The Chico State softball pitching staff is well stocked for the 2023 season—a luxury that the Wildcats haven't possessed in recent years. Any of the 'Cats' five hurlers can consistently put up zeroes when needed, and their youngest pitcher—freshman Amelie Valdez—has truly impressed in the early going. Her one-hit shutout Friday afternoon against Academy of Art made Chico State's first inning run stand up, as the Wildcats nipped the Urban Knights 1-0 at University Softball Field.
 
Chico State evened its season record at 3-3 with Friday's win. Academy of Art played two games on the day, losing to the Wildcats and dropping a 2-1 decision later in the afternoon to Stanislaus State. The Urban Knights finished Friday with a 1-5 season record.
 
Valdez was in complete control in the pitcher's circle, striking out nine in posting her second win and second shutout of the season. The Atwater product surrendered just a second inning single and a third inning walk, and finished with a flourish by retiring the final 14 batters she faced.
 
The Wildcats rapped out eight hits on the day, with Grace Gallagher going 3-for-3.
 
Chico State scored what proved to be the game-winning run in the bottom of the first inning. Ashley Rocha ripped a single to right field, stole second, and came home on Gallagher's two-out line single to right.
 
The Wildcats had several opportunities to add on. Chico State stranded Kyra Gooler at third in the second inning, then in the fifth used singles by Rachael Bles, Anastacia Alba, and Ashlee Toy to load the bases with nobody out. A one-out  flyout combined with the runner from third tagging too early abruptly ended the scoring threat.
 
The same scenario cropped up for the 'Cats in the bottom of the sixth inning, with pinch runner Blaire Willson tagging up from third base just a hair too early on a one-out fly ball to right field by Gooler.
 
But the way Valdez was mowing down the Academy of Art hitters, one run was more than enough to notch the "W." The righthander used a strikeout and two groundouts to easily retire the Urban Knights in order in the top of the seventh inning, securing Chico State's 1-0 win.
 
The Wildcats are back in action tomorrow, playing the final two games of a scheduled tripleheader at University Softball Field. The day opens at 9:30 a.m. with Academy of Art taking on Stanislaus State, followed by the Urban Knights facing the Wildcats at 12 noon. The finale will feature the Wildcats going head-to-head with Stanislaus in a non-conference game beginning at 2:30 p.m.