It's been a long while since Chico State women's basketball fans have seen Natalie Valenzuela on the court. Due to a series of debilitating  injuries, Valenzuela entered the 2018–19 season having not logged a single minute of action in nearly two years. But based on her performance over the weekend, it was definitely worth the wait to see the senior forward back on the hardwood. Her hefty contributions in wins over Stanislaus State and Cal State East Bay have earned Valenzuela Wildcat of the Week honors.
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Valenzuela scored a combined 27 points in the Wildcats' first two home games of the season, shooting a blistering 75 percent (12-for-16) from the field. She also grabbed seven rebounds, blocked three shots and doled out two assists to help the 'Cats improve to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play.
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Valenzuela hits all five of her shots Thursday against Stanislaus State, scoring 10 points while adding four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the Wildcats' 80-64 victory over the Warriors. Saturday against Cal State East Bay, Valenzuela scored 17 points—just two off her career high—and grabbed three boards as the 'Cats rolled past the Pioneers 78-59.
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For the season, Valenzuela is averaging 9.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. She currently ranks fifth in program history with 88 career blocks.
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Valenzuela and the Wildcats are in Arcata Saturday for their final game prior to the holiday break. The 'Cats take on Humboldt State beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Â
