Two weeks worth of steady rain in Northern California has certainly ended drought discussions, but the wet weather has also put a big crimp in the Chico State softball team's 2017 schedule. But following two straight weeks of rainouts, the Wildcats will finally be getting back on the field this weekend, opening up California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play against Cal State East Bay at University Softball Field. The four-game series gets underway with a Friday doubleheader beginning at noon, with a Saturday twin bill slated for 11 a.m.
 
Fans unable to attend the series in person can keep up with the action on the Internet with Live Stats via the Wildcat Athletics website. Live streaming video will also be available.
 
It has been nearly three weeks since Chico State has played an official game. The Wildcats wrapped up a perfect 5-0 performance February 5 at the Desert Stinger Tournament in Las Vegas, but since then have seen four-game series against Humboldt State and San Francisco State get washed away by wet weather and unplayable field conditions.
 
Despite their inactivity, the 'Cats have moved up the national rankings. Chico State currently occupies the No. 10 position in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II Softball Coaches Poll.
 
Cal State East Bay has been idle since February 12, with rain wiping out a four-game series with Humboldt State and a doubleheader this past Monday against Dominican.
 
The Pioneers enter the weekend 6-2 on the season, with four CCAA games under their belt. East Bay opened the season with doubleheader sweeps of Academy of Art and Holy Names before splitting it conference-opening twin bill with San Francisco State.
 
The Pioneers, 18-28 a year ago, are batting a collective .333 and leading all 11 CCAA teams with 13 home runs. Freshman infielder Sarah Fukushima leads East Bay with four homers and 12 runs batted in, while freshman right-hander Abby Greer is the Pioneers' top pitcher with a 3-1 record and 1.05 earned run average.
 
Last season, Chico State took three out of four against East Bay April 16-17 in Hayward. Since 1983, the Wildcats have won 60 of the 97 meetings with the Pioneers.