BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Junior midfielder Katherine Bagwell scored a pair of first half goals as Chico State sprinted out of the gate and cruised to a 5–1 win over Cal State Bakersfield Friday night on the Main Soccer Field in Bakersfield.

The four–goal margin was the largest ever in a Roadrunner home loss, breaking the old mark of three set four times previously. It was also unexpected, given Bakersfield's five previous losses this season had come by a total of just six goals.

Bagwell's brace highlighted a four–goal first half for the Wildcats (9–2–3, 9–1–1 CCAA), who entered the match ranked No. 4 in the West Region. The goals were her fourth and fifth over the past two games. Here hat trick in Tuesday win over Cal State Stanislaus was the first by a Chico State player since 1994.

The win also allowed Chico to maintain its three–point lead over Sonoma State in the CCAA north division. Sonoma was a 3–1 winner over Cal State Monterey Bay Friday afternoon.

Sophomore midfielder Moriah Neville gave Bakersfield (5–6–4, 2–6–3) a glimmer of hope to start the second half. Her 30–yard blast into the upper corner came in the first minute after the restart. Senior forward Taylar Sklar gave Chico cause for concern when she rang the crossbar, just missing her 12th goal of the season.

Other than that, Wildcat goalkeepers Natalie Bensky and Kari Gonzales were rarely tested, combining for just three saves in the match. For its part, the Wildcat offense was proficient, if not proliferative, putting just seven shots on frame, but scoring on five.

Bakersfield returns to action Sunday, hosting Cal State Stanislaus at noon on the Main Soccer Field. It will be the first time Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke has faced Cal State Stanislaus, where she coached the past three seasons before returning to Bakersfield.

Chico State will continue its trip south with a key visit to CCAA title contender Cal State L.A. Sunday afternoon.