The Chico State softball team faced a difficult stretch at home this weekend, falling in three of four games in a CCAA conference series against San Francisco State.
The ’Cats showed moments of promise across the series but were unable to string together complete performances until the finale, where they closed on a high note.
Game 1 (April 2, 11-2 loss)
The series opener proved challenging from the start, as San Francisco State jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The Gators scored five runs across the first two innings, putting immediate pressure on Chico State’s defense.
The ’Cats struggled to contain the momentum, committing three errors that led to additional scoring opportunities for the Gators. Senior starting pitcher Amelie Valdez took the loss, while sophomore Kylie Loertscher came in for relief and provided some stability, pitching 3 innings with two strikeouts.
Offensively, Chico State was led by senior outfielder Kennedy Gustin, who recorded a multi-hit performance and drove in a run from the leadoff spot. Senior catcher Brianna Swihart added an RBI of her own and continued her strong stretch at the plate.
Reflecting on the matchup, Gustin emphasized the need for adaptability. “Just being a little more versatile,” Valdez said. “They can do the small ball and they can do the long ball too, so thinking ahead about where the situation is going to lead them to put the ball.”
She also pointed to the bigger picture after the loss. “I think this is going to light a fire under us,” she said. “We’re going to come back stronger next week with something to prove.”
Game 2 (April 2, 1-0 loss)
The second game of the doubleheader shifted from a high-scoring affair to a tightly contested pitcher’s duel. Chico State’s defense and pitching improved significantly, with junior pitcher Bella Tavares delivering a complete-game performance, holding San Francisco State to just one run while striking out four.
However, the ’Cats were unable to take advantage offensively. Chico State left nine runners on base and stranded the bases loaded twice, missing key opportunities to tie or take the lead.
Even in the close loss, the ’Cats leaned on their communication to stay composed.
“Communication is huge,” Gustin said. “Making sure we’re talking between each pitch and really just staying connected as much as we can.”
Swihart continued her consistency with another multi-hit game, extending her hitting streak to 12 games. Additional hits came from Gustin, senior infielder Itzell De Los Rios, senior outfielders Hannah Levy and Mia Santos and junior infielder Ali Lewis, but none resulted in runs.
Game 3 (April 3, 9-5 loss)
Chico State opened the third game of the series with energy, scoring four runs in the first inning to take an early advantage. The quick start gave the ‘Cats momentum and put San Francisco State on the defensive early.
The Gators responded steadily, chipping away at the lead before breaking through in the final inning. A four-run seventh inning sealed a 9–5 victory for San Francisco State, as they finished with 16 hits compared to Chico State’s eight.
“I think it was a struggle, definitely at the bat,” Levy said. “But we just need to come back next weekend and show our all. We had a lot of confidence coming into it—we just need to take a breath and know that we can do it.”
The ’Cats showed offensive balance, collecting contributions from multiple players throughout the lineup. Defensively, they improved from the series opener, committing just one error, but the late surge proved costly.
Game 4 (April 3, 6–4 win)
In the series finale, Chico State closed the weekend on a positive note, earning a 6–4 victory and avoiding the sweep. The ’Cats put together one of their most complete performances of the series, combining timely hitting with a strong outing in the circle.
Chico State struck early, getting on the board in the first inning after junior infielder Aiyana Curry doubled down the left field line to drive in the opening run. The ’Cats continued to build momentum in the second inning, as Lewis delivered a two-RBI single, which brought the total runs up to three for that inning.
The offense remained steady, adding runs in both the third and fourth innings. Gustin contributed with a sacrifice fly, while Tavares helped her own cause with an RBI single to push the lead to 5–1.
Reflecting on her approach in high-pressure moments, Tavares said, “Just being a little more versatile…thinking ahead about where the situation is going to lead.”
San Francisco State responded in the middle innings, capitalizing on a pair of defensive errors in the fifth to score two unearned runs before adding another in the sixth to cut the deficit to one. Despite the pressure, Chico State maintained composure.
The ’Cats added an important insurance run in the sixth inning on a pinch-hit sacrifice fly from sophomore outfielder Kara Valencia, bringing the score to 6–4. Tavares, who earned the win in the circle, held off the Gators the rest of the way to secure the victory.
Chico State finished with 12 hits in the game, showcasing consistent production throughout the lineup.
Levy highlighted the team’s resilience despite the ups and downs. “I feel like we pick each other up really well,” she said. “We communicate, and if one of us doesn’t get a hit, we know the next person has our back.”
Valdez similarly emphasized the lesson learned from the series. “We have a target on our back,” she said. “Teams want to beat us, and we can’t let up. We underestimated them a little, and that’s something we’ll fix.”
The Wildcats play next in another four-game series against Cal State Dominguez Hills at Toro Diamond, beginning on April 10 at 1 p.m.
For 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].
