TURLOCK—The Chico State softball team has leaned heavily on the production of its veteran players so far in 2022, but the Wildcats' large number of freshmen have also played a vital role in racking up the "W's." Sunday at the Tournament of Champions, two true freshmen—outfielder Kyra Gooler and pitcher Mari Takeda Bajan—supplied the 'Cats with the game-winning hit and shutdown relief to help Chico State rally from two runs down to beat Chaminade 3-2 at the Pedretti Sports Complex in Turlock.
Sunday's victory gave Chico State two wins in three tries at the Tournament of Champions, moving the Wildcats to 26-11 on the season.
Things didn't get off to an encouraging start, though, as Chaminade opened the scoring in the top of the first inning, with two doubles and a Wildcats error leading to a pair of Silverswords runs. The 'Cats' offense, meanwhile, was limited to just a Drew Rodriguez single over the first three frames.
Chico State finally busted out with what turned out to be the winning rally in the bottom of the fourth inning. With runners at second and third, Nina Revoir singled to drive in Grace Stover, with Anastacia Alba scoring on the same play thanks to a miscue by Chaminade's left fielder. Two batters later, Gooler singled up the middle to knock in Revoir with the go-ahead run, making it a 3-2 ballgame.
Takeda Bajan made the Wildcats' lead stand up, twirling five-and-two-thirds innings of scoreless relief. Chaminade threatened in the top of the seventh, getting the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base with two outs, but Takeda Bajan retired Kobe Brown on a groundout to third base to end it, giving the 'Cats the 3-2 win.
Takeda Bajan got credit for the victory, raising her season record to 4-3. Revoir had two of the Wildcats' six hits on the afternoon.
Following the weekend's action, Wildcats first baseman Reilani Peleti was named to the Tournament of Champions All-Tournament Team.
Chico State returns to California Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAA) conference play next weekend, hosting Cal State East Bay at University Softball Field. The four-game series gets underway with a doubleheader Friday beginning at 1 p.m., followed by a Saturday twin bill starting at 11 a.m.
