TRACY, Calif. – Chico State battled through a tight opening day at the 2026 NorCal Crossover, falling in a pitcher's duel before bouncing back with a strong 3-1 win to close out Friday. The Wildcats came up just short in the opener but responded with resilience to earn the split. The Wildcats shift to 4-5 on the season, with three more games remaining before the CCAA season kicks-off.
Game 1: Biola 1, Chico State 0
One swing proved to be the difference in the opener.
Biola's lone run came on a home run, handing the Wildcats a narrow 1-0 loss despite several scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Bella Tavares was sharp in the circle, allowing no walks and striking out two. The 'Cats collected four hits but were unable to break through against a tough Eagles pitching staff in the low-scoring battle.
Game 2: Chico State 3, Western Oregon 1
Chico State responded in a big way.
Behind a complete-game effort from Amelie Valdez and timely hitting, the Wildcats secured a 3-1 win over Western Oregon to cap the day. Valdez earned her third win of the season in four starts, limiting the Wolves to one run while working around nine hits and issuing just one walk.
Freshman shortstop Annika Isaacson continued to make an immediate impact, sparking the Wildcats' offense in the second inning to give Chico State an early edge.
Ali Lewis delivered the decisive blow, ripping a triple to right field to drive in Isaacson and extend the lead.
Junior Aiyana Curry stayed hot at the plate, lining a single up the middle in the sixth inning to bring home Kennedy Gustin for an insurance run. Curry is now hitting .391 in her second season with the 'Cats.
Chico State returns to action Saturday at the Tracy Sports Complex, opening the day against Simon Fraser at 11:30 a.m. before facing Montana State Billings at 4:30 p.m.
