Published 2013-01-31T08:00:00Z”/>

Brett Appley

The ninth-ranked Chico State women’s basketball team is set up for one of its best seasons ever, after starting the year with a dominant 14-2 record.

The Wildcats lead the California Collegiate Athletic Association by two games and have looked nearly unstoppable in their 10 conference appearances.

With a 9-1 conference record, Chico State is undefeated at home and has the CCAA championship in sight. A conference championship would be its first since the 2007-2008 season.

Impressive victories scatter the schedule, including a come-from-behind victory against fifth-ranked Western Washington University, and a six-point victory at Cal State L.A.

Junior starters Jazmine Miller and McKenzie Dalthorp lead the powerful Chico State offense, scoring 12.6 and 11.9 points per game respectively.

“We need to play a complete game,” Miller said. “The most important thing right now is staying together as a team.”

Behind an arsenal of starters is the Chico State bench led by senior guard Synchro Bull and sophomore forward Analise Riezebos. It has averaged 21 points, 11.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists a game.

After a dream start of 10-0, marking the team’s best since 1974, the Wildcats faced a six-point defeat at the hands of UC San Diego. The ’Cats will have a chance to avenge their loss Feb. 16 when the Tritons head to Chico State.

The entire Wildcat squad is brought together by head coach Brian Fogel, who is in his fifth season at Chico State. While his team has had a record-breaking start, Fogel said there is a lot more to accomplish.

“We can certainly label the start of the season as a success,” Fogel said. “There is still much more we’d like to accomplish though.”

The ’Cats still have many notable games left on the schedule, including a tough road game against third-place Cal Poly Pomona Saturday and against second place Cal State L.A. in the home finale Feb. 23.

With half of the season to their backs and 12 games ahead, the Wildcats remain focused.

“One very important key to success for the rest of the season is staying healthy,” Fogel said. “We need to strive to play our best and focus on the task presented to us each week.”

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<strong>Brett Appley can be reached at</strong> <a href=”mailto:[email protected]”><em>[email protected]</em></a>