HAYWARD, Calif. - The Chico State softball squad traveled to the East Bay to face off against the Pioneers in the opening day of their final road trip of the 2025 season, with both games coming down to the wire on Friday. The 'Cats narrowly pulled out two upsets over the nationally ranked Pioneers on Friday, losing by a single run in both games of the doubleheader.

The Wildcats drop to 19-21 in CCAA play, with six more games to play in the season, each game will be crucial if they want a chance at a conference tournament berth.

Game 1 | Chico 4, CSUEB 5

Errors plagued the Wildcats in the first game of the series but they managed to battle through all seven innings despite the errant plays and almost stealing the series opener. After falling to a 2-0 deficit in the fourth inning, the 'Cats rallied in the top of the sixth for four runs and their only lead of the game. 

Aiyana Curry made clean contact with a pitch to send the ball over the fence for a two-run home run to start of their scoring run. After a solid series of Wildcats filling the bases, Dahlila Hall and Kennedy Gustin were walked in back-to-back plate appearances to add two runs to the score.

The 'Cats could not quite close out the game and the Pioneers scored three in the bottom of the seventh to walk off the win. 

Game 2 | Chico 0, CSUEB 1 (10 innings)

Kylie Loertscher pitched a complete nine-inning game for the Wildcats, striking out seven Pioneer batters and refusing to give up a single walk. 

The Wildcats were finding it difficult to garner any offense in the second half of the doubleheader with a single hit through ten innings. 

A throwing error in the bottom of the tenth sealed the win for the home team, and the 'Cats walked away from Friday with two tight losses to CSUEB.

Chico State will close out the series on Saturday in Hayward, with the first pitch thrown at noon.