Comets outlast Rustlers, Bobcats

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (3/3/2023) -- After a slow and raining start to the beach volleyball season, Palomar collected their first pair of wins on Friday afternoon taking down Golden West College 3-2 and Saddelback College by the same score.

As the No. 2 pairing, sophomores Kenna Broach and Rachael Cooke have found a rythm playing together. They defeated the pair from Golden West in three sets after dropping the first one (16-21, 21-12, 15-7). The duo did it again against the Saddleback pair, taking them down 17-21, 21-17, 15-10. No. 5 pairing freshman Ashlynn Craven and sophomore Jessica Hege took home the win in the first match of the day. Against a tough Golden West pair, they lasted through the three sets to win 21-12, 20-22, 15-13. Craven switched up partners for the second match and was paired with freshman Lacey Garcia. The 5s had an easier time against Saddleback, sweeping the pair 21-14 and 21-16. Freshman Sonsi Jarvis and Bailey Prieto split the day. They won the first match 21-17 and 21-17 and dropped their second match. The No. 1 pairing, sophomore Holland Hancock and freshman Savanna Lewis, also split the day. After dropping their opening match, they bounced back against Saddleback to win 21-15 and 21-17.

As a team, the Comets move to 2-4 on the season. They will open conference play on Friday with matches against San Diego Mesa College and San Diego Miramar College. The action gets started at 9 a.m. down at San Diego Mesa.