So close to another early statement victory on so many occasions, the Chico State women's soccer team instead had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Azusa Pacific Thursday night at University Soccer Stadium. That feeling of slight disappointment was shared by the Wildcats' fans in the stands as well. But they all walked out smiling. The match was highly entertaining and the Wildcats are unquestionably playing at a high level.
 
So many questions surrounded Chico State as the season began, mostly due to the team's youth and inexperience. Of the 33 players on the roster, 27 are freshmen or sophomores. But over the first few weeks of the season, the players have proven that though they might lack experience, they can flat-out play.
 
Experience like they gained in Thursday night's spirited and action-packed showdown between two teams that seem clearly to be among the upper echelon of the West Region's sides will only help.
 
Ranked No. 24 in the nation and No. 5 in the West Region, Chico State moved to 3-1-1. The Wildcats are 2-0-1 this season and 18-0-8 in their last 26 matches at University Soccer Stadium.
 
They've shut out their last seven visitors to University Soccer Stadium and 11 of the last 13.  
 
Azusa Pacific, picked to finish third in the PacWest this season, is now 2-1-1. The Cougars were coming off a 3-2 defeat at the hands of the nation's top-ranked team after they surrendered the match-winner in the 86^th minute Saturday.
 
Thursday night the Wildcats had the lion's share of scoring opportunities while out-shooting the Cougars 22-13 and enjoying a 10-3 edge in corner kicks.
 
Susanna Garcia hit the post off a perfect feed from Kyra Greenwood in the 62^nd minute. Cougars keeper Jennifer Kovisto made nine saves on the night, including brilliant diving deflections of Jordan Doukakis' blast toward the left post in the 73^rd minute and Camille Lidster's blast toward the right post in the 77^th.
 
Kovisto also covered Garcia's tough-angled attempt from outside the right post in the 91^st minute and another promising try after Garcia got in behind the defense in the 96^th minute.
 
Chico State's freshmen goalkeeper combination of Eve Miller and Maddie Gonzalez faced four shots on goal and saved two apiece. Miller got the start and played the first half before Gonzalez took over and went the rest of the way.
 
The Wildcats won't have much time to recover from Thursday night's marathon affair. They'll play at Fresno Pacific Saturday at noon to wrap up the non-conference portion of their schedule. That match is the first in a stretch of five consecutive road matches. They open California Collegiate Athletic Association action with a road trip to Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State LA on September 27 and 29, respectively.