Panthers Battle in Conference Loss to Mt. SAC

The Chaffey College women's water polo team came up short in their South Coast Conference matchup on Wednesday afternoon, falling 10-5 to Mt. San Antonio College at the Aquatic Center. The Panthers showed strong energy throughout, matching the Mounties in the second half but unable to overcome an early deficit.

Mt. SAC jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the opening period before extending their advantage with four goals in the second period to take a 7-2 edge at halftime. Chaffey's offense stayed aggressive, with Elise Camarena putting the Panthers on the board in the first period off a setup from Ani Babayan. Mikaela Hernandez added another goal in the second period on an assist from Aubrey Castillo to keep the Panthers within reach.

The Panthers tightened their defense after halftime, limiting Mt. SAC to just one goal in the third period. Camarena scored again in the third period off a feed from Hernandez. Sarah Alexander and Camarena each converted in the fourth period, with assists from Babayan and Goalkeeper Savannah Shaw to close the gap to 8-5 before Mt. SAC sealed the game with two late goals.

Goalkeeper Shaw finished with seven saves in the cage, directing a defense that improved as the match progressed. Offensively, Camarena led Chaffey with a hat trick, while Alexander and Hernandez each added one.

With the loss, Chaffey is now 0-4 in the South Coast Conference. The Panthers will look to regroup when they travel to Pasadena City College on Wednesday, October 13, at 3 p.m.