CHICO, Calif. - A successful sweep of the 'Jacks on Saturday claims the series win for Chico State softball with one of the best offensive performances of the season.
The Wildcats extended their record to 16-10 overall (8-8 CCAA) and bumped them into fifth place standing in the conference ladder. Despite the cold weather, the 'Cats were hot at the plate, putting up 19 runs on the scoreboard across the closing pair of games.
After the series-opening loss of 0-6 to the Lumberjacks, the 'Cats only gave up a combined seven runs in the following three games, outscoring the northern visitors 23 to 7 in their three wins.
Game 1 | Chico 7, CPH 3
The day's opening game began as yesterday's first game, with the Lumberjacks scoring two runs in the second inning and a two-run home run. Despite the early deficit the visitors built, the 'Cats were quick to rally back, scoring in each subsequent inning after the early lead.
Kennedy Gustin, Gracie Dunning, Marissa Anderson, and Hannah Levy all tallied two hits, each nabbing RBIs to steal the win from CPH.
Pitching her eighth complete game, Valdez nabbed her eighth win after retiring four Lumberjack batters. The junior pitcher split the weekend, going 1-1 in the circle against CPH.
Game 2 | Chico 12, CPH 1
The series' final game was an exciting offensive showcase from the hosting Wildcats, stringing together one of the most impressive batting performances at home all season. Chico State cut the game short with an 11-run lead after five innings, scoring all runs in two successive innings.
Kylie Loertscher claimed her third win in the circle, striking out four 'Jacks in the process and only sacrificing a single run in her Saturday outing.
Hannah Levy was a standout at the plate, going three-for-three in the series finale, securing three RBIs with two hits to the left side of the outfield. Brianna Swihart played her second straight game behind the plate and did her part on defense, also with a bat in her hands. The junior smashed a double into left field, driving home three Wildcats and giving the 'Cats their double-digit lead.
Gustin and Curry continued to improve their standing at the plate, with Gustin batting .352 and Curry boasting a .333. Both players have 80-plus appearances at the plate. Curry nabbed five total RBIs over the weekend, leading the Wildcats with 22 on the season.
