A day that started with celebration ended in disappointment, as the ‘Cats lost their final game of the season to the Cal State East Bay Pioneers, 4-1.

Before the game, 15 seniors were applauded along with their families during a ceremony that celebrated the team that made it to the College World Series last year.

Honoring the seniors took some of the pain away as the team continued its frustrating season as soon as the teams took the field.

The Pioneers took no time to get on the scoreboard, scoring twice in the top of the first off senior pitcher Derek Sesma.

The Wildcats then got one back when junior Jeff Ortega singled to drive in senior first baseman Tyler Madrid.

In the fifth, Cal State East Bay added another, and one more in the eighth to conclude the game’s scoring.

Seven senior pitchers held the Pioneers to seven hits, and four runs.

It was a disappointing season for the Wildcats who were ranked No. 8 nationally to begin the year. They finished 18-25 and will miss the playoffs for only the second time in 20 seasons.

Nick Martinez-Esquibel can be reached at [email protected] or @THENickMartinez on Twitter