There must be something about Las Vegas that brings out the best in Reilani Peleti. The Chico State softball team's first baseman hit her first home run as a Wildcat at last year's season-opening Desert Stinger Tournament, and in 2018 the sophomore was nearly impossible to keep off the basepaths, hitting safely in all three of the 'Cats' tournament games while reaching base six times. Add some sparkling defensive play, and the Santa Rosa product is the hands-down choice for Wildcat of the Week.
Peleti batted .600 during the Desert Stinger Tournament, collecting three hits and walking three times to post an impressive .750 on-base percentage. She scored twice and drove in a run while playing flawless defense at first base, as the No. 7 Wildcats won two of three tournament games to begin the 2018 campaign.
Peleti went 1-for-2 and scored a run in Friday's season-opening 3-2 victory against Azusa Pacific. Later in the day she singled, scored a run, and walked twice—one coming with the bases loaded—in the 'Cats' 12-2 trouncing of Western Washington. Peleti finished the weekend going 1-for-2 against Western Oregon.
Peleti now owns a .412 career batting average (7-for-17) in her two Desert Stinger Tournaments.
Peleti and the Wildcats open up California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play this weekend, hosting San Francisco State at University Softball Field. The four-game series begins Friday with a noon doubleheader, followed by a Saturday twin bill beginning at 11 a.m.
