CHICO, Calif. — In a fitting CCAA Game of the Week showdown, the Cal Poly Humboldt women's soccer team earned its fourth consecutive trip to the CCAA Tournament — a new program record under head coach Grant Landy — after battling to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Chico State on Thursday afternoon at University Soccer Stadium. The result also denied the Wildcats the CCAA regular-season title, which they would have secured with a win.

The match carried special significance as it honored former Humboldt head coach and current Chico State leader Kim Sutton, who is set to retire at the end of the season. With Humboldt fighting for playoff contention and Chico seeking a championship, the contest delivered on its billing as one of the premier matchups in the conference.

Chico State (9-5-4, 7-2-2 CCAA) opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Gabby Starr converted a penalty kick. Humboldt (6-5-7, 4-2-5 CCAA) responded swiftly in the 20th minute as Heidie Munoz netted her second goal of the season off a combination from Camryn Patten and Morgan Young. Less than 15 minutes later, Sari Murphy gave the Jacks the lead with a composed finish in the 32nd minute, assisted by Lucy Al-Chokhachy, putting Humboldt up 2-1 at halftime.

The Jacks extended their advantage in the 54th minute when Morgan Young scored her first goal of the season, assisted by Munoz, to make it 3-1. Chico, however, rallied behind Olivia Hohnstein, who struck twice in the 57th and 69th minutes to bring the match level at 3-3.

Despite late pressure from Chico, which outshot Humboldt 16-10, the Jacks held strong defensively to secure the crucial point and punch their ticket to the postseason.

"This was probably one of the more intense soccer games that I've been a part of during my time here at Humboldt," said Head Coach Grant Landy. "There's already a rivalry between Chico and Humboldt, and with so much on the line — Kim Sutton's retirement, their fight for a championship, and our fight to get in — the momentum swings were incredible. I'm just really proud of this group for making it into the postseason. This conference is really hard, so to do it four years in a row is very special."

The streak marks a historic achievement for the program, as the Jacks have now reached the CCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons for the first time ever.

When asked about the milestone, Landy credited the players' commitment. "It's really not about me," he said. "It's about the work of the players and the seniors, every year, just wanting to keep playing and having that experience. Seeing all their hard work and dedication pay off — I'm just happy for them."

Humboldt enters the postseason as the No. 5 seed and will travel to face No. 4 seed Cal State San Bernardino in the CCAA Tournament Quarterfinals on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Premier Field.

"We're pretty beat up today, so tomorrow will be a recovery day," Landy added. "Whoever we play, it's going to be tough — this conference is so competitive from top to bottom. But we're excited that we're in and we get another opportunity. We'll put together a game plan tomorrow and hopefully carry it out on Sunday."

Team Statistics:
Shots: Humboldt 10 (4 on goal), Chico State 16 (7 on goal)
Saves: Humboldt 4, Chico State 1
Corners: Humboldt 1, Chico State 6
Fouls: Humboldt 7, Chico State 13

Scoring Summary:
11:18 — CHICO: Gabby Starr (PK)
19:07 — HUMBOLDT: Heidie Munoz (Assist: Camryn Patten, Morgan Young)
31:37 — HUMBOLDT: Sari Murphy (Assist: Lucy Al-Chokhachy)
53:43 — HUMBOLDT: Morgan Young (Assist: Heidie Munoz)
56:35 — CHICO: Olivia Hohnstein (Assist: Klayre Barres)
68:53 — CHICO: Olivia Hohnstein (Assist: Taylor McMahon)

Up Next:
Cal Poly Humboldt opens postseason play at Cal State San Bernardino on Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the CCAA Tournament quarterfinals. The 'Jacks will be looking for revenge, as Cal State San Bernardino defeated Humboldt 3-2 earlier this season on October 19 in Arcata. 

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