The Chico State softball team received a major self-confidence boost last weekend with a series win over No. 17 UC San Diego, and despite wet weather forecast for this weekend, the Wildcats will try to keep their momentum going when they host Cal State San Marcos at University Softball Field. Due to rain expected late in the afternoon, Friday's series-opening doubleheader will get underway at 10 a.m., with Saturday's twin bill, weather permitting, beginning at 11 a.m.
Fans unable to attend the games in person can follow the action on the Internet with Live Stats via the Wildcat Athletics website.
Chico State enters the series 10-6 on the season and in fifth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with a 7-5 conference record. The Wildcats took three out of four from UC San Diego last weekend in La Jolla, holding the hottest-hitting team in the CCAA to just a .147 batting average in the series.
The Wildcats are 5-3 at home this season. Winners of 80 of 122 games at University Softball Field since Head Coach Angel Shamblin took over the program seven years ago, the Wildcats have either split or won 28 of the last 29 home series dating back to the 2010 season.
Chico State is batting .270 as a unit, averaging four runs and 7.1 hits a game. The 'Cats' pitching staff currently ranks second among the 11 CCAA teams in opposing batting average (.221), third in strikeouts (82) and fourth in earn run average (2.42).
Cal State San Marcos, in the midst of its first season in the CCAA after many years as a nationally-ranked powerhouse in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), has experienced a bumpy transition to Division II. The Cougars are 4-16 on the year and sit in the CCAA cellar with a 2-10 conference record.
San Marcos enters the weekend having lost nine in a row and 16 of its last 18. The Cougars were swept at home last weekend by No. 4 Humboldt State.
The Cougars are hitting .243 as a team, averaging 2.4 runs and 6.2 hits a contest. The San Marcos pitching staff sports a collective ERA of 4.95.
Chico State and San Marcos have met only four times prior to this weekend, and each game was part of the Best of the West Tournament in Turlock that opened the 2011-14 seasons. The Cougars are a perfect 4-0 against the 'Cats all-time, with Chico State being shut out in all four contests.
