IRVINE—The Chico State softball team's penchant for coming from behind manifested itself again Sunday during the Wildcats' final game of the Concordia Kickoff Classic. Stymied over the first six frames, the 'Cats nearly pulled off some seventh inning magic against Colorado Christian, but the late rally fell just short as the Cougars hung on for a 2-1 win at Orange Country Great Park in Irvine.
Chico State wrapped up the three-day, season-opening tournament with a 2-3 record. All three of the Wildcats' losses at the Concordia Kickoff Classic were by one run.
The 'Cats were limited to just four hits Sunday, with Ashley Rocha enjoying a 2-for-3 day at the plate.
Freshman righthander Amelie Valdez turned in another solid outing in the pitcher's circle, allowing just two runs and four hits while striking out five in notching her second complete game of the season.
Valdez gave up a double to the very first batter she faced Sunday, but quickly settled in to retire the next nine Colorado Christian batters in order. The Wildcats threatened to put the first runs of the game on the board in the top of the fourth, as Rocha and Tayler Berens led off the inning with singles. They both worked their way into scoring position, but the 'Cats were unable to push them across.
In the bottom of the fifth, back-to-back extra-base hits by the Cougars would decide the outcome. With two outs, Mikayla Oaks tripled and Kayla Middleton followed with an inside-the-park home run, giving Colorado Christian a 2-0 lead.
It stayed that way until the top of the seventh, when the 'Cats dug deep for another comeback effort. Stover led off the inning with a triple and scored when Kyra Gooler reached second base on a Cougars error. Pinch-runner Mia Santos advanced to third on an Anastacia Alba groundout, putting the potential tying run just 60 feet away. But unfortunately for the Wildcats, that was where Santos stayed, as a pop out and strikeout ended the threat, giving Colorado Christian the 2-1 win.
At the conclusion of Sunday's action, Chico State's Ashlee Toy was named to the Concordia Kickoff Classic All-Tournament Team.
Chico State plays at University Softball Field for the first time this season Friday and Saturday, as the Wildcats host Stanislaus State and Academy of Art. A total of five games will be played: Friday at 11:30 a.m. the 'Cats take on Academy of Art, followed by Stanislaus State and Academy of Art at 2 p.m. On Saturday, Stanislaus State and Academy of Art meet again at 9:30 a.m.; Chico State squares off with Academy of Art at 12 noon, and the Wildcats and Stanislaus State go head-to-head at 2:30 p.m.
