With so many great chances in the rearview mirror and nothing to show for it, the Chico State women's soccer team needed a finisher. Up stepped true freshman Camille Lidster, who ripped home a header from the top of the six-yard box, finishing a Kylie Martinez corner kick, to give the Wildcats the lead for good in a 1-0 home-opening victory against Dominican University of California Thursday afternoon at University Soccer Stadium.
 
A true freshman from Sacramento's Rio Americano High School, Lidster looked more like a match-hardened veteran in notching her first collegiate goal, rising over the back of a defender to meet Martinez's hard cross and heading it straight into the back of the net between the Penguins goalkeeper and a defender stationed on the right post.
 
Chico State improved to 2-1-0 with the win, while handing Dominican (2-1-0) its first loss of the season.
 
The Wildcats enjoyed a 14-3 advantage in shots, including a 7-1 first-half edge. Lidster, Susanna Garcia, and Cody Johnson each had promising first-half opportunities, but had close-range efforts saved. Lidster finished with a team-high four shots and Garcia took three shots, all on goal.
 
Meanwhile, the Wildcats' defense limited Dominican to only two shots on goal, both of which were saved by Victoria Graham who recorded her first shutout of the season and second in six collegiate starts.
 
Another true freshman, center back Alexi Vontsolos, was also impressive in her regular-season debut in front of the home fans. Vontsolos, Martinez, Madeline Joseph, and Jordan Doukakis made for a stout back line.
 
The Wildcats are back in action Saturday night at home against Holy Names University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.