Comets Split Day Two at Ventura Tournament

VENTURA, CA (10/11/2025) -- After a dominant opening day, Palomar women's water polo faced some of its toughest competition of the season Saturday at the Ventura College Tournament. The Comets (now unranked in the state but No. 9 in Southern California) dropped their morning matchup to No. 2 Santa Barbara City College, 18-11, before bouncing back with a strong 10-6 win over No. 5 NorCal-ranked Merced College.

Against Santa Barbara, McKynley McCulloch powered the Comet offense with seven goals and three assists in a standout performance against one of the state's elite programs. Malia Hanss added two goals and two assists, while Keyanna Mucino and Kaylin Mihelich each scored once. Ruby Jones and Renne Provencal combined for four assists, and Savannah Walker made five saves in goal.

Palomar regrouped quickly for game two, taking control early against Merced with a four-goal first quarter. McCulloch continued her stellar play, netting six goals and adding an assist, while Mia Fick scored twice and Mucino and Hanss each added one. Jones dished out two assists, and Walker collected four saves as the Comets closed the tournament with a bounce-back win.

With the split, Palomar improved to 14-5 overall heading into the home stretch of the regular season. The Comets will return to action next Friday when they compete in the Cerritos College mini tournament.