The Chico State softball team won their final game of the regular season in extra innings against Sonoma State to clinch the fourth and final spot in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament.

The Wildcats came into the day needing to win one of their two games to clinch. They dropped the first one, and the second one looked to be a battle. Sophomore Ari Marsh hit an RBI single to bring in senior Cailin Garmon in the first inning to put Chico State up 1-0. Freshman pitcher Samantha Mulock kept the ‘Cats in the games with five scoreless innings.

The Wildcats looked to be in control as Mulock came out and Garmon came in to finish the game on the mound. With the game on the line, Garmon gave up one run in the top of the seventh and the ‘Cats weren’t able to retaliate, sending the game to extra innings.

However, Chico State wasn’t out of it yet. After stopping the Seawolves on the defensive end, the Wildcats were able to load the bases up in the bottom of the eight. Freshman Olivia Dallara hit a fly-ball to centerfield, and the game winning run scored, sending the ‘Cats into the postseason.

Chico State softball will be playing their first game in the CCAA championship tournament May 5 against Cal State Monterey Bay.

Patrick Pace can be reached at [email protected] or @patpacesports on Twitter.