Panthers Open South Coast Tournament Play Against El Camino

The Chaffey College men's water polo team fell 15-6 to El Camino College in the opening round of the South Coast Conference Championship Tournament on Thursday morning at Cerritos College. The Panthers showcased energy early and displayed persistence across all four quarters against a strong Warriors squad.

Chaffey came out firing with three unanswered goals in the first quarter. Parker Black opened the scoring on a feed from Mario Nikolovski, followed by Baron Gonzalez converting another Nikolovski assist, and Black striking again off a setup from Gabriel Zarate Ayala to make it 3-0. El Camino responded late in the quarter with six straight goals and shifted the momentum.

The Panthers continued to battle in the second quarter, creating chances through ball movement and frontcourt spacing. Vincent Garibay broke through with a goal assisted by Evan Fleming, trimming the deficit before halftime.

In the third quarter, Andrew Hinojosa found the back of the cage off another Nikolovski setup, while Gonzalez added his second goal of the match in the fourth quarter on a pass from goalkeeper Nolan Hanson. Hanson led the defense with 13 saves, turning back multiple close-range attempts and helping stabilize Chaffey's back line.

Despite the loss, the Panthers displayed strong communication and composure, continuing to execute in transition and generate offensive looks against an aggressive Warriors defense.

Chaffey will conclude the South Coast Championship Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:45am, facing Rio Hondo College at Cerritos College for fifth place.