The Chico State women’s basketball team is loaded with reliable shooting guards, but the Wildcats’ front court players also play an important role in the team’s success. Head Coach Brian Fogel requires his post players to not only provide consistent scoring and rebounding underneath, but also be able to run the floor and figure into the team’s frequent fast break opportunities. Sophomore forward McKenzie Dalthorp contributed in all three departments Saturday, and though Chico State fell to Humboldt State, Dalthorp registered the first double-double performance of any ’Cat this season. Her fine play at both ends of the floor has made the native of Beaverton, Ore. the latest Wildcat of the Week.
In 28 minutes of action Saturday, Dalthorp scored a career-high 10 points against Humboldt, while also pulling down 10 rebounds – just one shy of her single-game best. She scored the Wildcats’ first bucket of the night, and her layup later in the half provided Chico State with its’ biggest lead of the contest at 17-9.
Dalthorp also hit the Wildcats’ first two shots of the second half, helping Chico State pull to within four points of the Lumberjacks. Humboldt State, though, was able to withstand a pair of second half rallies to win Saturday’s contest, 72-62.
With Saturday’s performance, Dalthorp becomes the first Chico State women’s basketball player to post a double-double since Taylor Lydon scored 19 points and hauled in 13 rebounds Dec. 30, 2010 against Cal State L.A.
For the season, Dalthorp is averaging five points a game, and is second on the team in rebounding, pulling down 4.8 boards a contest.
Dalthorp and the Wildcats face Sonoma State Monday in Rohnert Park before breaking for the holidays. Chico State will return to action Jan. 2 when it hosts California Collegiate Athletic Association rival Cal State Stanislaus at Acker Gym.
