As one of several key reserves, Samantha Messersmith has played an important role in the success of the Chico State women’s basketball team. The Division I transfer has consistently bolstered the Wildcats’ frontcourt play and delivered shutdown defense in short bursts off the bench so far in the 2011-12 season. Last Friday and Saturday Messersmith showed she could be was an offensive threat as well, and her all-around play has earned the native of Galt Wildcat of the Week honors.
Messersmith did a little bit of everything Friday against Cal State Dominguez Hills. Offensively, she connected on 5-of-8 from the field – including both of her 3-point attempts – en route to a career-high 12 points in the Wildcats’ 82-53 win over the Toros. Messersmith also grabbed two rebounds, handed out an assist, grabbed a steal and blocked two shots in just 13 minutes of action. Saturday against Cal State L.A., Messersmith scored just three points, but played some important minutes down the stretch, contributing three rebounds, one assist and a steal to help the ’Cats build a second half lead they were eventually unable to hang onto, dropping a 57-56 heartbreaker as the Golden Eagles hit two free throws in the final four seconds to pull out the victory.
On the season, Messersmith is averaging 3.0 points and 2.1 rebounds in a little under 10 minutes of play per game. She is shooting 50 percent from behind the 3-point arc and 83 percent from the free throw line.
Chico State takes to the road this weekend, traveling to the Bay Area Friday to battle Cal State East Bay, then heads to the coast to take on Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday. Both games are scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m.
