CHICO, Calif. - Coming off a solid non-conference schedule packed with nationally ranked opponents, the Wildcats were back home to open up their CCAA schedule against nearby opponents, Cal State East Bay. The 'Cats entered this half of the season with a strong 5-2 record, fighting to make another conference tournament appearance in November.

The Wildcats earned four dangerous opportunities from the corner throughout the first half. In the 31st minute, after conceding their fourth such set piece, Jordan Brail took the inswinging kick, bending the ball with her right boot in the back corner of the net for an Olimpico!

Chico's opening goal ramped up the game, forcing the Pioneers to fight back against the deficit and causing the intensity and temperature of the game to rise.

Hannah Pieri was the leading Wildcat with three shots for the home side, trying to add a tally to her goal total.

Coming off the bench, Summer Baron was a pivotal player for the 'Cats. She applied plenty of pressure on the Pioneers' defensive line, forcing them to make poor passes from the back.

Her pressure paid off in the 60th minute as Brynn Howard found the ball in the middle of the pitch, playing a breaking Baron down the right side, who chipped a rushing Pioneer keeper and scored her first of the season.

Emma Hofmann tallied another shutout in her first game back after a short break from the net, making six saves against the Pioneers.

Chico State starts the conference season at 1-0, with an overall 6-2 record after Friday's dominant victory. They'll be back at home on Sunday to take on the visiting Cougars of San Marcos in CCAA play; kickoff will be at 11:30 a.m. at University Stadium.