine Valley on November 13 to close out its season. The other top-three match-up between Cypress and Santiago Canyon occurs on October 27 at Santiago Canyon.