Panthers Showcase Defensive Discipline at Miramar Halloween Tournament

The Chaffey College women's water polo team competed in two matches at the Miramar Halloween Tournament on Friday. Sarah Alexander led the Panthers offensively with multi-goal performances throughout the day, while Elise Camarena, Mikaela Hernandez, and Kaylee Pfalmer each made contributions in both matches.

Chaffey first faced host San Diego Miramar College, falling 14–9 in a competitive matchup. The Panthers showed poise through the middle quarters and maintained consistent offensive rhythm before Miramar pulled away late. After falling behind early, Chaffey rallied behind Camarena and Alexander, who combined for three goals in the second quarter. Pfalmer and Ani Babayan added goals before halftime to cut the deficit to 9–5.

The Panthers continued their offensive push in the third quarter with goals from Alyssa Garcia, Alexander, and Camarena, while Shaw connected with Alexander for a buzzer-beating strike to end the frame. Alexander led Chaffey with four goals and two assists, Camarena added two goals and an assist, and Pfalmer and Babayan each recorded a goal and assist. Goalkeeper Savannah Shaw was strong in the cage with 12 saves and ignited transition play through precise passes.

In their second match, the Panthers fell 10–7 to San Diego Mesa College in a close, defensive battle. Chaffey started strong with three early goals from Hernandez, Camarena, and Alexander before Mesa responded with a late first-quarter surge. The Panthers regrouped after the second quarter, tightening their defensive structure and generating opportunities through sharp ball movement. The Panthers were able to hold off the Olympians from scoring for the remainder of the match. Camarena completed a hat trick, scoring twice in the third and once in the fourth on assists from Pfalmer and Alexander, while Pfalmer added a late goal off a feed from Shaw. Camarena led the team with three goals, Hernandez added two, and Pfalmer recorded a goal and three assists. Alexander rounded out the scoring with a goal and an assist, while Shaw directed play from the cage with 12 saves.

Chaffey showcased steady growth throughout the tournament, highlighting the team's ability to maintain offensive balance and defensive discipline against regional opponents.

The Panthers will now prepare for the South Coast Conference Championships on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Cerritos College. Chaffey opens tournament play against El Camino College at 12:45 p.m. and returns for a 5 p.m. matchup against Pasadena City College.