Chico State Athletics

Chico State softball Head Coach Angel Shamblin knew before the season even started that Ari Marsh would be a big contributor to the Wildcats' fortunes in 2016. But even Shamblin couldn't have foreseen how consistent the talented freshman would be throughout the course of the campaign. The Poway product was at it again in the 'Cats' regular season finale against San Francisco State, rapping out five hits and stretching her team-best hitting streak to 15 games to help Chico State take three of four from the visiting Gators. Her impressive production at the plate makes Marsh the latest Wildcat of the Week.
 
Marsh batted .455 (5-for-11) against San Francisco State pitching, reaching base seven times in 13 plate appearances. She scored twice and knocked in a run to help the No. 14 Wildcats improve to 36-12 on the season and lock down second place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with a 27-11 conference record.
 
Marsh kicked off the series with a 3-for-3 performance in Friday's game one doubleheader, then picked up a base hit in the Wildcats' 4-1 win in the nightcap. In the first game of Saturday's twin bill, Marsh had a hit and scored a run in the 'Cats' 2-1 victory over the Gators, and though her hitting streaked was snapped in the nightcap, she still reached base and came around to score as Chico State triumphed 6-3.
 
Marsh is hitting .327 in her first year as a Wildcat, and her 15 doubles is tied for fourth-most (with teammate Cyrena Taylor) in the CCAA.
 
Marsh and the Wildcats begin postseason play this Friday, taking on Sonoma State in the first round of the CCAA Championship Tournament at Arnaiz Stadium in Stockton.