The Chico State women's basketball team was anxious to show the Wildcat faithful the potential the 2018–19 squad possesses. After having two prior games scheduled at Acker Gym postponed and forced to endure a wait of nearly three weeks to strut their on-court stuff in front of the home fans, the 'Cats didn't disappoint in their Thursday opener, building a lead of 34 at one point and cruising to an 80-64 victory over the visiting Stanislaus State Warriors.
 
The win moved Chico State to 5-1 on the season and 2-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Stanislaus State slipped to 1-5 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

 

Every Wildcats player saw some minutes Thursday, with four scoring in double figures. McKena Barker notched her second straight double-double and 14th of her Chico State career with 12 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. Shay Stark also posted a dozen in the points column to go along with five assists, while Brynn Thoming netted a career-high 11. Natalie Valenzuela tallied 10 points for the victorious 'Cats.
 
Chico State shot 50.9 percent from the field and connected on eight 3-pointers on the evening. The Wildcats also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Warriors 46-30.
 
The 'Cats wasted little time getting the upper hand, using baskets by Stark and Valenzuela and four Barker free throws to race out to an 11-2 first quarter lead. Stanislaus was twice able to whittle the deficit down to five, but a 3-pointer by Mikaila Wegenke and a Valenzuela jumper put Chico State up 20-10 at the end of the period.
 
The Wildcats stretched their advantage to 16 in the second quarter, with baskets by Valenzuela, Barker, Thoming and Hannah Washington powering an 8-0 run to put Chico State up 31-15. The Warriors crept to within nine points, but a Vanessa Holland layup and a free throw by Stark in the final minute of the period gave the 'Cats a 37-25 lead at halftime.
 
Chico State lowered the boom in the third quarter, outscoring Stanislaus 29-14 in the period. Stark, Thoming and Myli Martinez all drained 3-pointers, and with Washington and Rachel Fielder adding some scoring off the bench, the 'Cats went on a 17-7 run to balloon their lead to 63-34. Thoming knocked home another trey in the final seconds of the period, giving the Wildcats a 66-39 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
 
Martinez kicked off the final 10-minute stanza with a 3-pointer, Thoming connected again from behind the arc, and Katie Mackenzie contributed a pair of free throw as the 'Cats went up 74-40 with just under seven minutes to play. Stanislaus made a little noise down the stretch, outscoring the Wildcats 24-6 the rest of the way, but it was too little and too late for the Warriors, as Chico State rolled to the 80-64 victory.
 
The Wildcats are back in action Saturday, hosting Cal State East Bay (5-4, 2-2 CCAA) at Acker Gym. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
 
 
Support Students, Faculty, and Staff Impacted by the Camp Fire
The Wildcat Athletics Family is committed to doing all we can to help spread awareness and help for those directly impacted by the Camp Fire, which struck Butte County on Thursday, November 8. We are reaching out to you asking for help raising money for the Wildcats Rise Fire Recovery Fund, established by the University. 

Donations to this fund will support students, faculty, and staff in need of aid for clothing and household goods, electronics such as phones and laptops, transportation, childcare assistance, temporary housing, school supplies, or meal assistance. 

This terrible disaster will not stop the resolve of our Chico State community. Together, our Wildcats Family will rise.
 
People can give by simply clicking HERE or by texting WildcatsRise74 to 71777.
 

For complete information on the University's response, please visit HERE.