Panthers Rally in Fourth Quarter in Narrow Defeat to LA Trade-Tech

The Chaffey College women's basketball team returned to the Sports Center on Wednesday evening, falling 58-53 to undefeated LA Trade-Tech in a defensive, possession-by-possession matchup. Despite a fourth-quarter surge and a game-high 20 points from Aerilynn Young, the Panthers were unable to overcome early shooting struggles and the Beavers' interior presence.

Chaffey opened the game with strong ball pressure and active rebounding but shot just 26.7 percent in the first quarter, trailing 17-11. The Panthers continued to battle in the second quarter, holding the Beavers to 12 points and getting steady playmaking from Kamryn Ellis and Niyah Thomas. Chaffey kept the margin close throughout the half but went into halftime down 29-23 after shooting 12.5 percent in the second quarter.

LA Trade-Tech extended its lead in the third quarter behind timely perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities, outscoring Chaffey 15-13 to enter the fourth quarter ahead 44-36. The Panthers found their offensive rhythm late, producing 17 fourth-quarter points and attacking consistently at the free-throw line. Young and Ellis powered the push, while the Panthers' pressure defense forced several late turnovers. Ultimately, the Beavers' ability to control the boards and connect on key free throws handed the Panthers the narrow defeat.

Young delivered another standout performance, totaling 20 points on 5-of-17 shooting while going 10-for-14 from the free-throw line. She added a team-high 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Ellis posted one of her most complete efforts of the season with nine points, five rebounds, four steals and two assists. Danielle Singley contributed six rebounds, four points, three steals and two assists, while Thomas added four points, an assist and a steal.

Cali Azcuenaga provided a spark off the bench with 12 points on four made three-pointers, adding three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Venezia Perez chipped in four rebounds, two points and two assists, anchoring the interior defensively.

As a team, Chaffey shot 22 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from three while going 21-for-35 at the free-throw line. The Panthers generated 16 points off turnovers and collected 12 offensive rebounds but were out-rebounded 46-31 and held to 12 points in the paint. LA Trade-Tech countered with a 32.8 shooting percentage and seven made threes while scoring 16 second-chance points.

The Panthers will now turn their attention to traveling north for the San Mateo Crossover on Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15. Chaffey opens the two-day event against College of the Redwoods before facing host San Mateo.