Aug. 30, 2012

Box Score

CHICO, Calif. - Facing a huge test in its season opener, Western Washington University fell 1-0 to nationally ranked Chico State University in a West Regional women's soccer match-up Thursday at University Soccer Stadium.

Scoring the game's only goal for Chico State, ranked No.4 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America NCAA Division II Preseason Top 25 Poll, was Gail Bassett. She found the net in the 36th minute on a volley of a headed corner kick with Danielle Leiva and Jennie Barto receiving assists.

Chico State outshot WWU, 12-3. Vikings' goalkeeper Jamie Arthurs (Sr., Richland) made five saves,

"We've got a good team, so we purposely wanted to have a big test," said WWU coach Travis Connell. "But we were unfortunate enough not to get a goal, especially in the second half when we had a couple of great chances to equalize. But sometimes it goes that way and we did learn a lot about ourselves."

"The goal was a mistake on our part on a free kick that left a player open and she scored."

WWU next travels to Notre Dame de Namur University for a non-conference game Saturday (1:30 p.m.).

Western Washington vs. Chico StateDate: 08/30/12  Attendance: 179Goals by Period     1   2     TotalWestern Washington  0   0 ---   0Chico State         1   0 ---   1SCORING SUMMARY:Chico State - Bassett (Leiva), 35:03Shots: Western Washington 3, Chico State 12Corner kicks: Western Washington 2, Chico State 4Fouls: Western Washington 12, Chico State 8Saves: Western Washington 5 (Arthurs 5), Chico State 2 (Furner 2)

CHICO STATE ATHLETICS

WOMEN'S SOCCER

Wildcats notch Gail force win in season opener

Furner notches 11th career shutout

Gail Bassett hounded Western Washington all night, endearing herself to the Wildcat faithful and leading the Chico State women's soccer team to a 1-0 win against Western Washington in her debut and the team's season opener.

Bassett buried the lone goal of the match with a jaw dropping chest-high volley to help on a beautifully executed corer kick. She also helped anchor the Wildcats' defense that limited Western Washington to just three shots all night. Carly Singer, Danielle Leiva and Cassi Scroggins joined Bassett on the back line and sophomore goalkeeper Brianna Furner notched her 11th career shutout with a pair of saves including a gorgeous diving stop at the near post in the 25th minute.

The Wildcats notched the night's lone goal 10 minutes later after Jenny Konishi's pressure produced a throw-in deep in Vikings territory. They quickly turned that opportunity into a corner kick that turned the tide.

Jennie Barto's corner found its target in the physically imposing Leiva at the top of the box. She drove a header toward the near post where Bassett was posting up. The San Francisco City College transfer spun and laced a left-footed volley into the back of the net from 5 yards.

That was one of 12 Chico State shots on the night, including six that were on target. The Wildcats also enjoyed a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Furner's shutout was the 11th of the sophomore's young career, matching her with Wendy Keppel for the seventh most in Chico State history.

The Wildcats will be back in action Monday when they host Dominican University at 7 p.m.