Lutz Named South Player of the Year; Craft, Comets Dominate State Honors

SAN MARCOS, CA (5/1/2025) -- The postseason spotlight continues to shine on Palomar College softball, as Breanna Lutz was named the 3CFCA South Player of the Year, and head coach Lacey Craft and her staff earned South Coaching Staff of the Year honors. The awards come as no surprise following the Comets' 36-3 regular season and another undefeated run through PCAC play.

For Lutz, the South Player of the Year recognition marks her second consecutive honor, capping off a historic season for the sophomore infielder. She leads the entire state with a .571 batting average and ranks third in California in RBIs with 54. Her all-around impact was undeniable, collecting 68 hits, 15 doubles, four triples, and nine home runs. With a .643 on-base percentage and perfect 5-for-5 stolen base mark, Lutz set the tone for one of the most explosive lineups in the state.

She is joined on the 3CFCA South All-State Team by three fellow Comets: Madison Bedolla, Lauren Doepping, and Taylor Armstrong.

Bedolla was dominant in the circle all season, compiling a 17-1 record with a 1.35 ERA across 98.2 innings. The sophomore allowed just 60 hits while striking out 126 batters and holding opponents to a .167 average. Her consistency and poise made her one of the top pitchers in the region.

Doepping, one of the most productive bats in the state, finished the regular season fourth in California in batting average at .505. She totaled 49 hits, 38 RBIs, and 10 extra-base hits — including seven home runs — while striking out just 11 times in 97 at-bats. A fierce competitor and reliable run producer, Doepping was crucial to Palomar's offensive success.

Armstrong, the Comets' everyday left fielder, batted .468 on the year with 52 hits, 35 RBIs, and 31 runs scored. She added 10 doubles and four triples, swiped six bases, and provided rock-solid defense in the outfield.

Two more Comets earned All-Southern Team honors: Alexis Huey and Zoe Karam.

Huey made the most of her 26 starts, hitting .457 with 43 hits, 30 RBIs, and five triples. Her speed and versatility gave the Comets an edge in both the top and bottom of the lineup.

Karam was a power threat all season, finishing second in the state with 11 home runs, trailing only one other player statewide. She hit .460 with 40 hits and 43 RBIs while also recording 10 doubles. Her offensive firepower was paired with a flawless defensive season in the infield, committing zero errors across 30 games.

Notably, Lutz ranks just behind Karam in the state home run leaderboard with nine.

The South Coaching Staff of the Year honor is the latest recognition for Craft and her staff, who led Palomar to a 15-0 conference record and a No. 3 seed in the Southern California Regional playoffs. The Comets outscored their opponents 398-62 and recorded 18 shutouts, showcasing a complete and well-prepared squad.

With statewide recognition for its stars and leadership alike, Palomar enters the postseason not only as a favorite to contend — but as a program defined by excellence at every level.