Chico, Calif. – The Chico State women's basketball team opened CCAA play with a dominant performance on Thursday evening, earning an 88–54 win over UC Merced at Acker Gym.

With the win, Chico State improves to 4–2 overall and 1–0 in CCAA play.

Wildcat Standouts
– Meadow Aragon – 21 points (8–15 FG), 15 rebounds, 2 blocks
– Madison Parry – 17 points (6–8 FG, 5–5 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists
– Jiana Creswell – 9 points (3–8 FG, 2–4 3PT), 3 rebounds
– Kamil Reid – 9 points (3–11 FG, 2–4 3PT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Game Summary
– Chico State set the tone early, shooting 10-for-18 in the first quarter and forcing five turnovers to build a 22–13 lead.
– The Wildcats exploded in the second quarter, outscoring UC Merced 23–11 behind aggressive defense and 11 made free throws to take a 45–24 halftime lead.
– Aragon continued to dominate in the paint during the third quarter, helping extend the lead to 64–43 heading into the fourth.
– Chico State closed strong with a 24-point final quarter, finishing with 20 assists and 12 steals while holding UC Merced to 16-for-65 shooting.

By the Numbers
– Chico State shot 46.5% from the field (33-for-71) and 47.1% from 3-point range (8-for-17).
– The Wildcats won the rebounding battle 48–42 and scored 44 points in the paint.
– The defense forced 21 turnovers and converted them into 26 points.
– The bench contributed 24 points.
– UC Merced was led by Paloma Ramirez with 17 points, and Nicole Lukito added 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Up Next
Chico State returns to Acker Gym on Saturday at 1 p.m. to host Stanislaus State in its second CCAA matchup of the season.