RIVERSIDE – Winning the season opener is beginning to become a habit for the Chico State women's soccer team. The Wildcats have won their first soccer match three of the last four years and haven't lost an opener since 2011. The 'Cats continued the trend with a triumph in their 2016 lid lifter Thursday afternoon, and Head Coach Kim Sutton's crew did it in dramatic fashion. Korie Bozart booted home the match-winner in the 108th minute to give Chico State a 2-1 victory over California Baptist at Lancer Soccer Field in Riverside.
 
Despite outshooting the Lancers 15-10 in the first half, the Wildcats trailed for the first 78 minutes of the contest. California Baptist drew first blood, taking a 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute when Casey Kute took a cross from Jordan Dow and delivered a header into the back of the net.
 
The Lancers made the lead stand up deep into the second period, but with less than 12 minutes to play in regulation Brielynn Tovani took a deflection off California Baptist goalkeeper Sara Escobedo and ripped the ball home to tie things up at 1-1.
 
Both team had chances to win in regulation. The Lancers missed two shots in the final seven minutes, and the Wildcats' Lindsey Dias was unsuccessful from point-blank range, sending the match into overtime.
 
Neither team could get anything going offensively in the first overtime period, but in the second OT the Wildcats were the clear aggressors, getting off four shots. With just 1:20 remaining in the match, Bozart delivered the winning goal, knocking in a free kick from 35 yards out to give Chico State the 2-1 victory.
 
Caitlyn Duval started in goal for the 'Cats and recorded seven saves on the afternoon.
 
Chico State is back in action Saturday at 7 p.m. with a road tilt against the Cougars of Azusa Pacific. The Wildcats return home next week for three pre-conference matchups, taking on Seattle Pacific, Holy Names and Academy of Art.