Panthers Pull Away Late to Secure Road Win at San Bernardino Valley
The Chaffey College women's basketball team bounced back on Wednesday evening with a convincing 76-38 road win over San Bernardino Valley College, delivering a complete performance highlighted by interior dominance, balanced scoring, and sustained defensive pressure. The win evened the Panthers' Inland Empire Athletic Conference record at 1-1 and marked one of their strongest all-around efforts of the season.
Chaffey established control early, holding the Wolverines to single-digit scoring in each of the first two quarters while steadily building an advantage. The Panthers led 18-9 after the first quarter and extended the margin to 36-17 by halftime behind active ball movement, second-chance opportunities and strong play in the paint.
The Panthers continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, responding to San Bernardino Valley's brief offensive push with consistent interior scoring and timely stops. Chaffey closed the game with its most efficient offensive stretch in the fourth quarter, shooting 61.1 percent from the field while holding the Wolverines scoreless to pull away decisively.
Abby Hardy led Chaffey with a breakout performance, scoring 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting while adding five rebounds. Venezia Perez delivered one of her strongest all-around games of the season, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals to anchor the Panthers on both ends of the floor.
Cali Azcuenaga added 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench, while Destiney Rentie contributed a career-high 11 points on efficient shooting. Abigail Aguilar recorded eight points and six rebounds and Kamryn Ellis posted four points, eight rebounds and seven assists, providing steady playmaking throughout the contest.
As a team, Chaffey shot 41.3 percent from the field and dominated the interior, outscoring San Bernardino Valley 56-10 in the paint. The Panthers also forced 23 turnovers, scored 29 points off those opportunities and won the rebounding battle 63-32, including 26 offensive boards. Chaffey's bench accounted for 39 points, underscoring the depth and balance of the lineup.
The Panthers will look to build on the momentum as conference play continues, returning to action in the new year on Friday, Jan. 3 at Palo Verde College. Tipoff is scheduled at 1 p.m.
