HAYWARD – The Chico State women's basketball team entered Saturday's road contest with Cal State East Bay looking to bounce back from Friday's disappointing loss to San Francisco State. For the first eight minutes, the Wildcats did just that by clearly outplaying the host Pioneers. The final 32 minutes, unfortunately, were dominated by Cal State East Bay, as the 'Cats were held to just 28 points during that span and finished on the short end of a 69-45 decision at Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward.
 
Saturday's loss dropped Chico State to 4-2 overall and 0-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Cal State East Bay won its fourth straight contest to improve to 6-2 on the season and 2-0 in CCAA play.
 
No Chico State player scored in double figures Saturday. Michelle Townsend and Kayla Taylor posted eight points apiece, with Brooke Bowen contributing seven. McKena Barker had five points and paced the 'Cats with five rebounds and three assists. Chico State shot just 38 percent from the field, and was outrebounded by the Pioneers 38-23.
 
Things started well for the Wildcats, bolting out to a 17-9 lead in the first quarter. Townsend knocked down a pair of 3-pointers to lead the charge, with Taylor, Barker and Bowen all contributing layups. But with 1:50 left in the period, Chico State's offense went cold, and though the Wildcats finished the quarter with a 17-12 lead, didn't convert another field goal until three minutes left in the second period.
 
Cal State East Bay took advantage of the 'Cats' inability to score by going on a 19-1 run to roar out in front 28-18, and Chico State would never recover. The Wildcats finally got the offense going, finishing the quarter with a pair of Bowen free throws and layups from Taylor and Natalie Valenzuela, but the Pioneers still sported a 35-26 halftime lead.
 
East Bay extended its advantage in the third quarter, using an early 12-3 run to go up 47-29. An Irie Stokes 3-pointer and a layup by Lauren Johnson pulled the Wildcats to within 13, but the Pioneers quickly went back up by 18 and ended the period with a healthy 54-38 lead.
 
It was more of the same in the fourth quarter, as the 'Cats hit just three field goals – one a 3-pointer by Tyler Prange – while East Bay pushed its lead to 25 and ultimately won by a final of 69-45.
 
The Wildcats are back in action Tuesday, traveling to Fresno for a non-conference tilt with the Sunbirds of Fresno Pacific (1-5). Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.