MORAGA, Calif. – With a steady balance of seven returners from last season and five newcomers joining in for the 2023-24 campaign, Chico State head women's basketball coach Brian Fogel got a look at the 16^th edition of his roster by scheduling two exhibition games against the West Coast Conference teams with the first stop at Saint Mary's Monday night.
 
Though the Gaels won the friendly 79-65, the Wildcats made it a battle for two-and-a-half quarters. Saint Mary's went on a 10-4 run to the end of the quarter and went into the final period with a double-digit lead.
 
Reigning CCAA Newcomer of the Year Brandy Huffhines had an impressive evening, dropping 18 points including four 3-point baskets. Makenzi Laporte went a perfect 4-for-4 in both in field goal range and the free throw line for 14 points and Jordan Allred scored a dozen points in her unofficial Chico State debut.
 
Altogether, the Wildcats hit 39 percent of their shots including 10 made from beyond the arc on 26 attempts. Chico State also went 9-for-11 on the free throw line.
 
Saint Mary's, though, was dominant on the glass, outrebounding Chico State 46-27.
 
All-CCAA second teamer Zhane Duckett led the effort with six rebounds while making four assists, four steals and a block.
 
Ali Bamberger, who was voted on the All-WCC Preseason Team voted by the nine head coaches, finished with 15 points and five rebounds. Maia Jones led the game with 22 points.
 
Turnovers was one category the Wildcats won over the Gaels. Chico State committed a dozen miscues while Saint Mary's had 16. The Wildcats produced 14 points off those turnovers.
 
The Wildcats will return to the Bay Area for one more preseason workout Friday, where they will visit the University of San Francisco led by former Wildcat head coach Molly Goodenbour. Tipoff is at 5 p.m.
 
Chico State officially begins its season November 10 against Dominican at Sonoma State's Wolf Den.