Unexpected road trip no problem for Comets

TORRANCE, CA (3/5/2024) – Despite a late change of venue, the Palomar College softball team adapted to the situation and came away victorious Tuesday.

In what was originally scheduled as a home game at Bradley Park, the Comets instead travelled to El Camino College for a non-conference outing and extended their current winning streak to six straight games with a 7-0 victory over the Warriors.

With continued wet grounds preventing the Comets from hosting, Palomar took to the road and took a 5-0 lead after two innings beginning with a three-run rally in the top of the first frame when the first seven batters reached base. The Comets went on to post 13 hits in support of winning pitcher Guilianna "Gigi" Clavel, who blanked the Warriors on three hits for her fourth shutout of the season and seventh overall for the Palomar pitching staff.

Clavel walked two and struck out seven while notching her 10^th win of the season against one loss. The sophomore right-hander also had two hits at the plate and drove in two runs, including a bases-loaded walk in the first inning for the Comets' first run.

Freshman second baseman Josephine Heuberger doubled and singled, and freshman designated player Isabella De Filippis also had two hits for the winners.

The Comets, ranked No. 3 in the most recent California Community College Fastpitch Coaches Association poll, improved to 14-1 overall going into Wednesday's Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest at San Diego Mesa. El Camino, ranked No. 11, fell to 9-6.

Palomar's next home game is slated for March 9 at Bradley Park against Santa Ana in a non-conference clash. The first pitch, weather permitting, is set for 12 noon. As a home-and-away switch, El Camino will now visit the Comets on March 27.