David Willauer -San Marcos, CA -The Palomar College volleyball team opened its season with a statement, sweeping both matches on day one of the LA Mission College Tournament.
In the first match, the Comets rolled past Allan Hancock College 3-0, winning by set scores of 25-16, 25-12, 25-12. Palomar’s offense was balanced and efficient, hitting .171 as a team while racking up 34 kills against just 21 errors.
Sophomore Reese Maffitt led the way with a match-high 13 kills on 20 swings, hitting .450 for the match and adding three service aces for a team-best 16 points. Kenzy Ryan and Avery Medvin each chipped in four kills, with Medvin posting a team-high .250 hitting percentage among the outside attackers. Kate Johnson added three kills, and Khaila Jackson had four kills to go with a team-high three errors.
Setters Caden Pinto and Johana Stone split time running the offense, combining for 28 assists. Pinto had 18 and Stone had 10. Audrey Jones paced the service game defensively with four digs and four service aces of her own, finishing with a team-high 5.0 points. Palomar’s block was active throughout, totaling four block assists and two solo stuffs.
Riding the momentum from their opening win, the Comets returned to the court and swept El Camino College 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-18) to close out day one unbeaten. Individual stats from the El Camino match were not available at press time.
Palomar will look to carry the momentum from a perfect opening day into the tournament’s remaining matches.
