SEASIDE, Calif. – Chico State's postseason run came to an end Sunday evening as Cal Poly Humboldt netted a second-half goal to earn a 1–0 win in the CCAA Tournament Championship at Cardinale Stadium. With the loss, the Wildcats conclude the season 10-6-4 overall (7-2-2 CCAA).

A team that was doubted from the start—picked to finish 10th in the preseason coaches poll—this resilient group defied expectations and rose to become one of the top teams in the CCAA. Their second-place regular season finish and appearance in the conference championship match served as the perfect sendoff for longtime head coach Kim Sutton, who is stepping down after an incredible 25-year career leading the Chico State women's soccer program. Stepping down with a final record of 236-152-80, maintaining the title of the winningest head coach in women's soccer history at Chico State.

After a rocky start to the campaign, the Wildcats found their rhythm, climbing the standings and holding a firm grip near the top of the conference for much of the season. Along the way, they notched a historic victory over defending national champion Cal Poly Pomona in Pomona—the first in program history over the nation's top-ranked team.

Despite the heartbreak of Sunday's defeat, Sutton expressed nothing but pride and gratitude for the group that closed out her storied tenure. Her Wildcats battled relentlessly, embodying the spirit and heart that have defined Chico State women's soccer under her leadership. Completing the season as the CCAA Tournament runners-up, this marks the best tournament finish for the Wildcats since 2014.

This marked Chico State's sixth CCAA Tournament Championship appearance under Sutton—and in program history—having captured the program's lone conference title in 2007 following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Cal State LA.

How it happened

After a scoreless first half, Humboldt found the breakthrough in the 75th minute. Alexis Blue finished from close range off a feed from Heidie Munoz, giving the Lumberjacks the only goal they would need.

Chico State pressed hard in the closing minutes, generating several corner kicks and late chances, but Humboldt's goalkeepers Ariana Beddoes and Carson Thomson-Terrel combined for a three-save shutout.

Despite the loss, Chico outshot Humboldt 14–16 and placed six attempts on frame. Kennedy Briseno kept the Wildcats within striking distance with six second-half saves, coming up clutch with Lumberjack strikers looming within the box throughout the second half. 

By the Numbers

• Shots: Cal Poly Humboldt 16, Chico State 14 (SOG: 7–3).

• Corners: Chico State 9, Cal Poly Humboldt 3.

• Goalkeepers: CHIC – Kennedy Briseno (6 saves, 1 GA); HUM – Ariana Beddoes (2 saves, 45'), Carson Thomson-Terrel (1 save, 45', combined shutout).