SAN MARCOS — The Comets’ suffocating defense and fast-break offense ran the Pasadena City Lancers out of the Dome in a blowout playoff victory on Feb. 25.

The stakes were high in this win-or-go-home contest, but Palomar proved it can rise to the occasion by taking down the previously undefeated MiraCosta Spartans in its most recent game.

But the Comets got off to a poor start against the Lancers, missing wide open layups and jumpers on offense.

Meanwhile, Pasadena City got plenty of second-chance offensive possessions, and jumped out to a 12-6 lead halfway through the first quarter.

Then, everything changed.

The Comets proceeded to go on an 8-0 run, flipping the momentum by suffocating the Lancers with a full-court press and trap defense.

“We don’t trap a lot, but when we do it’s really helpful because it gets teams tired and we thrive off that because we’re conditioned and that’s what we do, we run,” Ivorii Seals (#24) said.

Palomar’s defense swarmed the Lancer’s ball-handlers with wasp-like speed and aggression, forcing steals that transitioned to easy layups and paved the way to a 17-15 first quarter lead.

The Comets’ offense exploded in the second quarter, outscoring the Lancers 22-8. It was clear that their energetic defense was starting to wear down a Pasadena City College team that only had six players on the roster to begin with.

Palomar forced 31 turnovers, while only committing 13.

ReeRee Davis (#3) was often the primary reason for these turnovers, sticking like glue to whoever was bringing the ball up the court.

“We know what we have to do, we just have to stay consistent and keep our energy up,” Davis said.

At halftime, the Comets were up 39-23, a large lead considering their poor start.

The third quarter was more of the same for Palomar, generating more live ball turnovers that converted into easy offense.

Sophomore Kailani Flournoy (#22) was dominant, blocking two shots in the quarter while also hitting a huge 3 on the other end, something that she is not typically known for.

“You guys know I don’t really shoot threes, but I’ve been taking the outside shot a lot more, and I feel like I make them at the right times and bring a lot of energy to my team,” Flournoy said.

By the time the fourth quarter came around, Pasadena City’s players were completely worn out. They were already down 57-35 entering the quarter when things started to get out of hand.

The Lancers had two players foul out in the quarter, meaning that they had to finish the game with only four players instead of five.

Palomar took advantage of having one more player on the court, outscoring the Lancers 21-5 in the final frame.

The Comets cruised to a 78-40 victory, setting up a third and final meeting against MiraCosta on Feb. 28.

Despite the win, Head Coach Leigh Marshall isn’t satisfied, as she has her eyes set on the next game.

“If we start the way we did tonight, we’re gonna lose that game,” Coach Marshall said. “If we come out the way we came out the last time we played [MiraCosta], we’re gonna win that game, so it has a lot to do with our focus, our energy, controlling the controllable, executing, playing through adversity… it’s more about us.”

“I’m really not gonna say much about the opponent, I just wanna say that we’re going to get the W,” Flournoy said.