Chico State Athletics

The Chico State softball team was in need of a big boost after dropping the opener of its four-game home series Friday against Stanislaus State. Senior Naomi Monahan was more than happy to step up and provide the Wildcats with two superb pitching performances when they needed it most. The senior righthander delivered a pair of clutch complete games victories to led the 'Cats to a 3-1 series win over the visiting Warriors. Monahan's mastery in the circle makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
 
Monahan allowed only two earned and nine hits in her 14 innings of work, striking out six and holding the Warriors to a paltry .188 batting average to help Chico State improve to 26-12 overall and move the Wildcats back into second place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with a 20-10 conference record.
 
Following Chico State's loss in the opener of  Friday's doubleheader, Monahan scattered four hits and allowed just an unearned run in the nightcap, as the Wildcats topped the Warriors 3-1. On Saturday—just a few hours after being honored during Senior Day ceremonies—she secured the day's doubleheader sweep and series victory, surrendering just two runs and five hits in seven innings as Chico State downed Stanislaus 5-2.
 
The two victories raised Monahan's season record to 4-2 while lowering her earned run average to 2.75. Monahan now boasts a career 19-3 record since joining the Chico State pitching staff two years ago.
 
Monahan and the Wildcats play their final games of the regular season this weekend when they travel to San Jose's Spartan Softball Field to take on Cal State East Bay in a four-game set. Doubleheaders are slated Friday at 1 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m.