WATER WARRIORS—(above) Freshman goalie Nicole Sendt stops a fierce shot on goal for the Lady Jags. (right) Freshman driver Kelly Micallef uses her left hand to fire in a goal against Palomar.
Photo Serina Duarte and Pablo Pedroza

Cocky Palomar College water polo players hopped in the pool with a struggling program, but ended up being the team that struggled. Even though the Comets eked out a 12-11 nail biter victory, Southwestern College women had sent a message.

“We have a really good team this year,” said driver Bailey Garcia. “We really support each other.”

Lady Jaguars driver Lauren Broyles set an aggressive tone when she shot past her defender to score and gave SWC an early lead. She was quick to share credit.

“I couldn’t have been able to score without the good passes and communication from my team,” she said.
The match came down to the final moments.

Broyles took possession with only 36 seconds left, juked three defenders and scored to make it a 12-11 game.

Palomar though, was able to run out the clock.

Harper loves to win, she said, but took some satisfaction in the close match.

“I am very proud of my athletes,” said coach Jennifer Harper. “I feel hopeful for this season and my girls.”

All-conference driver Kelly Micallef said she is also hopeful.

“It’s like we’re sisters,” she said. “We all know each other even outside of the sport. Whether it’s going out for lunch or just hanging out, this helps our chemistry in the water.”

Chemistry is more than H20, said Harper. Talent, desire and communication need to mesh.

“The first game is where we see what we need to work on,” she said.