Chico State Athletics

A lot has been asked of Chico State softball player Anastacia Alba this season. First and foremost, making the challenging switch from the middle of the infield to third base in the Wildcats’ defensive alignment, while continuing to evolve as a hitter and provide the ’Cats’ offense with consistent production. The sophomore standout has been a resounding success in both departments in 2023, and her skills were on full display in Chico State’s final home series of the season, helping the ’Cats earn a hard-fought split with San Francisco State. Alba’s outstanding efforts make her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
 
At the plate, Alba batted an even .500 (5-for-10) in the four games against the Gators, reaching safely eight times, scoring three runs, and swiping a pair of bases while posting a .700 slugging percentage and .615 on-base percentage. Defensively, the pride of Watsonville was flawless at the hot corner, fielding all 10 chances in the series without making an error.
 
In Friday’s series opener, Alba went 2-for-3 with a double, then walked and scored twice in the nightcap as the Wildcats downed San Francisco State 9-5. Saturday, she went a combined 3-for-5 at the plate with another double, and added two steals in game two to help Chico State edge the Gators 1-0.
 
Alba is the Wildcats’ leading hitter on the season, sporting a .324 batting average. She is second on the team (and tied for ninth among all California Collegiate Athletic Association players) with 11 stolen bases.
 
Alba and the Wildcats travel to Hayward this weekend to take on Cal State East Bay in a series that will determine if Chico State earns a CCAA Tournament berth or if the ’Cats’ season officially comes to an end.