Head Coach Brian Fogel will undoubtedly be the first to admit that there is still some work to be done as the Chico State women's basketball team prepares for its 2015-16 season opener in two weeks. But he knows there are plenty of good things already in place and ready to build on, as evidenced by the Wildcats' 63-49 exhibition win over William Jessup Thursday night at Acker Gym.
 
The 'Cat went out in front four minutes into the opening quarter and never relinquished the lead, leading by as many as 21 with 2:48 left in the contest. Every available Chico State player saw at least 10 minutes of action, as the Wildcats combined to shoot 34 percent from the field, 75 percent from the free throw line and outrebound William Jessup 44-40.
 
Individually, McKena Barker came within two rebounds of a double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down eight boards. Brooke Bowen also score 10 for the 'Cats, while Tyler Prange knocked down three 3-pointers to finish with nine on the night. Haley Cremen added six points and eight rebounds, with point guard Sherise Porchia contributing six points and a team-high six assists.
 
Chico State was in front by as many as five points in the first quarter, taking a 17-14 lead into the second 10-minute stanza. Buckets by Bowen and Porchia to start the period extended the 'Cats' advantage to seven, but William Jessup pulled to within one with 41 seconds remaining in the half. Prange hit a big 3-pointer just before the buzzer, giving the Wildcats a 30-26 halftime lead.
 
Chico State outscored the Warriors 17-8 in the third quarter, as three Brooke Bowen baskets and a 3-ball by Townsend lead the attack that put the 'Cats up 47-34 at the end of the period.
 
The Wildcats used a 14-6 run – highlighted by another Townsend 3-pointer and baskets by Barker and Porchia – to take their biggest lead, 61-40, with 2:48 to play. William Jessup scored nine of the last 11 points down the stretch, but it was far too little and far too late as the Wildcats coasted home with the 63-49 victory.

BOX SCORE
 
Chico State plays its final exhibition game next Saturday in Reno, and it will be a big test for the Wildcats, as they take on Division I University of Nevada. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. The 'Cats' 2015-16 regular season opener is Nov. 13 when they host the two-day Coslet Classic and square off with Notre Dame de Namur.