Panthers Show Resilience at MSJC Invitational

The Chaffey College women's basketball team turned in a resilient two-game showing at the Mt. San Jacinto Eagle Invitational, falling to Irvine Valley College in Friday's opener before bouncing back with a gritty win over Skyline College on Saturday. Across both contests, the Panthers showcased balanced scoring, strong interior play, and key contributions from multiple players.

Chaffey opened the tournament on Friday afternoon against Irvine Valley, battling through a competitive 79-66 loss in a matchup defined by fast-paced scoring and interior play. The Panthers delivered one of their best first quarters of the season, scoring 23 points on 44.4 percent shooting to take a 23-17 lead behind early production from Abby Hardy, Alexa Castricone and Danielle Singley.

The Lasers responded with a decisive second quarter, using a 23-10 run and efficient mid-range scoring to seize a 40-33 halftime advantage. The Panthers continued to generate quality looks but shot just 27.8 percent in the quarter while the Lasers found their rhythm from the field and on the glass. Chaffey fought to stay within reach in the third quarter behind timely baskets from Singley and Hardy, but the Lasers extended the margin to 59-49 heading into the fourth. The Panthers added 17 points in the fourth quarter behind late scoring from Azcuenaga and Niyah Thomas, but Irvine Valley matched the pace and secured the win.

Singley led Chaffey with 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting and made two threes, while Hardy added 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds in one of her most efficient outings of the season. Azcuenaga provided a major spark off the bench with 12 points and two from beyond the arc, while Thomas added seven points, four rebounds and two assists. Castricone contributed six points and seven rebounds, while Venezia Perez and Abigail Aguilar combined for nine points and eight rebounds to round out the effort.

On Saturday, the Panthers flipped the script with a 60-56 bounce-back win over Skyline College, showcasing toughness, defensive discipline, and clutch shot-making to close out the invitational on a high note.

Chaffey opened the contest slow offensively, shooting 21.1 percent in the first quarter and trailing 9-11 despite early rebounding efforts from Singley and Perez. The momentum shifted sharply in the second quarter, where the Panthers erupted for 23 points on a 53.3 shooting percentage. Azcuenaga ignited the surge with three first-half threes, while Castricone added efficient scoring and both Singley and Perez controlled the boards. Chaffey was dominant and held the Trojans to eight points and entered halftime at 34-19.

Skyline stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring Chaffey 27-10 and trimming the lead to 46-44 heading into the fourth. With the margin tightening, the Panthers regained composure defensively, holding the Trojans to 27.8 percent shooting in the fourth quarter. Azcuenaga knocked down the pivotal fourth-quarter three that halted the Trojans' momentum, while Thomas added key free throws to help secure the four-point win.

Azcuenaga delivered a game-high 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including five made threes, while adding eight rebounds, a steal and one block. Castricone followed with 13 points and seven rebounds in another strong all-around outing. Thomas added 11 points, three rebounds and two assists, going 5-for-6 from the free-throw line. Abigail Aguilar and Kamryn Ellis also provided valuable minutes, combining for nine points and six rebounds off the bench.

As a team, Chaffey overcame a cold shooting night, 28.8 percent from the field and 27.6 percent from three, by dominating the glass with 51 rebounds, knocking down eight threes, and adding 27 bench points. The Panthers also held the Trojans to a 31.6 shooting percentage and outscored them 23-8 in the second quarter, production that ultimately made the difference.

The Panthers will now return to the road, traveling to face Glendale College on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m.