February has been an exciting month for the Chico State softball team. The Wildcats have won their first 13 games, sit in first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), and moved from No. 21 to No. 8 in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Top 25 poll. The 'Cats would love nothing better than to close out the month the way they started it, and they'll get their chance this weekend when Cal State East Bay comes to University Softball Field. The four-game series begins with a Friday doubleheader beginning at 12 noon, followed by a Saturday twin bill starting at 11 a.m.
Fans unable to make the games in person can follow the action on the Internet with Live Stats, available through the Wildcat Athletics website. Live streaming video will also be available online.
Chico State remained unbeaten and improved to 8-0 in CCAA play with last weekend's four-game sweep of Cal State San Marcos. The 'Cats are currently one of just 10 Division II teams that has yet to lose a game this season.
The Wildcats' offense produced three more home runs, and though just 13 games in, they are just eight shy of tying the program's single season record of 26 round-trippers.
The Chico State pitching staff was superb, holding San Marcos to just one run and 10 hits in the entire series.
The 'Cats' stats certainly back up their win total. The Chico State offense leads the CCAA in home runs and slugging percentage (.534), while the pitching staff is No. 1 in the conference (and second in the nation) in earned run average (0.64), shutouts (8), strikeouts (76) and opponent batting average (.152). Defensively, the Wildcats are tops in the CCAA (and 13th in the nation) with a .982 fielding percentage.
Chico State players are prominent among the CCAA's individual stat categories. Kristin Worley leads the conference with a .486 batting average; is second in on-base percentage (.564), and third in stolen bases (11). Bailey Akins' five home runs is tops in the CCAA and 10th in the nation; she ranks second in the conference in slugging percentage (.833). Karli Skowrup shares the CCAA lead with 17 runs batted in while ranking third in homers (4), and Wendy Cardinali has scored more runs (17) than any conference player so far this season.
In the circle, Haley Gilham, 7-0 on the year, has tossed more shutouts (4) than any Division II pitcher this season. She tops all CCAA hurlers in strikeouts (42), complete games (6), shutouts, and opponent batting average (.113), and is among the conference leaders in wins and earned run average (0.63). Naomi Monahan (4-0) ranks fourth in the CCAA in ERA (0.89) and fifth in strikeouts (23).
Cal State East Bay comes to Chico with an overall record of 8-6 and is one of six teams tied for second place in the CCAA with a 4-4 conference record. The Pioneers split a four-game series with Stanislaus State last weekend in Turlock.
East Bay is batting .261 as a team and averaging 4.7 runs and 7.2 hits a game. The Pioneers' pitching staff has been impressive in the season's early going, ranking fourth in the CCAA in team ERA (2.94) while allowing just one home run in 14 games.
Among the Pioneers' offensive standouts are sophomore infielder Jennifer Palmares (team-leading .388 batting average), freshman utility player Maddie Ramirez (.344 BA, 12 RBI) and junior outfielder Courtney Leyba (.256, 1 HR, 12 RBI).
In the pitcher's circle, junior right-hander Bailee Glover (3-1) is East Bay's leader in wins and ERA (2.45). Sophomore righty Abby Greer (2-3) has two shutouts on the year and tops the Pioneers in strikeouts (17).
The last time the two teams met, Chico State won three out of four February 24–25 at University Softball Field. Since 1983, the Wildcats lead the series with the Pioneers 63-38.
Before the start of Saturday's doubleheader, Chico State will present the latest in a series of pre-game ceremonies planned throughout the season to celebrate the softball program's 50th anniversary. Players from the second decade of Wildcat softball, spanning 1980–89, will be honored just prior to game one's first pitch.
