Postgame Presser
SEASIDE, Calif. — History was made on Sunday afternoon as Cal Poly Humboldt women's soccer captured its first-ever CCAA Tournament Championship, defeating NorCal rival Chico State, 1-0, at Cardinale Stadium. The Jacks now await their NCAA Tournament seeding and opponent, which will be announced during Monday's NCAA Selection Show at 3:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.
"It was a special night and a special opportunity for us," said head coach Grant Landy. "Over the last three to four weeks, we've really focused on playing hard for each other. We've found a group of competitive players — good people — who have a chip on their shoulder. All season long, we've talked about controlling what we can: our work rate and our mentality. This team genuinely likes each other, they have that bond on the field, and they fight for one another. It's hard to reach a point where the 'we' matters more than the 'me,' but this group has done that. There were plenty of times this season when we could have made excuses, but we didn't — and that's why I'm so proud of them."
The win not only secures the program's first CCAA Tournament crown but also sends Humboldt to the NCAA Division II Tournament for just the second time in school history — and the first time in 29 years.
Humboldt's victory also marks the first time a No. 5 seed has ever won the CCAA Women's Soccer Tournament, adding yet another layer to the historic run. With the championship, the Lumberjacks will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. Prior to this season, Humboldt had just one CCAA Tournament win — earned in 2023 — before their remarkable 2025 title run.
It was fitting that the record-breaking day came on a defensive masterpiece — the Jacks' program-record 13th shutout of the season. Senior defender Josie Wolitzky anchored a backline that refused to bend, earning CCAA Defensive MVP honors, while goalkeepers Carson Thomson-Terrel and Ari Beddoes made three saves to keep the Wildcats off the board.
After a tense, scoreless first half, Humboldt broke through in the 75th minute when Alexis Blue buried the championship-winning goal — her second of the year — off a perfect setup from Heidie Munoz. Blue's strike not only delivered the CCAA title but also cemented her place in Humboldt history as the scorer of the tournament-clinching goal.
Humboldt outshot Chico State 16–14, including a 7–3 advantage on target, as the Jacks' offense continued to press in the second half. Chico managed nine corner kicks to Humboldt's three, but the Jacks' defense stood tall every time.
Six Lumberjacks were named to the 2025 CCAA Women's Soccer All-Tournament Team, underscoring the team's balanced excellence:
With the victory, Cal Poly Humboldt improves to 8-5-8 overall (4-2-5 CCAA), while Chico State concludes its season at 10-6-4 (7-2-2 CCAA).
The Lumberjacks will now turn their focus to the NCAA Tournament — a stage they'll return to for the first time since 1996 — looking to build on a historic season defined by resilience, defense, and a championship-winning moment 29 years in the making.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt women's soccer, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.
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