LAS VEGAS, Nev.—The Chico State softball team completed a historically productive season-opening weekend with an exclamation point Sunday, wrapping up the Desert Stinger Tournament with a six-inning, 9-0 victory over Montana State-Billings at Majestic Park in Las Vegas. The win improved the Wildcats' record to a perfect 5-0, making Head Coach Angel Shamblin's squad the first Chico State softball team to win its first five games of the season since 1978.
The 'Cats pounded out a dozen hits against Montana State-Billings, and used a five-run third inning to break the game open.
Ari Marsh had three hits and knocked in four runs to lead the Wildcat attack, with Cailin Garmon adding two hits while scoring four runs and stealing three bases. Claire Wayne went 3-for-4, while Megan Bowley blasted her first home run of the year.
Haley Gilham turned in another impressive outing in the pitcher's circle, scattering three hits in five innings of work to pick up her third win of the young season. As a result of her weekend efforts, Gilham was named to the Desert Stinger All-Tournament team.
Chico State jumped on top in the first inning Sunday, as Garmon singled, stole second and eventually scored on Marsh's sacrifice fly to right field.
In the top of the third, the Wildcats broke the game open. Garmon was hit by a pitch, stole second and came home when Marsh singled to left, giving the Wildcats a 2-0 lead. Later in the frame Kristin Worley scored from third on an Olivia Dallara sacrifice fly, and following a base hit by Wayne, Bowley clubbed a three-run homer over the left field fence, extending the 'Cats' advantage to 6-0.
Chico State scored again in the top of the fourth inning when Marsh's single up the middle plated Garmon, and in the sixth Marsh chased home Garmon with an RBI single and later scored on a Montana State-Billings error, ballooning Chico State's lead to nine.
Gilham handed the ball over to relief pitcher Amanda Flores, who retired the Mustangs 1-2-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning to lock down the Wildcats' 9-0 victory.
Chico State jumps right into California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play next weekend, and the Wildcats will face a huge challenge as they travel to Arcata to take on defending conference and NCAA West Region champion Humboldt State. The Lumberjacks—the No. 2 ranked in the nation—also went 5-0 during the Desert Stinger Tournament.
The 'Cats and 'Jacks will play a four-game series starting with a doubleheader Friday beginning at noon. The two teams will conclude the series with a twin bill Saturday starting at 11 a.m.
