Panthers Close Season with Win Over Rio Hondo, Place Fifth at South Coast Championships

The Chaffey College men's water polo team ended the 2025 season on a high note, defeating Rio Hondo College 17-12 on Saturday morning at Cerritos College to secure fifth place at the South Coast Conference Championship Tournament. The Panthers showcased balance and execution across all four quarters, capping their season with a complete team performance.

The Roadrunners opened with three quick goals in the first quarter before the Panthers settled into a rhythm. Vincent Garibay ignited the comeback, scoring back-to-back goals off assists from Parker Black and Mario Nikolovski. Black followed with consecutive goals of his own, assisted by Evan Fleming and Garibay, to give the Panthers a 4-3 lead after the opening frame.

Chaffey extended its advantage in the second quarter behind a coordinated offensive push. Garibay completed his hat trick on a feed from Baron Gonzalez, Fleming scored on an assist from goalkeeper Nolan Hanson, and Black netted his third goal of the match from Fleming. Gonzalez added an unassisted goal to send Chaffey into halftime with an 8-4 lead.

The Panthers continued to roll in the third quarter, outscoring the Roadrunners 6-3. Gabriel Zarate Ayala and Black each scored twice, while Thomas Skaggs and Garibay added goals to widen the gap. Gonzalez capped the quarter with a goal assisted by Black to make it 14-7. In the fourth quarter, Chaffey closed strong as Garibay and Nikolovski each scored on power plays, and Black added his fifth goal of the game.

Hanson and Adam Kirkpatrick combined for 11 saves in goal, anchoring the defense against Rio Hondo's late surge. Fleming, Gonzalez, and Zarate Ayala were instrumental on both ends, contributing assists and drawing exclusions to maintain control of possession.

With the win, Chaffey concluded its 2025 season with an overall record of 8-21 and a 2-5 record in the South Coast Conference.