The Chico State softball team opened conference play in dramatic fashion this weekend, splitting a four-game series with the number one team in the nation, Cal State San Marcos.

Facing the top-ranked Cougars, the Wildcats delivered two statement victories while showcasing strong pitching, timely hitting and resilient defense throughout the series.

The ’Cats began the weekend with a statement win Friday afternoon, defeating the nation’s top-ranked team 1–0 in a defensive shut-down.

Senior pitcher Amelie Valdez dominated on the field, throwing a complete-game shutout against the Cougars’ powerful offense. Valdez allowed just four hits and struck out six, while the ’Cats’ defense backed her up with a clean performance in the field.

The decisive moment came in the bottom of the third inning when Brianna Swihart stepped up to the plate in a tense at-bat. After fouling off seven pitches, Swihart delivered a clutch double into right-center field that brought home the game’s only run.

From there, Chico State held firm defensively through the final innings. The game ended in dramatic fashion when the Cougars challenged the final out. After review, the call stood, which confirmed that ’Cats had just defeated the No. 1 team in Division II softball.

For the ’Cats, the victory was more than just a win but served as proof they could compete with anyone in the nation.

However, the Cougars responded quickly in the second game of Friday’s doubleheader, defeating the ’Cats 12–2.

Cal State San Marcos struck early, scoring in the first inning and continuing to apply offensive pressure throughout the game. By the fourth inning, the Cougars had built a 5–0 lead as their lineup began to find momentum at the plate.

Despite the loss, the ’Cats continued to battle offensively. Hannah Levy, Italia Abrenica and Annika Isaacson worked tirelessly for Chico State’s three hits. 

Levy said the team carried the energy from the first game into the series and believed they could compete with the top-ranked Cougars.

“Honestly, it was like the best feeling ever,” Levy said about beating the No. 1 team earlier in the day. “We came out here and gave it our all. We knew we had nothing to lose and they had a lot to lose, and we just did what we do and showed them how it’s done.”

Levy added that confidence would be key moving forward in the series.

“We just need to be confident and know we can win,” Levy said. “We’re all great players and we work so hard every day to get where we are.”

Saturday morning’s matchup began with early promise for the ’Cats, who struck first after a confusing opening play that was initially ruled out before allowing the run to score.

Chico State continued to push offensively as Levy launched a two-run home run to give the ’Cats early momentum.

However, the Cougars’ offense once again proved dangerous. Cal State San Marcos responded with a series of timely hits and eventually built a lead that Chico State could not overcome.

Despite the 6–3 loss of the third game, the ’Cats remained competitive and continued to challenge the nation’s top-ranked program going into the fourth game. 

The ’Cats closed the weekend on a high note Saturday afternoon, securing their second win of the weekend with a 7–4 victory over the Cougars.

Chico State’s offense came alive in the final game, producing one of its strongest hitting performances of the weekend. The ’Cats built an early lead and maintained control through consistent offense. 

Pitching and defense also stepped up when it mattered most, limiting the Cougars’ scoring opportunities and preventing any late comeback.

After the win, senior outfielder Kennedy Gustin credited the team’s collective effort and offensive rhythm for the victory.

“We really put it on them today,” Gustin said. “It was really nice to come together and kind of go piece by piece and work against them. It was a big-hitting game and we saw some big offensive numbers, then we shut it down on defense and the pitching was great.”

The ’Cats’ weekend performance proved they can compete with one of the best programs in Division II softball.

Entering the series unranked against the nation’s top team, Chico State showed resilience and confidence throughout the four games.

Valdez said that mindset was key heading into the matchup.

“It’s understanding that they have everything to lose,” Valdez said. “Going in confident, knowing that we’re a great team, we have great pitching, good defense – any team can beat any team on any day.”

By splitting the four-game series and defeating the Cougars team twice, the ’Cats made an immediate statement to begin conference season play. 

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Next up, the Chico State Wildcats softball head to San Bernardino for a weekend series against Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes softball starting March 20. For more information about all Chico State athletics or to keep up with the game live, visit the Wildcat home page, or watch through FloSports.  

Note: Aiyana Curry is the sports editor for The Orion. She did not take part in the editorial process for this article.

Merri Shiger can be reached at [email protected].