When a softball team has a player that brings a quality arm to the pitcher’s circle, it stands an excellent chance of coming away with a victory. When that pitcher can also produce at the plate, the team’s chances of winning are dramatically increased. Chico State’s Alex Molina delivered just such a dual performance Saturday in the ’Cats’ 4-3 triumph over No. 11 Cal State Dominguez Hills, and for her efforts is the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Chico State’s outstanding effort in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader not only helped the ’Cats avoid a series sweep at the hands of the Toros, but gave the Wildcats their first win in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play. Molina was a major reason why: she allowed just two earned runs and struck out four in six-plus innings of work in the circle, and her two-out, two-run single turned out to be the decisive blow as the ’Cats snapped Dominguez Hills’ 31-game home winning streak.
Molina, a junior transfer from Southwestern Oregon Community College, has two of Chico State’s three wins on the young season, and leads the Wildcat pitching staff with 14 strikeouts in just over 21 innings of work.
The Wildcats return to action this weekend for its first regular season contests at University Softball Field, hosting San Francisco State in doubleheaders on both Friday and Saturday.