POMONA—If this is the way the wonderful 2021 Chico State women's soccer team season ends—with a 1-0 double-overtime loss to Cal State East Bay in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament semifinal—so be it. No loss or NCAA Championship Tournament Committee decision can change the spirit this team played with, which will be its lasting legacy more matches or not.
 
It stings in the moment though. Especially because this could be the last ride for the senior trio of Jordan Doukakis, Kylie Martinez and Sarah Emigh. They set the tone. They led the way. This 10-win season, school record streak of seven straight shutouts, and coach Kim Sutton's milestones (She reached 200 wins as Chico State's head coach became just the fifth woman to reach 250 wins as a Division II head coach.) all had their fingerprints all over them.
 
If a CSI inspector was to take a look, they might find the following in those fingerprints: blood, sweat, and tears from the highs and lows of five and six seasons in the program; polymers from the balloons they filled coach Sutton's office in the night before her birthday; ink from taking notes in class; grass stains from taking falls in practice; rubber from the grips of the scooters they ride all over town; and bus seat fabric (yeah, gross). All of it has made a lasting impression on them. They, in turn, have made a lasting impression on us.
 
Prior to Tami Kwong's golden goal 1:57 into the second overtime, Chico State and Cal State East Bay appeared destined for a shootout. Wildcats goalkeeper Emma Hofmann had turned aside the first 10 shots on goal she faced. Meanwhile, the Wildcats had failed to break through on their first 10 shots against Pioneers goalkeeper Jordan Smith, who made three saves and benefitted from a team save of Emigh's try with five minutes left in the first half.
 
The day began with lots of good news for the Wildcats, who had six players receive All-CCAA honors. Susanna Garcia garnered Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-CCAA accolades, joining Martinez and Camille Lidster on the first team. Emigh and Hofmann were named Second Team All-CCAA and Doukakis received honorable mention. Hofmann was also named the CCAA Freshman of the Year, joining Garcia as the only Wildcats to win the award.
 
Just prior to the match, Emigh was presented with the CCAA's Elite 13 Award, which goes to the player at the championship tournament site with the highest GPA.
 
The Wildcats hope to get some more good news Monday at 3 p.m. when the NCAA Championship Tournament field is announced.