Chico State defensive holding midfielder Madison Noll notched her first collegiate goal Thursday, and it was a stunner. But it is the work she does on the defensive end that's keyed the Wildcat women's soccer team's success on a night-to-night basis. Noll and the Wildcats beat Cal State East Bay 2-0 Thursday night at University Soccer Stadium and then posted another shutout Sunday in a scoreless draw at Stanislaus State.
The sophomore from Elk Grove (Sheldon High School) has started all 12 of the Wildcats' matches and played the sixth most minutes on the team. In doing so, she's helped Chico State post the lowest goals-against average in the CCAA and ninth lowest in the nation (0.417) and the highest shutout percentage in the CCAA and 11th highest in the nation (along with Cal State LA).
Thursday night, she helped the Wildcats hold Cal State East Bay without a single shot on goal. The Pioneers only mustered six shots and two corner kicks against Chico State's stifling defense. Noll also transitioned from her usual defensive stance for a corner kick and made it count with her first collegiate goal. And it was a banger. Noll was positioned outside the top of the 18, snuck inside a few steps, and then ripped a waist-high, right-footed volley into the top shelf from 15 yards.
Sunday, Noll helped the Wildcats get a result against Stanislaus State for just the fourth time in their last 12 trips there with another strong defensive effort. In shutting out the Warriors for just the second time this season, Chico State moved to 6-2-4 overall and 3-1-2 in the CCAA, and into third place in the CCAA standings. The Wildcats will be back on the road this weekend, playing at Cal State San Marcos Friday and Cal State San Bernardino Sunday.
