Box Score
WATCH Heptner's Game-Winner (Courtesy Big West TV)

DAVIS, Calif. -- UC Davis sophomore striker Kristian Heptner scored twice, including the game-winner in the 78th minute off a pass from teammate Matt Baringer, helping lift the host Aggies to a, 2-1, exhibition victory over visiting Chico State on Sunday evening at the Aggie Soccer Field.

The match served as the lone tune-up for UC Davis, which officially opens the 2016 season at home against Bay Area rival San Jose State on Friday (Aug. 26) at 5 p.m.

Heptner, who finished with a goal and an assist a season ago, doubled that scoring output with his two goals on Sunday, his first coming on a penalty kick in the 29th minute after teammate Justin Wright was taken down in the box, drawing a whistle. Heptner stepped to the spot and calmly tucking the opening goal to the left side for the 1-0 lead.

That advantage stood through halftime until the Wildcats came up with the equalizer in the 64th minute. Frankie Palmer drove deep near the touchline down the left side and curled what looked to be a cross across the mouth of the goal. The shot kept bending, however, and found the far side netting to bring Chico State level.

UC Davis then took the lead for good 14 minutes later, again off the foot of Heptner, but this time with some help from his teammate. Baringer got around his defender and pushed down toward the touchline where he was able to find the feet of Heptner at the top of the box and the sophomore cashed it in. Taking a touch, Heptner rocketed a shot to the right post, just past a diving Wildcat keeper for the game-winner, as the clock ran out on any Chico State rally.

The Wildcats out-shot the Aggies, 12-10, for the match, including an 8-3 advantage in the second half, led by four attempts off the foot of Rajaee DeLane and three more from Omar Nuno, last year's leading scorer.

Heptner led the way for UC Davis with three attempts, while Wright and Roy Boateng had two apiece -- one each coming on back-to-back attempts in the 19th minute as the Aggies applied pressure early.

UC Davis used 20 players, including the Division I debuts of Onah Power, goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley, Justin Leavitt, and Nabi Kibunguchy, as well as the Aggie debut of Wake Forest transfer Chase Rhode.

Chico State (Exhibition) vs. UC Davis (Exhibition)
Date: Aug 21, 2016 Attendance: 563

Goals by period 1 2 Tot
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Chico State......... 0 1 - 1
UC Davis............ 1 1 - 2

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 28:32 UCD Heptner, Kristian Penalty kick
2. 63:36 CHICO Palmer, Frankie (unassisted) - sharp angle at left, curls in to far post
3. 77:08 UCD Heptner, Kristian (Baringer, Matt) - deep along touchline, back to top, volley to right side

Shots: Chico State 12, UC Davis 10
Saves: Chico State 3 (Dennison, Luke 3), UC Davis 4 (Quezada, Armando 4)
Exhibition Game