SANTA ROSA - The Chico State softball squad opened their 2024 season with a non-conference face-off with GNAC opponents Saint Martin's, falling 5-3 to the Saints in their first game of the North Bay Challenge. The Wildcats could not overcome the five-run deficit built up by the Saints in the second innings, but rallied back to only fall by two runs.
A team full of fresh faces and many seeing the field for the first time in their college careers, like Italia Abrenica, Angie Acosta, Gracie Dunning, and Ali Lewis. The new Wildcats are still trying to get a feel for the collegiate level, showing promise against a team that has had six more games to feel comfortable in the dugout.
Despite the score tipping in favor of the Saints, the Wildcat's offense built momentum, recording 8 hits as opposed to the five from the designated home team.
The second inning did not bode well for the 'Cats, seeing a five-run lead grow for the Saints in part by a triple from Shelby Lawson, bringing in three Saints.
The quick five-run jump prompted a notable response from the Wildcats, with Gracie Dunning grounding out in her second at-bat, allowing teammate Ashley Rocha to reach home plate and score her first run of the season. In the sixth inning, Italia Abrenica recorded her first hit and run of her college career after Katelyn Oldwin hit a single up the middle and drove her home to cut the deficit by another run.
Finally, in the seventh, Elisa Haas hit a triple down the right field line, setting herself up in scoring position with senior Taylor Berens stepping up to the plate to force an out at first base, allowing Haas to cross home plate. Unfortunately, the Saints snuffed out the late-game comeback after three quick outs following the 'Cats' third run.
Sophomore Amelie Valdez was the only pitcher for Chico State on Friday to see action, with a rough start, but it was evident that Valdez found comfort as the game rolled on.
The Wildcats defense began to find itself, putting out every batter it faced for the remainder of the game and not allowing another run from the Saints.
With their first game and first loss in the books, they hold a 0-1 record with plenty of softball to be played this season. They will be in San Rafael tomorrow, February 10th, at 10:30 a.m. to take on Western Washington in their second game of the North Bay Challenge. The Vikings are sitting at 7-0 on the season after a strong showing at the CUI Kickoff Classic. Following their morning game, they will have a short break and head back towards Rohnert Park for their final matchup against Academy of Art at 3 p.m. at Seawolf Softball Field.
