Though there was not a lot to celebrate about Chico State’s 51-48 loss to Dominican on Nov. 22, there was one aspect of an otherwise forgettable night that brought a smile to Head Coach Brian Fogel’s lips – the play of senior guard Natasha Smith. Smith, returning after a knee injury that sidelined her for almost the entire 2010-11 season and coming off a contest in which she failed to score for only the second time in her Wildcat career, delivered the type of performance against the Penguins that earned her all-conference honors as a sophomore and junior. Smith’s outstanding effort makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Smith scored a team-high 13 points against Dominican, hitting four of 10 shots from the field – including her 100th career 3-pointer – and sinking four of six from the free throw line. The Sacramento native also hauled in seven rebounds, grabbed three steals and doled out an assist in 29 minutes of action. It wasn’t enough, however, from preventing Chico State from bowing to the Penguins, 51-48.
Smith, who will play her 100th game as a Wildcat on Thursday, currently ranks eighth of Chico State’s career scoring list, fifth all-time in assists, seventh in free throws, ninth in 3-pointers and 10th in career steals.
Chico State returns to California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play this week, taking on San Francisco State Thursday before heading to southern California for a Saturday matchup with Cal Poly Pomona.
