Catalina Aguilar was named to the 2020 3CFCA Academic All-State Team. Photo by Michael Cohn.
Catalina Aguilar was named to the 2020 3CFCA Academic All-State Team. Photo by Michael Cohn.

Comets start season off hot

SAN MARCOS, CA (1/24/2020) – On the opening day of the 2020 softball season, Palomar faced Chaffey College and won 6-0 in seven innings.

The Comets and Panthers were in a stalemate until the fifth inning when the Comets got something going. Taylor Friend struck out swinging, then Leatumalama Unutoa reached first on an error by the third baseman. She had a pinch-runner, Serenity Burroughs. Shea Lane then grounded out to the pitcher in sacrifice to move Burroughs to second. Ayiana Hernandez then singled and advanced to second on the throw as Burroughs scored to make the score 1-0. Leadoff hitter Ryenne Stehly reached first on another error by the third baseman and Hernandez advanced to third. On yet another error by the Panther defense, Samarah Martinez reached first, advancing Stehly and scoring Hernandez.

The scoring didn't stop in the fifth though. Rylee Penrod doubled to start the inning. Friend singled and advanced to second base as Penrod scored. Unutoa then singled. Jenna Gonzales, pinch-hitting for Lane, singled, loading the bases. Hernandez then reached first as Friend was thrown out at home. With the bases still loaded, Stehly was then walked and Unutoa walked run number four across the plate. Martinez then reached first base on a fielder's choice as Gonzales was thrown out at home. Kendall Kates then reached first on an error by the shortstop, allowing Hernandez to score the final run for the Comets.

Catalina Aguilar pitched all seven innings for the Comets. She gave up two hits, walked one and struck out five. She faced 25 batters.

The Comets are 1-0 overall and will be home on Wednesday to face Mt. San Jacinto College at 2 p.m.