The Chico State women's basketball team split its first two games of the 2016–17 season at the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)/Pacific West Challenge, and one Wildcat in particular bolted out of the blocks by posting some impressive numbers both offensively and defensively. Natalie Valenzuela was definitely the 'Cats' "go-to" player on each end of the floor, and her all-around efforts make her the hands-down choice for Wildcat of the Week.
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Valenzuela scored a combined 33 points against Dominican University and Notre Dame de Namur over the weekend, averaging 16.5 points a game while also hauling in 15 rebounds, blocking eight shots and handing out six assists. She shot .611 from the field (11-for-18) and .846 (11-for-13) from the free throw line.
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Valenzuela recorded a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) while blocking four shots and dishing out four assists in Friday's season opener against Dominican, then scored a career-high 19 points and blocked four more shots Saturday to lead the Wildcats to a 59-44 win over Notre Dame de Namur.
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Just two games into her junior year, Valenzuela already ranks ninth in Chico State history with 60 career blocks.
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Valenzuela and the Wildcats travel to Oakland Wednesday to take on Holy Names before returning home for this weekend's 44th annual Coslet Classic at Acker Gym. The 'Cats face Western Oregon Friday and Dixie State on Saturday.
