The Chico State Women’s Basketball team defeated the Cal State East Bay Pioneers 65-55 in their Valentine’s Day matchup, bumping them to a 14-4 record and third place.
This win secured the ’Cats a spot in the California Collegiate Athletic Association tournament, but still allows them time to earn a higher seed. The top four teams have secured their place in CCAA post-season play, including Pomona State, Cal State LA and Cal Poly Humboldt.
The ’Cats came out strong, going on a 12-0 run in the first 3 minutes of the 1st quarter, forcing the Pioneers to take an early timeout.
Sophomore guard Sydney Peterson led the team defensively with three steals and eight rebounds.
“I look for players who are a little bit more nervous and kind of dribble the ball out a little bit, hesitant, yeah, I think that’s what I look for the most,” Peterson said. “We do a pretty intense scout, so you kind of know where the ball’s gonna go.”
Going into halftime, the ’Cats held a comfortable 42-24 lead, in hopes of a strong second half.
Senior forward Madison Parry noted that the team focused on limiting their opponents’ offensive rebounds. They did just that, holding the Pioneers to just 10 offensive boards as the ’Cats stole 35 defensive rebounds.
Parry collected a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. She praised the team’s help defense, which was an important factor in the ’Cats game plan.
“I know if I get beat, I know I have my teammates right there that pick me up,” Parry said.
The Pioneers had a strong fourth quarter, however, scoring 14 points and only allowing the ’Cats eight.
Despite the final effort, the clock hit zero before the Pioneers could close the gap, the scoreboard favoring the ’Cats in the end.
After the game, Parry also mentioned that the coaches rewarded the team with some goodies in honor of the holiday; they all received homemade cookies and a mini bouquet of flowers.
The ’Cats have four more games before postseason play begins.
Peterson explained what practice has been like late in the season as the team prepares for the playoffs.
“The most important thing is that our bodies are healthy,” Peterson said. “So it’s making sure we’re the healthiest that we can be, and bringing our best selves out there.”
The ’Cats next game is at Kellogg Arena on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. against the first-place Cal Poly Pomona Broncos.
For information about all Chico State athletics or to keep up with the game live, visit the Wildcat home page, or watch through FloSports.
Maya VaLaningham can be reached at [email protected]
