LA JOLLA – An incredible first quarter gave way to a frustrating final three as the Chico State women's basketball team dropped a 68-47 decision at UC San Diego's RIMAC Arena Friday night.
 
The Wildcats scored 17 of the last 19 first-quarter points and raced to a 21-6 lead against the 22^nd-ranked Tritons. They did it with a balanced attack and stifling defense. Seven different Wildcats scored in a turnover-free stanza. On the other end, the Wildcats forced five turnovers and held UC San Diego to 14-percent shooting.
 
The Tritons began to exert themselves in the second quarter and finished the half with an 11-4 run to trim the lead to 32-29.
 
That trend continued in the second half. After Chico State's Sammy DeHart tied the game with a layup with 6:10 left in the third quarter, UC San Diego used an 18-0 run to end the period and take control. An 8-2 run to start the fourth capped the Tritons' 37-6 push that bridged the first and second half, and put the game away.
 
DeHart led the Wildcats with seven points and seven rebounds. Sherise Porchia, Natalie Valenzuela and Haley Cremen finished with six points apiece.
 
Chico State fell to 10-11 overall and 5-10 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The Wildcats have dropped 12 in a row at RIMAC Arena.
 
UC San Diego improved to 19-3 overall and 14-2 in the CCAA with its 15^th double-digit victory of the season.
 
The Wildcats will be back in action Saturday night at Cal State San Bernardino. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30.