TURLOCK - Coming off of two definitive wins over Sonoma State two weeks ago, it was an intense opening day from Chico State at the Tournament of Champions on Friday, but play was cut short due to lightning. The Wildcats opened up the five-game stretch with an offensive masterclass and, after a lightning delay, a tough battle against one of the PacWest strongest.
With the first day split, the Wildcats extend their record to 6-15 overall on the season.
Game 1 – Chico State 9, Academy of Art 1 (5 Innings)
The Wildcats opened up the scoring early against the Urban Knights, filling up the bases behind five walks and one hit from Ashley Rocha—the 'Cats scoring four runs to build a substantial cushion. Friday's nine runs were the most Chico State has driven in so far this season, cutting the game short with an impressive showing as the young team starts to find their rhythm.
Amalie Valdez pitches a complete game in the first win of the Tournament of Champions, earning her fourth win in the circle this season and, notably, walking only two Urban Knights and retiring five in the five-inning offensive triumph.
A single run from the Urban Knights in the top of the second was all they could muster throughout the rematch between the two teams.
In the bottom of the third, Brianna Swihart singled up the left-field line to start the inning for the Wildcats. After two quick outs, lead-off Taylor Berens stunned the ARTU's defense, tripling to right field and giving Swihart the green light to dash home.
Berens strong punch earned her the first triple of her season.
Four more runs rang in for the 'Cats to seal the win with RBIs from Ashley Rocha, Brianna Swihart, and Destiny Sevilla. Swihart had a season-high RBIs with three against the Urban Knights, while Ashley Rocha drove in two runs.
No batters from Chico State's dugout were struck out in Friday's opener in Turlock, recording six total hits and nine walks at the plate.
Game 2 — Chico State 0, Hawaii Hilo 3 (6 Innings/Game Called due to Lightning)
The Wildcat's final game of the day was cut short due to inclement weather, forcing multiple delays due to lightning, and was eventually called in the 6th inning with the Vulcans ahead by three runs.
Senior Taylor Berens added two more hits to her strong season at the plate, smashing two singles to left field in the first and fifth innings. Ashley Rocha and Brianna Swihart both extended their hitting streak with a hit apiece; Ali Lewis also recorded a connection at the plate.
Hawaii Hilo, a strong contender in the PacWest, has consistently been a resilient offensive program. Their opening runs stemmed from two doubles, one down the left-hand line and the other in left center.
Sophia Tassanari and Angie Acosta stepped in the circle for the 'Cats, stringing together three strikeouts across four innings.
The status of the second day of the Tournament of Champions is up in the air due to the inclement weather that may leak into Saturday. Updates will follow once the fields' status is confirmed in the morning.
