Sound Byte: M. Sanchez & C. Kakela (Game 2)

HAYWARD, Calif. – Cal State East Bay capped off its 2014 campaign with a Sunday split against California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) opponent Chico State. The visiting Wildcats took game one 6-2 before the Pioneers finished off their season with an 11-6 victory. East Bay finished fifth in the final league standings with a .500 conference record for the first time since joining the CCAA in 2010.

Standings: 2014 CCAA Softball

"It's a great feeling. It's really nice to know that we were part of a change and are leaving with a winning record," said senior Meli Sanchez following her final collegiate games. "Hopefully the program can continue to build off this season."

"It always feels good to end on a good note and that we did something with this season. We didn't do this just for us; it was also for the people before us and the one's that will be here after," said senior Chelsie Kakela.

Chico St. 6, Cal St. East Bay 2 – F (Game 1)
The bats were hot from the get-go for both teams as the Wildcats hit two solo homers and Sanchez connected for a game-tying 2-run blast in the opening inning. After a rocky opening frame Chico State pitcher Alex Molina (12-12) settled in shutting out the Pioneers over the final six innings. She struck out five and allowed just four hits and one walk for the win.

Three of Cal State East Bay's four hits went for extra bases including doubles from Lauren Vestal and Kakela. The Pioneers went just 4-for-23 (.174) at the plate against Molina with pinch hitter Alex Vela colleting the team's other base hit in the contest.

Chico State's (24-26, 17-19 CCAA) Kayla Barber went 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI singles. She provided the eventual game-winning hit in the second inning and made it back-to-back run-scoring hits in the fourth. Teammate Emily McEnaney led the team with three RBI including a first inning solo homer and a 2-run single in the sixth.

Emily Perlich (14-14) took the loss surrendering six runs on eight hits in 3.1 innings. Jordan Abel came on in relief and tossed 3.2 innings of 1-hit, shutout ball.

Cal St. East Bay 11, Chico St. 6 – F (Game 2)
Following Sunday morning's result the two teams were tied in the CCAA standings at 17-18 with fifth place on the line in the season finale. The Pioneers, who were 1-15 in CCAA play against the Wildcats prior to the 2014 series, would win 3-of-4 to claim their first series against the Wildcats and fifth place in the league standings.

Kakela made her final collegiate game one to remember as she finished 3-for-4 with four RBI including a pair of home runs. She collected a base hit in each of her final three at bats and erased a 2-0 deficit with a 3-run homer in the bottom of the third. Kakela laced her 14th career home run over the wall in center field in her final career at bat.

The Pioneers broke open a 6-6 tie with a four run frame in the fifth. A two out, 2-run single from Nikki Foster capped off the rally and provided the Pioneers a pair of crucial insurance runs in the late going.

Marisa Lerma went 2-for-2 and reached base safely in all four trips to the plate including a pair of free passes. She scored two of the team's 11 runs and collected a pair of the squad's nine hits.

Abel (9-3) surrendered six runs (four earned) on 10 hits and was effective enough to earn the win. She earned the win in each of her past five starts and has lowered her ERA from 4.15 to 2.54 over her past eight appearances.

Four different Wildcats collected a pair of hits in the loss. Sammi Ridgway went 2-for-3 and led the visiting side with three runs batted in. Cheyenne Sandoval (3-7) gave up seven runs (four earned) in 4.1 innings.

Cal State East Bay defended Pioneer field to the tune of an 18-6 home record this season. It is the most home wins since the program made its return to NCAA Division II.

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