Women’s Basketball Wins Round 1 of Regional Playoffs

The Chaffey College Women’s Basketball team battled hard to deliver a strong overtime performance February 25, securing an 80-73 victory over Rio Hondo College. The win moves Chaffey to 17-12 this season, marking the Panther’s first playoff appearance in 10 years and the first playoff win in 12.

Rio Hondo came out strong, building momentum with 24-16 first quarter and maintaining control through halftime with a 45-35 lead. Chaffey began to shift the game’s momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Rio Hondo 16-10. The Panthers continued to dominate in the fourth, forcing overtime and outscoring Rio Hondo 15-8 to seal the comeback victory.

Forward Abby Hardy led the Panthers with 17 points and 13 rebounds in a team-high 44 minutes. Guard Kamryn Ellis contributed 13 points and four steals to help fuel the second-half turnaround.

Danielle Singely delivered a well-rounded performance with 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Chaffey scored 24 bench points and capitalized on the free-throw line, converting 22 of 33 attempts. They matched Rio Hondo, finishing with 50 total rebounds.

The turning point came in the second half, where Chaffey’s defense limited Rio Hondo to just 20 combined points across the third and fourth quarters. That defensive effort, combined with clutch free-throw shooting and balanced scoring, allowed the Panthers to complete one of their most resilient wins of the season.

The Panthers now hit the road to face Irvine Valley College on February 28.