SEASIDE, Calif. – The Chico State softball team looks to build onto its success in last weekend’s Mizuno Tournament of Champions as they jump back into CCAA play with a four-game series against CSU Monterey Bay, beginning with a doubleheader Friday at the Otter Softball Complex.
The Wildcats won five of their six games in the Mizuno Tournament of Champions, improving their season record to 16-29 (4-20 in conference play). Chico State was the hottest hitting team among the 20-school field, batting a collective .380 throughout the tourney. Gwen Cox hit a blistering .600 over the six games, while Charlotte Honciano belted her first home run of the year. Freshman pitcher Jessica McDermott racked up two victories for the ’Cats and registered the first two saves of her college career.
CSU Monterey Bay (25-21-1 overall, 12-8 CCAA) also went 5-1 in the Mizuno Tournament of Champions, and come into the series with Chico State having won 10 of its last 13 games. The Otters beat the Wildcats in their lone meeting so far this season, a 5-1 decision Feb. 8 during the Mizuno Best of the West Tournament in Turlock. Last year the Wildcats swept the season series, taking four straight against Monterey Bay March 20-22 at University Softball Field.
Friday’s series-opening doubleheader begins at 1:00 p.m., with Saturday’s double dip getting underway at 11:00 a.m.