Comets Drop Four-Set Battle to No. 4 San Diego Mesa

SAN DIEGO, CA (10/22/2025) -- The Palomar College women's volleyball team opened the second round of conference play against one of the state's top teams, falling to No. 4 San Diego Mesa College 3–1 (25–18, 19–25, 25–21, 25–13) on Wednesday night. The loss moves the Comets to 13–6 overall and 6–4 in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play.

Battling the State's Best

After dropping the opening frame, the Comets responded with a gritty 25–19 win in set two, handing Mesa just its second set loss in conference play this season. Palomar continued to fight through the third and fourth sets, but Mesa's depth and efficiency at the net ultimately proved the difference.

Offensive Highlights

Freshman Reese Maffitt paced the offense with 14 kills and five digs, while Teiora Tinoisamoa added 11 kills on .304 hitting with two blocks. Sierra Schoenwald contributed four kills and a team-high five block assists, while Dovie Daniels added three kills and four total blocks in the middle.

Setter Caden Pinto tallied 33 assists and two service aces, while Emma Bambe chipped in five kills, eight digs, and a service ace. Kiana Merrill anchored the back row with 12 digs and an ace of her own.

Staying in the Fight

Though the Comets were unable to pull off the upset, they once again showed they can go toe-to-toe with some of the state's elite. Palomar held Mesa under .270 hitting for the match and continued to find scoring from multiple hitters across the floor.

Looking Ahead

Now 6–4 in PCAC play, the Comets will look to regroup and regain momentum when they return home Friday night to host Southwestern College at The Dome.