Defenders Abbie Jones and Brooke Coelho carded their first collegiate goals and helped anchor the defense's dominant effort in Chico State's 2–0 victory over visiting UC Santa Cruz in a non-conference women's soccer match Friday night at University Soccer Stadium.
 
The Wildcats' starting back line of Jones, Coelho, Jazmine Carranza and Korie Bozart helped limit the visiting Banana Slugs to four shots, and only one shot on goal. That was saved by Brenna Meier, who shared the shutout with starter Claire Abele.
 
Jones scored just 1:34 into the match, assisted by Bozart and Courtney Sharrah. Coelho's strike in the 15^th minute was assisted by Erin Woods.
 

But the biggest assist of the night went to Chico State's fans, which donated more than 400 food items and more than $300 to the Hungry Wildcats Food Pantry, which serves Chico State's food insecure students. Wildcat Food Pantry Weekend at University Soccer Stadium continues Saturday night when the Chico State men host UC Santa Cruz at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring food items and money to donate to the cause. And those who could not make it to University Soccer Stadium this weekend can still donate by texting "chicocares" to 71777.
 
Chico State improved to 6-5-0 and stayed unbeaten at home this season (5-0) with the victory. UC Santa Cruz slipped to 3-10-0.
 
The Wildcats opened the scoring with a beautiful set piece after Brielynn Tovani drew a foul between the sideline and top-left corner of the 18-yard box. Bozart drilled a cross to the PK spot where Sharrah flicked it on beyond the opposite post. Jones reacted quickly, and after a quick touch, slammed a shot inside the near post for a 1–0 lead.
 
They doubled the advantage 13 minutes later. Woods won a ball at midfield and then dribbled through the teeth of the defense toward the top of the box. The entire stadium heard Coelho's cries for the ball as she made a nice run down the right flank and Woods delivered it at just the right time, putting Coelho in behind her defender. Coelho did not miss, cracking a shot inside the near post from 10 yards.
 
The Wildcats will attempt to extend their six-match home winning streak and nine-match home unbeaten streak next Friday night when Cal Poly Pomona comes to town for a 7 p.m. showdown.