SAN MARCOS — Despite scoring its fewest runs against a conference opponent this season, Palomar softball held its ground defensively to edge out the Southwestern Jaguars 2-1 on April 7.
Starting pitcher Kiara Flaviani (#6) pitched the entire seven innings and struck out 11 Jaguars while only giving up one run on three hits.
Flaviani’s dominance in the pitching circle was crucial in the Comets’ win. They only scored twice in a season where they have averaged over 11 runs per game.
“I have a lot of trust in my defense, and I feel like that gives me a lot of trust in myself,” Flaviani said.
Flaviani has the most wins (26) in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) and also holds the lowest earned run average (ERA) of 2.06.
The opposing Jaguars’ pitcher, Mia Guzman has an ERA of 3.31 and limited the Comets to their lowest-scoring conference game of the season behind a solid defense.
Palomar’s two runs were both scored by first baseman Alexis Huey (#15).
Huey hit a leadoff home run and also scored in the third inning on a groundout by Comet third baseman Ava Alvarez (#25).
Palomar softball remains undefeated (12-0) in the PCAC and is one win away from securing the 2026 conference championship.
“Pitching is where it starts,” Comets coach Lacey Craft said. “Something I have seen from her [Flaviani] is that she gets stronger and stronger as the game goes along.”