ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – The Sonoma State women's soccer team suffered a tough defeat on Friday, dropping their CCAA opener 3-1 to Chico State.  The Seawolves held a 20-11 shot advantage but surrendered the final three goals of the contest. 
 
SSU came out strong and netted the game's first goal just seven minutes in.  Julia Pritchard played the ball out wide to Malia Falk who then sent a left footed cross into the box.  Lexi Zandonella-Arasa ran into the box and headed the ball over the goalie for an early 1-0 lead.  The goal was Zandonella-Arasa's sixth of the year and extended her goal scoring streak to three matches. 
 
The Wildcats wasted little time tying the match, scoring about a minute later after a failed clear by the Seawolves.  Mackenzie Gill took the ball down at the top of the box, spun and hit a left footed shot inside the right post.  The rest of the half passed without another score with Sonoma State recording 12 shots in the first 45 minutes. 
 
Chico State came out quickly in the second half, scoring just 31 seconds in on a cross and a finish by Natalie Mendoza.  In the 55^th minute they added another with Gill notching her second of the game. 
 
Less than a minute after falling behind by two the Seawolves earned a penalty kick when Zandonella-Arasa was taken down in the box.  Julia Pritchard stepped up for the kick but her shot went just over the bar to keep the score at 3-1.  SSU's next chance came in the 65^th minute but Emma Hofmann made an incredible leaping save to keep Annette Sotelo's shot from going into the back of the next.  The final 25 minutes went by without a goal and gave Chico State the victory. 
 
Kennedy Williams played the final 28 minutes in goal for the Seawolves and made one fantastic diving save after Phoebe Barnes earned the start and made two saves. 
 
Sonoma State moved to 4-2-1 on the season and will look to rebound on Sunday when they host Humboldt State at 11:30 am.