POMONA, Calif. – A massive win for the Chico State women's soccer team on Friday night in Pomona, as the Wildcats handed the defending national champions their first loss of the 2025 season. They became the first team to take down the Broncos since October 27, 2024.
Malia Bell nodded home the game-winner from a whipped-in corner kick that senior Hannah Pieri served to the back post. Bell's slight advantage on the ball slipped through the Broncos' defense to notch the first goal of her career — and one of the most crucial of her young tenure.
It was an 87-minute grind for the remainder of the match as the Wildcats held the line to keep the hosts scoreless at the final whistle. Kennedy Briseño claimed her second shutout of her freshman year, making four saves against the top-ranked offense in the CCAA. The newcomer is the only goalkeeper to have shut out the defending national champions in nineteen straight matches — a streak dating back to November 1, 2024.
The Wildcats found a way to produce offense in the second half, pushing CPP back on their heels. Impressively, 100 percent of their shots found the frame of the net, with Hannah Pieri, Olivia Hohnstein, and Baylee Gregerson all testing the keeper.
Briseño's backline was sharp all game, stepping in whenever the freshman keeper needed support. In the 60th minute, their chemistry showed — after Briseño's diving save on a powerful Broncos shot spilled into the box, Klayre Barres quickly cleared the danger.
This is the 'Cats' first win over the No. 1 team in Division II in program history, coming on the opening night of a road trip — making it a special victory in the record books.
By the Numbers
- Shots: Cal Poly Pomona 14, Chico State 4 (SOG: 4–4).
- Corners: CPP 9, Chico State 1.
- Fouls: Chico State 8, Cal Poly Pomona 6.
- Yellow Cards (2): CHIC — Klayre Barres (57'); CPP — Marisa Salazar (86').
- Goalkeepers: CHIC – Kennedy Briseno (4 saves, shutout); CPP – Jenna Tetrault (3 saves, 1 GA).
