Panthers Earn Opening Win, Gain Valuable Experience at Cuesta Tournament

The Chaffey College women's water polo team competed in four matches at the Cuesta College Tournament over the weekend, earning an opening-round win and continuing to show growth against a competitive lineup of opponents. Sarah Alexander led the Panthers offensively with multi-goal performances throughout the weekend, while Ani Babayan, Kaylee Pfalmer and Elise Camarena provided consistent scoring and playmaking efforts.

Chaffey opened play on Friday with an impressive 12-5 win over San Mateo College. The Panthers displayed a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive structure to secure the win in their first match up of the tournament. After trading goals early, Chaffey found its rhythm in the second period, scoring three unanswered goals to take control. Babayan broke the tie with a strike assisted by Pfalmer, followed by goals from Pfalmer and Aubrey Castillo off setups from Alexander and Mikaela Hernandez. The Panthers extended their lead in the third period behind a five-goal surge that included conversions from Pfalmer, Savannah Shaw, Babayan and Alexander. Alexander capped her standout outing in the final frame with a goal and three assists, while Goalkeeper Annemarie Marcucci led the defense with 12 saves in the cage.

In their second game, the Panthers fell 13-8 to Las Positas College despite a strong start. Chaffey built an early 4-0 lead behind scores from Babayan, Hernandez, Alexander and Castillo before Las Positas surged back in the middle periods. Alexander led the second-half push with two more goals, while Camarena and Hernandez added late finishes to close the match. Goalkeeper Shaw recorded 10 saves, and the Panthers converted twice on power-play opportunities in the final frame.

The Panthers continued tournament play on Saturday against Riverside City College, battling throughout but falling 16-3. Chaffey's offense found moments of rhythm, highlighted by goals from Alexander, Babayan and Castillo, each assisted by Camarena. Goalkeepers Marcucci and Shaw combined for five saves, while Alexander and Pfalmer provided key defense efforts to slow the Tigers' counterattack.

Chaffey concluded the tournament against Diablo Valley College, dropping a 16-3 decision but finishing strong. After trailing early, the Panthers regrouped late as Alexander netted an unassisted goal in the third period. Camarena and Castillo added back-to-back goals in the fourth period, assisted by Babayan and Sarah Villa. Goalkeeper Marcucci recorded 10 saves in the cage, while Babayan and Pfalmer drew key exclusions and helped steady the defense.

The Panthers will now return to South Coast Conference play, traveling to face Pasadena City College on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m.