CHICO, Calif. – The Chico State softball team earned an impressive series split with the No. 1 Cal State San Marcos Cougars, closing the weekend with a strong team performance to claim the series finale. The Wildcats bounced back from a difficult CCAA opening weekend in Seaside and now move to 8-12 overall and 2-6 in conference play. They sit eighth in the conference standings due to the sour weekend in Seaside, but Chico State will have six more weekends to claw back into a favorable spot in hopes of a CCAA Tournament appearance.
Game 1: Chico State 3, CSUSM 6
The Cougars opened the third game of the series with momentum, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the early innings. The Wildcats responded immediately in the bottom half of the frame, scoring three runs to take the lead.
Brianna Swihart got Chico State on the board with a double to center field. Moments later, Hannah Levy launched her first home run of the season over the left-field fence, giving the Wildcats a 3-2 advantage.
The lead proved short-lived as the Cougars answered with four runs and held the Wildcats scoreless for the remainder of the contest.
Amelie Valdez pitched a complete game for Chico State, recording six strikeouts in a strong effort in the circle.
Game 2: Chico State 7, CSUSM 4
Bella Tavares turned in an impressive outing in the series finale, pitching 6.1 innings and holding the Cougars scoreless until Chico State had built a seven-run lead. Tavares also contributed offensively, delivering a triple down the right-field line that brought home two runs.
Marissa Anderson led the Wildcats at the plate in the finale, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Anderson finished the series with four hits in eight at-bats against the Cougars.
Kennedy Gustin and Brianna Swihart each recorded two hits and RBIs, continuing to provide a strong presence at the top of the lineup. Gustin finished the four-game series batting .429 with six hits in 14 at-bats.
Chico State returns to the road next weekend to continue CCAA play, traveling to San Bernardino to face Cal State San Bernardino. The series opens March 20 at 1 p.m. at CSUSB Softball Park as the Wildcats look to build on the momentum from this weekend.
