When Ari Marsh lined an opposite-field single in the Chico State softball team's final regular season game, it came as absolutely no surprise to those that have followed her four-year career how significant it was. The base knock made the San Diego product the program's all-time hits leader—and how numerically appropriate that the player who wore No. 2 on her jersey since 2016 broke the previous record with hit number 222. On the eve of her final postseason in a Chico State uniform, Marsh's many offensive contributions make her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
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Marsh collected her share of kudos following her record-breaking hit against Cal State East Bay, moving her past Alli Cook to the top of Chico State's career top 10. But even the most passionate Wildcats fan may not know that Marsh ranks high in several other career offensive categories. Heading into this week's California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament, she is second in program history in runs batted in (128), third in total bases (285), fourth in runs scored (101), and fifth in career doubles (42).
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Marsh's year-in, year-out production at the plate has somewhat overshadowed four seasons worth of sparkling defensive play in right field, where she has thrilled 'Cats fans with countless diving catches, over-the-shoulder grabs, and run-preventing throws to the plate.
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Marsh will get the chance to add to her amazing career totals when she and the Wildcats hit the field Thursday in Seaside to defend their conference crown in first round action at the CCAA Tournament.
