The Wildcats didn’t allow the Eagles to soar too high in their matchup Monday morning. Chico State women’s soccer rallied back from being down 1-0 to defeat Biola University 3-1. 

Midway through the first half, Biola took the lead and a perfect trip down south was on the line for the Wildcats. Chico State’s 15 shots on goal gave the team a good shot at winning. At least one of them was bound to find the back of the net, and three eventually did. 

After an early goal from Biola, Chico State sophomore Madison Parsons was able to get a foot on the ball and tie the game in the 34th minute, sending the Wildcats into the half with momentum. 

Parsons has been a part of the program for three years and finally got an opportunity to suit up. Knee injuries have kept her sidelined throughout her time as a Wildcat. 

It has been a long and tedious road up to this point for Parsons, but she attributes this opportunity to those around her. 

“Seeing my hard work throughout my years finally pay off is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s not an individual achievement,” Parsons said. “I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of my teammates.” 

The perseverance to overcome her injuries translates onto the field and is why she was able to bring life to the Wildcats. 

Minutes before her goal, Parsons nearly tied the game. The shot was out of the keeper’s reach, but bounced off the crossbar. 

Despite her missed chances, Parsons stayed aggressive in the attacking third and helped put the game level.

Chico State went into the second half with momentum on their side and it showed as they put Biola’s keeper to work in the early going, with three shots on frame in the first three minutes of the second half. 

A corner in the 55th minute from Jordan Doukakis was placed on a silver platter for Susanna Garcia to head the ball giving the Wildcats a lead of 2-1. This is Garcia’s second goal in two games. 

However, the Wildcats kept the momentum in order to put this game out of reach. In the 63rd minute, freshman Summer Baron subbed in for Mackenzie Gill and wasted no time to take full advantage of the moment.

Three minutes after Baron stepped onto the field she notched a goal with the assist from Garcia and the Wildcats pulled away from Biola. 

Finding success was a surprise to Baron, but she knows she can help the team as the season progresses. 

“I really didn’t expect to score this early, but I’m hoping it is the first of many,” Baron said. “Scoring today was such a great way to end the weekend.” 

It was a near perfect road trip for the Wildcats. Four goals for them and only one conceded in two games. 

Captain Susanna Garcia said the team can be proud of what they accomplished this past weekend, but must put it behind them in order to remain hungry. 

“In order to get that banner we must win games,” Garcia said. “I don’t think this team will have to struggle to stay focused, we are fully in it.” 

This mindset applies for Garcia and her play on the field. Adding another goal against Biola is credited to her concentration on the play at hand and forgetting what happened before, good or bad. 

“Focusing on the next thing helps with the strong mentality to try and get the best results,” Garcia said. 

Chico State resumes play at University Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 11 where they will square off against Seattle Pacific at 7 p.m.

Mason Tovani can be reached at [email protected] or @masonmtovani on Twitter