How tight is the women's soccer competition in the California Collegiate Athletic Association? Chico State is currently two points out of first place and three points from being on the outside looking in when it comes to the postseason picture. And there are only five matches to go. So, to say that this weekend's road trip to face Cal State San Marcos and Cal State San Bernardino is important would be a severe understatement.
 
The Wildcats are ranked No. 8 in the current United Soccer Coaches West Region Poll, 6-2-4 overall, and 3-1-2 in conference play. They are also 3-1-2 away from home. Cal State San Marcos is 5-5-3 overall and 3-2-1 in the CCAA. The Cougars are 3-1-2 at The Cage, where they'll host the Wildcats Friday at 12:30 p.m. Cal State San Bernardino is 6-4-2 overall, 2-2-2 in the CCAA, and 4-1-1 at Premier Field, where they'll host the Wildcats Sunday at 11:30.
 
Both matches will be broadcast on the CCAA Network and live stats are also available. Links can be found at www.chicowildcats.com in the calendar section on the homepage and on the women's soccer schedule page. Access to the live video stream requires a subscription fee that grants users access to every CCAA event on the network, home and away.
 
Chico State is in third place, Cal State San Marcos is tied for fourth, and Cal State San Bernardino is tied for seventh. The top six teams will earn CCAA Tournament berths.
 
The Wildcats lead the CCAA in goals-against average, having surrendered just five goals this season. And they've been even better in conference play, having allowed two goals in six matches.
 
Mackenzie Gill ranks among the league's leaders in goals, assists, and points, while Piper Matson's two match-winning goals are tied for second in the CCAA. Goalkeeper Emma Hofmann leads the CCAA in goals against average and saves percentage. Meanwhile, striker Susanna Garcia is two points shy of becoming the 10^th player in program history to reach the 50-point plateau. She's racked up career totals of 19 goals and 10 assists.