SAN MARCOS — Palomar softball’s offensive firepower proved too much for Imperial Valley in a decisive 18-1 win on April 16.
Despite the game starting over half an hour late due to the umpires being late, the Comets’ concentration didn’t waver one bit.
“The focus and the dedication, we just carry it every single day, no matter what happens,” starting pitcher Hailey White (#20) said. “Like, today, how the umpires weren’t here? That’s not a distraction for us. We’re still focused and locked in, and we were ready to take it to them today.”
White pitched three innings, giving up four hits and one earned run.
The Imperial Valley Desert Warriors scored their one and only run in the top of the first inning.
From that point on it was all Comets, as they scored eight runs in the bottom of the first.
First baseman Alexis Huey (#15) capped off the avalanche of runs by hitting a two-run home run, increasing the single-season Palomar home run record she already held to 19.
“Last year, I only had two home runs and I feel like this year, I wasn’t really focused on the home run aspect of it,” Huey said. “I just wanted to work really hard at getting better… the home runs just kind of came with it.”
Huey finished with three RBIs on the day, trailing only center fielder Gisele Gonzalez (#1) who had four, including a moonshot home run to lead off the bottom of the second.
This was one of two home runs hit by Gonzalez on the day. She credited the hard work the team puts into practice as the main reason the Comets record is 34-1 with 22 straight wins.
“We all want to win. Every practice we work hard, so it just comes to us naturally,” Gonzalez said. “We try to step on the gas pedal.”
Palomar scored six runs in the bottom of the second inning, sprinting out to a 14-1 lead.
The Comets didn’t trail off, as they continued to add to their lead despite going to reserve players in the top of the third.
“Whether you are a full-time starter, or a player that comes into the game later–everyone matters to the success of the team,” Head Coach Lacey Craft said. “Games like this are a great example of that full team effort with so many players contributing to the win.”
Pinch hitter Delaney Smith (#14) hit a two-run triple in the bottom of the third, showcasing her speed as she blazed the basepaths. She then scored after an RBI single by shortstop Aubrey Thorne (#9), bringing Palomar’s lead to 17-1 after three innings.
White was relieved of her pitching duties at this point by freshman Leasivao Sauileone (#34), who struck out two batters on her way to another scoreless inning for Imperial Valley.
In the bottom of the fourth, Gonzalez came out for an encore, hitting her second home run of the day.
Freshman Gianna Burgin (#11) pitched the final frame in this one, allowing zero hits and striking out two to seal the 18-1 victory.
This marked the final regular-season home game for Comet softball. They will conclude the season with a double header against College of the Canyons on April 18, before taking on San Diego City on April 21.
