Each of the 13 returners to the Chico State softball team entered the 2015 season with high hopes and big expectations. Over the first week of the campaign, Tori Zimmermann is well on the way to reaching hers. In helping the 'Cats win three of their first four contests, the sophomore catcher was a standout both offensively and defensively, went yard for the first time as a Wildcat, and instantly established herself as an extremely tough out in the middle of the Chico State lineup. Zimmermann's season-opening performance makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
All told, Zimmermann was the lone Wildcat to hit safely in all four games, batting .538 (7-for-13) with four extra-base hits and six runs batted in. She reached base eight times in 14 plate appearances (a .571 on-base percentage) and posted a slugging percentage of 1.000. Zimmermann already has as many extra base hits in 13 sophomore at-bats and she did in 93 AB's during her 2014 freshman season.
Zimmermann doubled Thursday in game one of Chico State's season-opening doubleheader against Hawaii-Hilo, and capped the Wildcats' scoring in the nightcap with a solo home run in a 4-1 win over the Vulcans. Zimmermann doubled, knocked in three runs and threw out three would-be base stealers in a 9-1 victory to open Sunday's twinbill vs. Southern Oregon, then went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI while scoring three times as Chico State ripped the Raiders 14-2 in game two to complete the doubleheader sweep.
Zimmermann and the Wildcats are back in action this weekend, hosting a four-game series against Cal State East Bay with Friday and Saturday doubleheaders each beginning at noon.
