With a run at the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) title and a postseason appearance among its priorities, the 2017–18 edition of the Chico State women's basketball team kicks off the new season this weekend, traveling to Rohnert Park to take part in the Sonoma State-hosted CCAA/PacWest Challenge. The Wildcats will go head-to-head with Dominican Friday at 4 p.m., followed by a Saturday matchup at 2 p.m. against Notre Dame de Namur.
Fans unable to attend the games in person can keep up with the action online. Live Stats and live streaming video, along with live play-by-play from Mitch Cox, are available through the Wildcat Athletics website. Saturday's afternoon tilt versus Notre Dame de Namur will also be broadcast locally on Newstalk 1290-AM KPAY.
Head Coach Brian Fogel, beginning his 10th season at the helm, fields a Chico State team that features seven returners and seven new players. The Wildcats are looking to improve on a solid 2016–17 campaign that resulted in a 15-12 record and the program's first postseason appearance in three years.
First Team All-CCAA guard Whitney Branham, the 'Cats' scoring and 3-point shooting leader, is back for her senior season, and is joined by senior forward Kayla Taylor, an All-CCAA Honorable Mention from a year ago. Also returning are sophomore guard Madison Wong, junior forward McKena Barker and senior forward Jo Paine.
Fogel brought in a healthy dose of young talent to complement Chico State's veteran players. Junior guard Aqeelah Williams and sophomore forward Katie Mackenzie, a pair of Division I transfers, will be asked to make sizeable contributions to the Wildcats' attack. Several freshmen—among them Shay Stark, Vanessa Holland, Hannah Washington, and Brynn Thoming—also stand to see significant minutes.
The Wildcats' first two opponents of the 2017–18 campaign are both coming off successful seasons. Dominican, which faces Chico State Friday, boasted a 16-12 record last year and shared sixth place in the Pacific West Conference. The Penguins spoiled the 'Cats' season opener at last season's CCAA/PacWest Challenge, beating Chico State 80-67 on November 11, 2016.
Despite the loss, the Wildcats leads the all-time series with Dominican 3-2.
Notre Dame de Namur, Chico State's Saturday afternoon opponent, was 15-13 last season and tied for fourth place in the PacWest. The last time the two teams met, the Wildcats handed the Argonauts a 59-44 defeat November 12, 2016 at last year's CCAA/PacWest Challenge.
The Wildcats have dominated the all-time series with Notre Dame de Namur. Chico State has never lost to the Argonauts, winning 19 straight decisions dating back to 1985.
