CHICO, Calif. - With no clouds in sight, the Wildcats resumed play against the Pioneers following the postponement due to lightning last Saturday. Only 50 minutes remained in regulation in the supposed CCAA opener for the 'Cats, but Miles Rice only needed fifteen of those to tally the first conference win on their record.

The game was resumed following the heavy thunderstorms on Friday that had a flurry of lightning surrounding Chico. The resumption of the game in the 40th minute on a Wildcats goal kick was an odd start to a shortened match.

Following the shortened halftime break, the game started to find shape, with the Wildcats coming out strong offensively, led by Miles Rice. After a great play by the 'Cats down the right side of the pitch, Dawson White had the ball at his feet with space, whipping a cross toward a waiting for Josh Moll, who won the header through the crowd only to bounce high off the crossbar. The ball stayed in play, catching the Pioneers stunned; a patient, Miles Rice, leaped up to head the ball home for this first goal of the match.

Josh Moll adding his first assist to his career stats with the Wildcats.

Six minutes later, Adrian Fontanelli blasted a breaking ball forward to a chasing Josh Moll, able to collect the ball at his feet, and found a lagging Rice. Rice sped down the left side of the box with a Pioneers defender in tow, blasting a left-booted strike towards the net from an almost impossible angle, slipping through the keeper's legs and notching a second goal for the Cameron Park native. 

Rice now ties the CCAA goal leader with seven goals in nine matches so far this season—simultaneously recording a new career best in goals scored in a season, and he still has half of the season to play.

Adding to the impressive victory was Emanuel Padilla, earning his 8th shutout of the season behind another penalty kick save late into the match. Not only did Padila save the initial shot, but he also recorded a double save from 5 yards from his net. The Santa Rosa native has stepped up when the 'Cats need him most, making three saves throughout the match, two from 12 yards and within.

Adrian Fontanelli and Noah Ross recorded a shot on goal each, with Chico State's offense outshooting the Pioneers 13-9.

23 different Wildcats found time on the pitch in the shutout victory, the No.3 best team in the nation improving to 1-0-1 in CCAA play and 8-0-1 overall. They have outscored their opponents 20-2 through the first half of the season, 

This upcoming weekend will see No.3 Chico State take on a pair of nationally ranked opponents in the CCAA, starting on Friday against the No.9 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos, who are undefeated so far in conference play at 2-0. Kickoff for Friday's intense matchup will be 7 p.m. and will be broadcasted on the CCAA Network.