Emily McEnaney has frequently provided the Chico State softball team with clutch hits at the plate and game-saving plays in the field through the course of her Wildcat career, but her talents were particularly evident against Cal State San Bernardino last weekend at University Softball Field. McEnaney was an extra-base hitting machine, clubbing three doubles, a triple and a home run, while also turning several defensive gems to help the ’Cats split their four-game series with the Coyotes. McEnaney’s outstanding play makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
McEnaney batted .455 against San Bernardino and posted a 1.182 slugging percentage in the series, with all five of her hits going for extra bases. The Red Bluff native drove in five runs and reached base seven times in 14 plate appearances, while anchoring the Chico State defense at shortstop.
McEnaney doubled in the first game of Friday’s series-opening doubleheader with the Coyotes, then came back in the nightcap with a double, home run and two runs batted in a 4-0 Wildcat win. McEnaney tripled and had two RBI in the first game of Sunday’s twinbill, followed by a run-scoring double in game two. McEnaney’s biggest contribution in the nightcap, though, was on the defensive end – with San Bernardino putting the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base in the top of the seventh inning, Emily turned a game-ending double play to help the ’Cats hold on for a 7-6 victory.
McEnaney is batting .342 on the season while contributing a team-high 24 RBI and 13 extra-base hits. She is currently ranked sixth among Chico State players in career RBI (79) and is tied for eighth all-time in home runs (8).
McEnaney and the Wildcats are back in action this weekend, competing in the Cal State Stanislaus-hosted Tournament of Champions at Pedretti Park in Turlock.
