Molly Collins has invested four years in the Chico State women’s basketball program, and after logging countless hours of practice, battling through injuries that wiped out her 2008-09 campaign, and seeing precious little playing time as a freshman and sophomore, her dedication and hard work have paid off handsomely this season, establishing herself as one of the big keys to the Wildcats’ 11-5 start. Last weekend Collins once again turned in a pair of solid performances, scoring a combined 28 points, snaring eight rebounds and handing out three assists as Chico State split its two home games with San Francisco State and Cal State Monterey Bay. Her fine play has earned the junior from Davis the Wildcat of the Week award.
Collins connected on eight of her 15 shot attempts Friday against San Francisco State, scoring 16 points – one shy of her career high – while pulling in five rebounds and dishing out three assists to lead the Wildcats to a 59-46 victory over the Gators. Chico State could get little going offensively Saturday against California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) leader Cal State Monterey Bay, but Collins served as one of the team’s few bright spots, scoring a team-high 12 points to go along with three rebounds and one steal as the Wildcats bowed to the Otters, 51-38.
Collins, who has scored in double figures eight times this season, currently leads the Wildcats with an average of 9.4 points a game, and is tied for second on the team in rebounding with 5.0 boards a contest. She is shooting 40 percent from the field and is among the CCAA’s top free throw shooters, averaging 93.9 percent from the foul line.
Collins and the Wildcats conclude their four-game homestand this weekend as they welcome Cal State Dominguez Hills to Acker Gym Friday, followed by Cal Sate L.A. on Saturday. Both games are scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m.
