Palomar women’s basketball team was off to flying start to their season as they defeated the Santa Ana Dons in their opening game 78-56 on Nov. 2.
In the first quarter it was 26-14 with the Comets besting the Dons. Palomar was playing great basketball in the first quarter, moving the ball around to create better shooting opportunities and providing some good assists.
The defensive side of the ball was going well for them too, as they out rebounded the Dons and provided pressure to make mistakes and create turnover during the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Comets extended their lead over the Dons, 46-26. The Dons were not doing well with the pressure the Comets were putting them at both ends of the court, causing turnovers and getting rebounds.
Sophia Neubauer was spectacular on the defensive side the ball getting steals by reading the passes from Santa Ana perfectly and creating some fast breaks during the first half.
At the third quarter, the Comets was kept a steady lead throughout, entering the final quarter 69-43 over the Dons. The Comets were just stuck to their game plan with an aggressive passing style of basketball.
Santa Ana just could not fix their mistakes and find a way back into the game as their first half woes persisted. The Comets kept in sync both offensively and defensively during the second half of the game.
With a final score of 78-56, the Comets demonstrated how they were simply the better team during the entire course of the game.
Neubauer was one of the best players during the game with a well rounded performance, getting 4 steals. She also got 5 points, 5 assists, and 9 rebounds during the game was one of key contributors during the game.
Monica Todd and Nia De La Pena-Thompson both were close to getting a double-double during the game .
Todd got 13 points, 3 assist, 8 rebounds, and a block. She had some great plays on the fast break, scoring in the paint and outside the arch for three.
De La Pena-Thompson had 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block just 2 rebounds short of getting the double-double. She was as an all-around player getting some points in the paint and forcing fouls at the free throw.
“These girls did a job playing aggressive basketball and creating more opportunities by capitalizing on the turnovers,” Head Coach Leigh Marshall said.
Marshall also mentioned that they need to fix their foul trouble and get cleaned up on turnovers to avoid letting the opponent get any fast break opportunities.
After finishing last season with a record of 28-2, the PCAC title, and semifinal appearance in the state tournament, Palomar will look to build yet another strong season.
Palomar will host the Comet classic on Nov. 17. Their first game for the classic will be against West LA.
If the Comets play like they did on opening night with an aggressive style of play they might have themselves another good season.
