SAN FRANCISCO – For the second time this season, the San Francisco State women's soccer team battled Chico State to a scoreless double-overtime tie on Friday afternoon in a key California Collegiate Athletic Association match at Cox Stadium.
With the draw, the Gators (8-7-4, 6-6-3 CCAA) remain two points behind the Wildcats (7-4-8, 5-2-8 CCAA) in the conference standings heading into Sunday's regular-season finale at home against Cal State Stanislaus. A Chico State win or tie at Cal State Monterey Bay that same day would give the Wildcats the CCAA North Division crown.
In a defensive struggle, SF State had a chance to dent the scoreboard early in the second half, but a shot by Katie Voss (Pleasanton, Calif., Amador Valley HS) in the 49th minute hit the left post. The Gators also had a pair of opportunities in overtime, but were unable to convert. Chico State goalkeeper Natalie Bensky corralled a Myriah Johnson (Lakewood, Wash., Clover Park HS) shot from the right side with just over two minutes gone by in the first extra session, while Nicole Vanni's (Manteca, Calif., Sierra HS) attempt with 1:16 elapsed in the second overtime period sailed wide of the goal.
SF State endured one last Wildcat threat as Sadi' Stouder's shot with 30 seconds left in the match was deflected out of bounds by goalkeeper Annicia Jones (Sacramento, Calif., West Campus) HS. Jones and her counterpart Bensky each finished with three saves apiece.
Chico State held a slim 8-6 advantage in shots, with both teams recording three attempts on goal. Meanwhile, the Gators finished with a 3-2 edge in corner kicks.
SF State returns to the pitch on Sunday when it squares off against Cal State Stanislaus beginning at 2 p.m. Prior to the match, the Gators will honor their three seniors, Alex Emanuel (Pacific Grove, Calif., Pacific Grove HS), Rachel Lauderdale (Mission Viejo, Calif., Laguna Hills HS) and Zoila Marquez (Salinas, Calif., North Salinas HS).
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