Box Score SAN BERNARDINO – The Chico State women’s soccer program almost always finishes strong under the watchful eye of Head Coach Kim Sutton. If Friday’s 2-0 win at Cal State San Bernardino is any indication, the Wildcats may do the same this season.

Megan Tabler scored in the 58th minute to give Chico State the lead and Jenny Konishi’s 83rd-minute strike put the match away. Goalkeeper Brianna Furner made three saves to collect the shutout.

The clean sheet was the 15th of Furner’s career, tying her with Lynette Brinkman (1985-87) for the third most in program history. Her 19th career win puts her alone in fourth on that list.

Each team finished with 10 shots, three of which were on frame. But the Wildcats enjoyed a 6-5 edge in corner kicks.

Chico State improved to 6-9 overall and 4-8 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) North Division, while dealing a severe blow to Cal State San Bernardino’s postseason hopes. The Coyotes, which were 4-2-1 at home entering Friday’s action, fell to 7-6-1 overall and 5-6-1 in the CCAA. 

The Wildcats first goal came after a combination of good plays. Courtlynn Cerrito corralled Kelly Skelton’s throw-in near the end line before turning quickly to hit a cross that Tabler flicked off a defender and in. The goal was Tabler’s first of the season and the second of the sophomore’s career.

Shelby Dunlap helped set up the Wildcats’ second goal, creating a turnover near midfield and then pushing the ball ahead to Konishi. The freshman got behind the defense and around the goalkeeper by dribbling around her wide before rolling the ball home just inside the far post for her second goal of the season.

The Wildcats now have three matches remaining beginning with Sunday’s showdown at 12th-ranked UC San Diego. They’ll play at Cal State Stanislaus next Friday before wrapping up the regular season at home against Humboldt State on Sunday, Oct. 28.