Panthers Show Fight but Fall Against MiraCosta

The Chaffey College women's basketball team continued its road swing on Tuesday evening, falling 68-57 to MiraCosta College in a competitive matchup. Despite a strong first half and a standout scoring performance from Aerilynn Young, the Panthers were unable to overcome MiraCosta's late surge and efficient free-throw shooting.

Chaffey opened the game with energy on both ends of the floor, scoring 16 first-quarter points and taking a 16-14 lead behind early offense from Young and Danielle Singley. The Panthers continued to keep the pace tight in the second quarter, receiving a boost from Kamryn Ellis and steady playmaking from Niyah Thomas. The Spartans responded with a 17-point frame to edge ahead 31-28 at halftime.

The third quarter remained tightly contested, with Chaffey getting timely baskets from Young and Olivia Perlin to stay within striking distance. Both teams scored 15-16 points in the quarter, and the Panthers entered the fourth trailing by two points, 46-44.

MiraCosta created separation in the fourth quarter, outscoring Chaffey 22-13 to seal the win. The Spartans capitalized on second-chance opportunities and went a near-perfect 14-for-15 at the free-throw line for the game, while the Panthers fought to regain momentum but struggled to convert down the stretch.

Young delivered her best offensive outing of the season, finishing with a personal-best and game-high 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting while adding 12 rebounds for another double-double. Singley contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in a strong all-around effort. Thomas added seven points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Ellis posted six rebounds, four points and two assists.

Off the bench, Perlin provided eight points on efficient 3-of-4 shooting and added a three-pointer, while Azcuenaga contributed two points and three rebounds. Venezia Perez contributed five rebounds and two assists as a key interior presence.

As a team, Chaffey shot 34.4 percent from the field and grabbed 44 rebounds, including 15 on the offensive glass. The Panthers generated 13 assists and six steals but were held to 3-of-15 from beyond the arc. MiraCosta countered with 30.8 percent shooting, six made threes and a decisive 14-of-15 performance at the free-throw line.

Chaffey will return home to host LA Trade-Tech on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Sports Center.