Panthers Battle Hard in 8-5 Loss to El Camino

The Chaffey College women's water polo team came up short in a competitive South Coast Conference matchup on Wednesday afternoon, falling 8-5 to El Camino College. Despite the loss, the Panthers showed improved offensive rhythm and strong defensive play to remain within striking distance throughout the match.

The Panthers opened with a strong first period, jumping out to a 2-0 lead on goals from Elise Camarena and Sarah Alexander. The Warriors responded with two late goals to even the score by the end of the period and carried that momentum into the second, taking a 5-3 lead at halftime.

Kaylee Pfalmer added Chaffey's third goal just before the break, assisted by Goalkeeper Savannah Shaw. Alexander continued to lead the Panthers' attack, scoring again in the third period and later adding her third goal of the match in the final frame off a setup from Ani Babayan. Shaw recorded 12 saves in the cage, holding steady against El Camino's 19-shot effort.

With the result, Chaffey moved to 0-2 in the South Coast Conference. The Panthers will host an invitational on Saturday, October 4, taking on Crafton Hills College for the second time this season along with Bakersfield College.