The expression "there's no place like home" may be old and overused, but as far as the Chico State softball team in concerned, it carries a lot of weight. Dating back to 2018, the Wildcats have won nearly 90 percent of their games at University Softball Field, racking up 42 victories in the last 47 contests. After 14 games on the road to open the season, the 2022 edition of the 'Cats are just anxious for the chance to play in front of the home crowd. They finally get their wish this weekend when Chico State hosts Cal State San Bernardino in a four-game series, with doubleheaders Friday beginning at 12 noon and Saturday at 11 a.m.
 
Fans unable to attend in person can follow the action online with live streaming video via the CCAA Network. For $9.95 per month, fans can access every Chico State game—home and away—along with all live and archived CCAA matchups. Live Stats will also be available, with links found at www.chicowildcats.com in the calendar section of the website's homepage, and on the Chico State softball schedule page.
 
The Wildcats enter the series with the Coyotes sporting a 10-4 record on the season and the No. 21 ranking in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top 25 poll. Chico State split its conference-opening four-game series last weekend against 14th-ranked Cal State Monterey Bay, and at 2-2 are currently are in a four-way tie for fourth place in the CCAA standings.
 
The 'Cats as a team is batting .293, averaging just under five runs and eight hits a contest. Chico State's pitching staff is ranked fifth in the CCAA with a collective 2.57 earned run average, and leads the conference in shutouts (5) and strikeouts (115).
 
Cal State San Bernardino is 6-5 overall, and is tied with Chico State, Cal State Monterey Bay, and Cal State East Bay for fourth in the CCAA with a 2-2 conference record. The 'Yotes, coached by former Wildcat player and coach Dee Payan, split a four-game home series with East Bay last weekend to open CCAA play.
 
San Bernardino is hitting .240 as a team entering the weekend, averaging 3.5 runs and 6.2 hits a game. The Coyotes' pitchers own a combined 3.36 ERA and have allowed seven homes so far on the young season.
 
This weekend marks the first time Chico State and San Bernardino have met on the softball diamond since May 2, 2019, when the 'Yotes beat the Wildcats 7-5 in the opening round of the CCAA Tournament.
 
Chico State leads the all-time series with San Bernardino 49-45 and has won 16 of the last 20 matchups dating back to 2015.  
 
Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry Week
It's Chico State Athletics Pack The Pantry Week and we have set a big goal—10,000 items—which would break the record we set last year. We need your help to reach it. You can donate monetarily HERE and every dollar will count for two items.
You can also drop off a donation at any of Chico State Athletics' 12 basketball, softball, and baseball games this weekend or at the Pantry itself Monday through Friday until 3 p.m., or by calling 530-898-4098 to make arrangements. Thank you for your support of Chico State's students, including student-athletes!