Panthers Split San Mateo Crossover Behind Strong Offensive Performances

The Chaffey College women's basketball team completed its two-game showing at the San Mateo Crossover with a weekend split, falling to College of the Redwoods on Friday before responding with a strong fourth-quarter surge to defeat host San Mateo on Saturday. The Panthers showcased balanced scoring and multiple standout individual efforts across both contests as they continue to build momentum early in the season.

Chaffey opened the crossover on Friday evening against College of the Redwoods, dropping an 83-69 decision in a high-scoring matchup. The Panthers came out sharp, taking a 19-16 lead in the first quarter behind efficient play from Niyah Thomas and Danielle Singley.

Redwoods swung the momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Chaffey 29-14 to take a 45-33 halftime lead. Chaffey fought to stay within reach through the second half, producing 17 and 19 points in the third and fourth quarters, but the Corsairs continued to convert in transition and from long range to close out the win. The Corsairs shot 52.4 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three, knocking down 12 total threes, a performance that forced the Panthers to play from behind after the first quarter.

Thomas delivered one of her strongest outings of the season with 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding five rebounds, four assists and a game-high five steals. Singley matched her efficiency with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds, while Aerilynn Young contributed nine points, six rebounds and two blocks. Kamryn Ellis added six points and three assists, and Alexa Castricone delivered 8 points, including two made threes. Despite shooting 44.4 percent from the field and generating 13 steals, the Panthers were outpaced by the Corsairs' perimeter attack and by turnovers.

The Panthers returned to action on Saturday afternoon and closed the crossover on a high note with a 57-47 win over College of San Mateo, powered by a dominant fourth quarter and strong defensive effort. Chaffey trailed 22-16 at halftime after a cold stretch from the perimeter but stayed within striking distance through active rebounding and interior scoring.

The momentum shifted in the third quarter as the Panthers shot 47.1 percent and cut the deficit to 35-33. Chaffey then seized full control in the fourth quarter, erupting for 24 points while holding the Bulldogs to just 12. Singley fueled the run with efficient scoring inside, while Thomas added key baskets and playmaking to spark the offense. Chaffey's defense tightened as well, forcing 19 turnovers and limiting San Mateo to just a 26.9 shooting percentage for the game.

Singley delivered a game-high 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting and added eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in her most complete outing of the weekend. Young posted 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting and matched Singley with eight rebounds. Thomas added 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Castricone contributed a three pointer, five rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Abby Hardy and Venezia Perez combined for nine points and five rebounds off the bench.

As a team, Chaffey had a 36.8 shooting percentage from the field, tallied 37 rebounds, and produced nine steals. The Panthers also outscored San Mateo 24-12 in the fourth quarter to secure the double-digit win and close the two-day crossover at 1-1.

Chaffey will return home on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to host Santa Ana College at 7 p.m. in the Sports Center.