She’s been a threat in the batter’s box all season long, and being a powerful force in the lineup is nothing new.
Sophomore first baseman Desiree’ Gonzalez has put herself in the conference leaderboards and has also broken into the Chico State all-time records.
“This has been amazing,” Gonzalez said. “Not a lot of freshman have a season like I did and this year has been the same story.”
Her consistent hot streak has carried over from last season right into this one, making her a big contributor to the Wildcat offense.
Gonzalez unleashed an offensive performance in the Tournament of Champions earlier this month. She sent five home runs flying out of the park and totaled 16 RBIs in five games.
Gonzalez didn’t change her approach or make any adjustments at the plate, she said. Patience and staying relaxed paid off for the first baseman.
“I just kept everything all the same,” Gonzalez said. “I was just staying relaxed in the box.”
In that weekend alone, Gonzalez raised her batting average by 56 points and was named Wildcat of the Week.
“I was really excited,” Gonzalez said. “I felt like I did deserve it because of my performance.”
Gonzalez is currently one home run shy of the single season record, sitting at 10 for the year. She is also seventh in the conference for the most home runs, ninth in RBIs and 11th in slugging percentage.
This might distract a hitter and take them out of their normal focus, but this is not an issue for Gonzalez, she said.
“When it comes to the records, I don’t think about it,” Gonzalez said. “I just play the game.”
The power displayed by Gonzalez has been tallying up runs for the ‘Cats in crucial situations late in the season. She hit two shots out of the park in the series against Cal State Monterey Bay.
Focus will be important with a playoff berth on the line in the last regular season series against Cal State East Bay. Gonzalez’s bat will need to stay hot in the clean-up spot for the ‘Cats.
“I’m feeling really confident,” Gonzalez said. “We will get it done.”
Ryan Grady can be reached at [email protected] or @RyanGrady23 on Twitter.
