ROHNERT PARK – The Chico State women's basketball team had hoped their final game before the holiday break would include some much-needed improvement in its offensive execution. Heading into Saturday's road contest against Sonoma State, the Wildcats had shot a combined 35.5 percent over their last four games, all resulting in losses. It was more of the same against the Seawolves, with the 'Cats connecting on just 36.4 percent of their field goal attempts as Sonoma State handed Chico State its fifth straight defeat with a 70-58 victory at the Wolves' Den.
Saturday's loss dropped Chico State to 4-5 on the season and into last place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with a 0-4 conference record. Sonoma State snapped its four-game losing streak to improve to 5-6 overall and 1-3 in CCAA play.
Natalie Valenzuela was the Wildcats' top scorer, pouring in 11 points on the night. Brooke Bowen hit a trio of treys to finish with nine points, with McKena Barker and Irie Stokes contributing eight points apiece. Barker and Kayla Taylor each grabbed six rebounds to lead the 'Cats on the boards.
The Chico State offense was cold out of the gate, missing nine of its first 10 shots as Sonoma State went out in front 8-4. Bowen came off the bench to provide a spark, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game at 10-all. The Seawolves went back on top, but a Taylor layup evened things up and the first period ended in a 12-12 tie.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair early on, with the lead changing hands seven times. Chico State went on top for the first time 15-13 courtesy of a Michelle Townsend 3-pointer, then after Sonoma retook the lead, Valenzuela delivered a 3-point play to put the 'Cats back in front 20-19. The Seawolves answered with a 3-point play, but Stokes drained a 3-ball to give the Wildcats a 23-22 lead. Chico State's offense proceeded to cool off again, with only one bucket – a Townsend 3-pointer – over the final 4:21 of the period. Sonoma, meanwhile, scored 10 unanswered points and nailed a last-second 3-pointer to take a 35-26 halftime lead.
The Wildcats scored the first basket of the third quarter on a Stokes layup, only to see Sonoma rip off a 14-2 run to extend its advantage to 49-30. The Chico State offense finally started to heat up in the final three minutes of the period, with Valenzuela, Lauren Johnson and Haley Cremen all delivering layups, but the Seawolves still took a comfortable 55-41 lead into the fourth quarter.
Chico State made things interesting in the fourth quarter, with a Bowen 3-pointer and baskets by Barker and Valenzuela quickly pulling the Wildcats to within 11. Whitney Branham hit two field goal attempts and a pair of free throws to help the 'Cats whittle the deficit to 64-56 with 1:44 to play, but the Seawolves hit several free throws down the stretch to roll to the 70-58 victory.
Chico State will take several days off before returning to action with a New Year's Eve matinee against Cal State L.A. at Acker Gym. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
