Despite a strong offensive start, the Wildcats women’s basketball team couldn’t hold onto the lead against the Southern Oregon Raiders and fell 68-57 in its home opener on Tuesday night.
Senior forwards Madison Parry and Meadow Aragon led the ‘Cats offense. Parry had 20 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Aragon recorded a double-double, collecting 18 points and 13 rebounds.
The ‘Cats gained an 11-point lead to start the first quarter, including two layups from Aragon and an early three-pointer from Parry. The Raiders attempted to catch up with two three-pointers by guard Sage Winslow and guard Taylee Clements, and a layup by forward Eliza DiGiulio.
The ‘Cats fought off the rally and maintained their lead with a jumper from guard Ivy Gonzalez and a free throw by guard Sydney Peterson.
The ‘Cats played strong defense throughout the first quarter as Aragon and Parry received the most defensive rebounds and blocks, holding the ‘Cats in the lead at 16-10.
“We’re kind of making adjustments as we go, we’re a super new team, so we’re just seeing what works and what doesn’t,” Aragon said. “This is definitely going to be a learning experience, and we’ll learn from it and build on it.”
The Raiders started to close in on the ‘Cats in the second quarter, shooting 2-for-7 from the three-point line.
The Raiders’ defense began their momentum by generating steals that led to points to tie with the ‘Cats at 18. But the ‘Cats broke the draw quickly and continued to lead with a layup and a free throw by Aragon and Parry.
The first half ended with a narrow lead for the ‘Cats at 30-29.
“We’re going to come out the second half strong, and I think that we needed to match that energy and just play our game in how we know what we’ve been practicing. That was pretty much our halftime talk, energy and communication,” Parry said.
The Raiders took the lead from the ‘Cats in the third quarter with an 11-0 run to gain control and never trailed again for the rest of the game.
Aragon started the third quarter with a free throw, but the Raiders struck back immediately with a three by guard Bridgette McIntyre.
Raiders forward Lydia Traore drew with the ‘Cats after making a free throw, and the Raiders continued to add pressure with two layups and a jumper. The ‘Cats fought back with two three-pointers by Gonzalez and by Parry.
A three-pointer by Clements extended the lead for the Raiders, putting them ahead 46-41, a lead they would hold onto fairly comfortably down the stretch.
The Raiders controlled the fourth quarter, outscoring the ‘Cats 22-16.
The closest the ‘Cats got to the Raiders was 59-50 at the last minute of the game, but the Raiders added nine more points, resulting in the final score of 68-57.
“Teams can live and die by a three-ball; they got way too many threes, and that’s hard to beat any game. We have to defend the three-point line better,” Aragon said.
The loss dropped the ‘Cats to a 1-2 record. Their next game is against Menlo on Nov. 22 at 3 p.m., and their next home game is Nov. 26 at 1 p.m. against Jessup.
For information about all Chico State athletics, or to keep up with the game live, visit the Wildcat home page, or watch through FloSports.
Malisse Busby can be reached at [email protected].
