Panthers Surge in Fourth Quarter to Win Season Opener Over San Diego Mesa

The Chaffey College women's basketball team opened the 2025-26 season with an exciting win, defeating San Diego Mesa 78-72 behind a decisive fourth-quarter surge inside the Sports Center. The Panthers showcased resilience and composure down the stretch, overcoming a third-quarter deficit with a dominant final frame to secure the win.

Chaffey came out sharp in the first quarter, shooting 47.4 percent from the field and building a 23-15 lead thanks to early interior scoring from Niyah Thomas and Danielle Singley. The Panthers maintained a steady rhythm through the second quarter to take a 39-36 edge into halftime, capitalizing on points in the paint and early defensive pressure.

The Olympians made their strongest push in the third quarter, briefly taking the lead behind a hot stretch from their top scorer, but Chaffey remained composed. The Panthers then shifted the momentum with a dominant 26-point fourth quarter, shooting 53.3 percent, forcing key turnovers, and controlling the boards late.

Aerilynn Young powered the comeback with a standout two-way performance, scoring 22 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and going 12-for-15 from the free-throw line, including several crucial makes in the closing minutes. Singley added 19 points and six rebounds, attacking consistently around the rim. Thomas delivered 14 points, six rebounds and a team-high five assists, providing stability and pace at the guard spot.

Off the bench, Olivia Perlin added six points, three rebounds and two steals, while Abby Hardy contributed efficient frontcourt minutes with four points and five rebounds.

As a team, the Panthers shot 41.8 percent from the field, 28.6 percent for threes, and 63.6 percent from the free-throw line. Chaffey also recorded 18 bench points, compared to Mesa's zero, and outscored the Olympians 26-13 in the fourth quarter to close out the win.

With the victory, Chaffey begins the season with a promising start and looks to carry the momentum into the rest of the season.

The Panthers return to action on Tuesday, Nov. 4, traveling to Cypress College for a 6 p.m. tipoff.