The Chico State softball team, attempting to finish an already productive weekend with its fifth straight victory at the Concordia Kickoff Classic, finally found itself on the short end of the final score Sunday. The host Concordia Eagles, ranked No. 10 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Top 25 preseason coaches' poll, halted the 'Cats win streak at four with a 3-1 victory at Great Park in Irvine.
Despite taking the loss, Wildcats' pitcher Brooke Larsen delivered her third straight quality start of the Concordia Kickoff Classic. Larsen (2-1) went the distance, allowing just four hits while matching her season high with nine strikeouts.
Chico State actually outhit Concordia. Larsen and Reilani Peleti led the way with two hits apiece, while Rachael Bles and Amanda Metzger each registered a safety.
Concordia drew first blood in the bottom of the first inning. With a runner on, Rylie Rohr blasted a two-run home run to left field to give the Eagles an early 2-0 lead. The Wildcats had a couple of opportunities to cut into the deficit, but came up empty both times—Chico State stranded runners at first and third in the top of the second inning, then in the third got the first two hitters aboard only to see a double play short-circuit the would-be rally.
Rohr struck again for Concordia in the bottom of the third inning, delivering a two-out RBI double to extend the Eagles' advantage to 3-0.
The Wildcats finally broke through in the top of the fifth. Bles led off with a triple and came home on a two-out double by Peleti.
That would be the last bit of offense that the 'Cats would generate, however. Concordia reliever Erika Morris entered the pitcher's circle and retired the Wildcats in order in both the sixth and seventh inning, securing the Eagles' 3-1 win and handing Chico State its first loss of the young season.
Following play Sunday, Brooke Larsen, Reilani Peleti, and Rachael Bles were named to the Concordia Kickoff Classic All-Tournament team.
The Wildcats leave Southern California with an impressive start to the 2022 campaign. Two of their four victories in the Concordia Kickoff Classic came against Top 25 nationally-ranked teams, with the 'Cats outscoring their five tournament opponents 25-8.
The Wildcats will be traveling to Tucson, Arizona next weekend to take part in the Desert Stinger tournament. In their final pre-conference tune-up, the 'Cats will face Central Washington and Regis (Colo.) on Friday; Saint Martin's and Metro State (Colo.) on Saturday, and conclude the tourney next Sunday against Montana State Billings.
