Panthers Compete at Cypress Invitational

The Chaffey College men's water polo team competed in four contests at the Cypress Invitational, finishing 1-3 while showing stretches of offensive efficiency and defensive discipline. The Panthers generated balanced scoring across the roster and relied on steady goalkeeping to stay competitive throughout the weekend.

Chaffey opened play on Friday against Cerritos College, falling 19-7 despite a strong start in the first half. Vincent Garibay drove the Panthers' attack with a hat trick. Aiden Kelley, Mario Nikolovski, Wendell McIntosh, and Daniel Meza each added one. Goalkeeper Nolan Hanson made 10 saves to give the Panthers opportunities to stay competitive throughout the game.

The Panthers then played El Camino College and were defeated 16-10. Baron Gonzalez struck twice early, and Gabriel Zarate Ayala added another one to put the Panthers ahead 3-0 in the opening quarter. Garibay led the attack in the third and fourth quarters and recorded a hat trick. Black tallied a goal and two assists, and Gonzalez finished the game with two goals and two assists. Kelley added one goal and Andrew Hinojosa contributed with the assist. Hanson returned as goalkeeper and posted 10 saves to help Chaffey stay in contention with the Warriors.

On Saturday, Ventura College handed the Panthers a 23-6 defeat. Hinojosa opened the Panthers' scoring in the first quarter off a setup from Gonzalez. Garibay contributed two goals, including one in the fourth quarter. Nikolovski, Jonathan Lopez, and Gonzalez all found the back of the cage and capped the Panthers' scoring. Goalkeepers Hanson and Adam Kirkpatrick combined for nine saves against the Pirates' steady attack.

Chaffey bounced back in their final game of the invitational, with an impressive 14-9 win over Rio Hondo College. The Panthers used a balanced frontcourt set to take control, led by Garibay's two goals and three assists. Black delivered an impressive five goals, while Kelley and McIntosh each scored twice. Gonzalez, Nikolovski, and Meza added one goal each. At the cage, Hanson had six saves in the opening half before Kirkpatrick closed it out with three saves.

The Panthers will return to action at the Citrus Mini Tournament on Saturday, September 13. Chaffey will open against Fullerton College at 9 a.m. before facing host Citrus College at 10:30 a.m.