In a game that mattered most, the El Camino Warriors emerged victorious at home over the visiting Chaffey College Panthers in the Aquatic Center during a South Coast Conference showdown.

The Warriors began their fourth conference game to a slow start but were able to get back in rhythm to defeat the Panthers 11-8.

El Camino sophomore utility Melissa Brill said that communication was the key that led her team to victory after the slow beginning.

“It started coming out more in the second half,” Brill said. “There was more talking coming from me, more communication. Also getting back on defense.”

Brill was named a South Coast Conference Second Team All-Conference selection in 2021.

Leiana Gonzales, a freshman utility, tied Jackie Calhoun in scoring four goals. Eden Brooke scored one goal, while two more came from Brooke Baudendistel.

With six minutes and 10 seconds to go in the second period, Baudendistel briefly left the game after being head-butted in the nose, returning to the pool afterward to finish the game.

“I felt good. I felt energized. I was communicating more,” Gonzales said.

Calhoun added to the scoreboard by scoring four out of the 11 total points during the game.

Calhoun remained optimistic throughout the afternoon, even before the start of the game.

“I think we did pretty good. We definitely started off pretty slow,” Calhoun said.

After defeating the Chaffey Panthers, the Warriors are looking ahead toward its next opponent: the Long Beach City College Vikings.

Brill said that Long Beach’s more aggressive tactics like stealing the ball may pose a challenge for the Warriors.

“It’ll be really interesting how we play, considering that we did do really well in this game,” Brill said. “Going into it, we’re going to have the mindset of we know they’re going to be fast, they’re going to be taking shots.”

El Camino will face Long Beach at home on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in another South Coast Conference showdown at 3 p.m.