Taylor Hanamaikai knew when the Chico State softball team opened the 2012 season last weekend that she would be expected to be one of the main anchors of the Wildcat infield defensively. But the sophomore shortstop was also given an added responsibility for the two-day Mizuno Best of the West Invitational – to make things happen at the top of the ’Cats’ batting order. Hanamaikai came through in impressive fashion, reaching base eight times and scoring five runs to help the Wildcats win four of their five weekend games and claim the tournament championship. Hanamaikai’s heroics as Chico State’s leadoff hitter has earned the Seaside native the Wildcat of the Week award.
In Chico State’s five games during the Best of the West Invitational, Hanamakai hit .333 and posted a pair of multi-hit games. She collected five hits and three walks for a .444 on-base percentage, plus added an RBI to her weekend totals.
Hanamaikai began the weekend with a 2-for-4 performance with a run scored in Chico State’s 6-0 win Saturday over Dominican University. Later in the day, she coaxed a bases-loaded walk to contribute to a four-run third inning as the Wildcats blanked Western Washington, 8-0. Hanamaikai finished the tournament’s first day with another 2-for-4 effort as the ’Cats edged Humboldt State, 3-2.
On Sunday, Metro State couldn’t keep Hanamaikai off the basepaths, as she came around to score three times in Chico State’s 14-2 victory over the Cougars.
The No. 15 Wildcats are in southern California this weekend to kick off California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference play against defending national champion and No. 1-ranked UC San Diego. The four-game set gets underway with a Friday doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
