MERCED, Calif. – Chico State capped its weekend road trip, spoling senior day, with a 3–2 victory over UC Merced on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at Bobcat Field. With the win, the Wildcats improved to 8-5-2 overall (6-2-0 CCAA), while the Bobcats dropped to 6-6-3 (3-5-0 CCAA).

Goals

CHIC – 2' Hannah Pieri
CHIC – 7' Makayla Cruz-Martinez
UCM – 9' Trinidad Quiroz (Liliana Johnson)
UCM – 33' Jackie Tamayo (Sonya Gregoris)
CHIC – 78' Laila Hadid (Yulisa Reyes, Malia Bell)

How it happened

The Wildcats wasted no time getting on the board, scoring twice in the opening seven minutes. Hannah Pieri found the net just 70 seconds into the match with a rocket from outside the box that had the Bobcats' keeper watching as it soared into the net. Scoring her second straight goal and third of the season, Makayla Cruz-Martinez doubled the advantage moments later following a chance in front of the net that was fired inside the right post.

UC Merced responded quickly, cutting the deficit in half in the ninth minute on Trinidad Quiroz's finish from Liliana Johnson, then equalized in the 33rd when Jackie Tamayo scored off a Sonya Gregoris assist.

With the match tied late, Laila Hadid delivered the game-winner in the 78th minute, tapping home her first goal of the season after Yulisa Reyes snuck a contested header past the Bobcats' keeper right in front of the net. 

Kennedy Briseno made five saves to secure the win for Chico State, while UC Merced goalkeepers Hannah Andreasenand Alicia Lepe combined for four stops.

By the Numbers

• Shots: UC Merced 14, Chico State 13 (SOG: 7–7).

• Corners: Chico State 6, UC Merced 1.

• Fouls: Chico State 9, UC Merced 5.

• Goalkeepers: CHIC – Kennedy Briseno (5 saves, 2 GA); UCM – Hannah Andreasen (1 save, 2 GA, 45'), Alicia Lepe (3 saves, 1 GA, 45').