CHICO – In their final series of the season, the Chico State softball team dropped the opening doubleheader to the Cal State San Marcos Cougars. Coming up short in both games by a single run in each outing, giving the Cougars a run for their money in Chico.
In the series opener, the Wildcats kept pace with the Cougars, but big hits from the visitors and a seventh-inning fielding error gave CSUSM the run they needed to steal the win.
Amalie Valdez retired six Cougars in the opening game start, walking four now with a 3.54 ERA on the season.
A late rally from the 'Cats in game one saw a spark but the experienced Cougars squad snuffed out the chance of a comeback in the bottom of the seventh.
There was no lack of offense from the Wildcats in the opening game, with seven hits coming from six different players. The hits were plentiful, but an offensive-minded Cougars squad made it difficult to match.
Mia Santos, batting .326 this season, went 2-for-3 on the day and nabbed her 27th and 28th hits of the season.
Game two started with the Cougars jumping to a quick 2-0 lead, and their lead continued to extend until they amassed a 7-0 lead by the 6th inning. However, the 'Cats found their offensive spark after a thirty-minute lightning delay.
Gracie Dunning and Ashley Rocha crowded the first and second bases before the delay, thanks to a walk and a single from the second baseman to the right side.
Following the delay, the visitors made a pitching change, creating more trouble for them than expected. Ali Lewis singled to center field in the first at-bat, filling the bases with Brianna Swihart on deck. The catcher blasted a double to left center that drove all three runners home.
Pinch-hitting for the 'Cats, Lilly Cante stepped up, singled down the right-field line, and rewarded Swihart for her strong swing. Three quick outs for the Cougars ended their troubles momentarily as Chico State replicated the scoring bombardment in the seventh inning to force extra innings.
Despite the rally from the Wildcats, they couldn't get the winning run in, and the Cougars found an answer, taking the second game 8-7 in the ninth.
Brianna Swihart recorded four hits, going 4-for-4 in the second game while nabbing four RBIs. The sophomore holds the second most hits (31) and RBIs (12) on the squad, leading the team in doubles with eight.
