CHICO, Calif. — The Dominican University of California women's basketball team opened the 2014-15 season on Saturday with a 68-54 road loss at Chico State.

While it wasn't the end result that the Penguins wanted, the game itself showed a marked improvement from a year ago when Dominican was handled by the eventual tournament team at home 88-60.

Dominican controlled much of the first half on Saturday and forced eight Chico State turnovers in the first ten minutes. In fact, Dominican led by as many as 10 after a Kelsey McKeon layup. However, with six minutes to go in the half, the Wildcats made their move. A Whitney Branham three-point play cut the lead to two and Michelle Walker's layup on the next possession gave Chico State the lead. Dominican trailed by four, 29-25, at the half.

The Penguins never got closer than four points again and fell behind by as much as 24 at one point. Still, Dominican finished the game out strong on an 8-2 run.

Three Wildcats starters reached double digits, led by Hannah Womack's 17 points.

Sarah Nelson led the Penguins with 14 points and nine rebounds. Jessy Marshall added eight points. Freshman Sandra Ikeora added seven points and eight rebounds.

The Penguins host Cal State East Bay in their home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Live coverage will be available at dominicanathletics.com/live.