Hayward, Calif. - In a tight chase for CCAA Championship berths, the Wildcats are forced to settle for a single point in Hayward after Miles Rice tied up the match early into the second half.

The Chico State Wildcats (4-1-4) were handed their fourth tie of the conference season, dropping into fourth on the conference standings after a win by the Broncos over the Lumberjacks. With ties across the conference from Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State Monterey Bay, the point disparity at the top remains tight.

The rain was prevalent in the East Bay, creating slick conditions on the turf and causing issues in the attacking third for Chico State.

An early goal from the Pioneers gave the Wildcats a scare in the first half, forcing Chico State to battle back on the road.

Miles Rice was able to level the score with a shot that hit the top right of the goal for his tenth of the season. The goal against the Pioneers brings the senior into a tie for second on the goal leaders in the CCAA, one goal behind the leader from CSUDH, who holds eleven.

Emanuel Padilla made four saves against the Pioneers, as the home side created three more shots on goal than the Wildcats.

With two more games remaining in the CCAA conference season, the Wildcats must nab two strong results against Stanislaus State and Cal State San Marcos to secure tournament berths. A single win will secure a spot in the tournament, but two wins will give them a chance at a first-round bye or the possibility to host the tournament's first game against the 5th or 6th-seeded teams.

Closing their final matchup against Southern California opponents, the 'Cats will travel to San Marcos to take on the Cougars on Sunday. Kickoff at The Cage is at 2 p.m., so make sure to follow along with all of the action on FloSports.