Before coming to Chico State, Ethan Lay's career high school pitching numbers were scary good—a 26-1 record, a 0.32 earned run average and 255 strikeouts in 157 innings pitched. Still, the question going into the 2023 season: would the true freshman be able to immediately make the challenging transition to college competition? Based on his performance Saturday at Nettleton Stadium against Fresno Pacific, the answer is a resounding "YES!" Lay's mound mastery versus the Sunbirds makes him the latest Wildcat of the Week.
 
Lay tossed six-and-two-thirds scoreless innings in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against Fresno Pacific. The pride of Colusa did not allow a Sunbirds runner past second base throughout his sparkling stint, scattering four hits and striking out nine. Lay was in line for the victory when he left the contest, but despite his outstanding effort ended up with a no decision.
 
Lay's first game pitching at "The Nett" was just the second start of his college career. In Lay's Chico State debut, he gave up four runs in his first inning of work against Flagler College at the Houston Winter Invitational, but rebounded to toss a pair of shutout innings before being lifted. Combined with his gem against Fresno Pacific, Lay has now tossed eight-and-two-thirds scoreless innings and lowered his earned run average to 3.72 on the season.
 
Two weeks into the 2023 campaign, Lay leads the Wildcats staff with 11 strikeouts, and is tied for eighth among all California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) hurlers.
 
Lay and the Wildcats kick off the CCAA conference season February 24-26, traveling to Southern California for a four-game series against Cal State San Marcos.