ROHNERT PARK, Calif-  Despite being held to just 15 points in the first half, Chico State emerged from Seawolf Gym with a 59-51 win over Sonoma State on Friday night in CCAA women's basketball action.  The loss drops the Seawolves to 9-13, 5-10 CCAA while Wildcats improve to 13-9, 9-6 CCAA.

Despite shooting a woeful 28% from the field in the first half, the Wildcats came out hot in the second, making 50% of their attempts and draining all five of three's from beyond the arc. With the game tied at 26 and 14:00 minutes remaining, Melissa Richardson nailed back-to-back three-pointers to give the Wildcats a 32-26 advantage they would not relinquish.

Chico was also aided by their excellent free-throw shooting in the second half. The Wildcats were nearly perfect from the charity stripe, missing only one attempt to go 15 of 16.

Two Seawolves finished the game in double figures, including 13 points from Jennifer Russo and 10 points from Stephanie Barnes. Lauren Redfield added 8 points, two assists and three steals in a losing effort.

Three Wildcats finished with doubles figures, including a game-high 21 points from Natasha Smith on 8 of 12 shooting. Smith also lead the team in assists tonight with seven. Melissa Richardson poured in 19 points, and Renee Goldoff chipped in 11.

The Seawolves will look to avenge an early conference loss against Cal State Stanislaus, when they host the Warriors Saturday night.

Box Score