Judging by her performance in the season-opening Concordia Kickoff Classic, Alani Nguyen's transition from high school to college softball will be a seamless one. The true freshman, playing her first games in a Chico State uniform, delivered time and time again for the Wildcats, and her run-producing hits during the tournament immediately established Nguyen as one of the team's top offensive threats in 2020. Her successful debut has earned Nguyen the latest Wildcat of the Week award.
Nguyen batted .556 (5-for-9) in the Wildcats' five Concordia Kickoff Classic contests, drove in seven runs, reached base 12 times (a .706 on-base percentage), and posted a slugging percentage of .889 to help Chico State open the 2020 season with five straight wins and the Kickoff Classic championship.
The Pacifica High School product collected two hits and two RBI Saturday in the 'Cats' 4-0 win over No. 10 Concordia Irvine, then later in the day doubled twice and knocked in the Wildcats' only runs in a 2-1 victory over Biola. Nguyen wrapped up the Kickoff Classic Sunday with two hits and three RBI as Chico State rolled past Hawaii Pacific 7-0.
One week into her Chico State career, Nguyen is tied for the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) lead in doubles (3), and ranks third in on-base percentage, fourth in RBI, sixth in batting average, and ninth in slugging percentage.
Nguyen and the Wildcats open CCAA conference play at home this weekend against Cal State Monterey Bay. The series starts with a doubleheader Friday at noon, with the 'Cats and Otters playing a double dip Saturday at 11 a.m.
