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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Guard Jojo Murphy looks to move the ball forward during the first half against Monterey Bay State Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.

Leadership and scoring prowess fuels Chico State’s success

J.J. Fain, Sports Reporter
February 18, 2025

Resiliency, self-belief and dedication define junior guard Jojo Murphy’s career at Chico State. His journey from a promising freshman to a conference-leading scorer exemplifies the power of perseverance...

Wildcats head coach Brian Fogel speaks to his team during a timeout in a game against San Bernardino on Jan. 11. Photo taken by Aaron Draper.

Women’s basketball drops crucial game against Cal State East Bay

Trevor Lee, Reporter
February 18, 2025

Despite securing a spot in the CCAA tournament just two days earlier, the women’s basketball team missed an opportunity to climb the standings, falling in a tight battle against Cal State East Bay on...

Right-hander Amelie Valdez had 21 strikeouts in her three starts in Irvine. Photo taken on Feb. 1 courtesy of Crash Kamon (CUI Athletics).

Wildcats softball look for turnaround season after challenging year

Rebecca Gonzalez, Reporter
February 17, 2025

After being left out of the top 10 in the NCAA Division II Western Regionals in 2024, the Chico State Wildcats softball team is on the right track this season as they picked up five straight wins.   In...

The Wildcats celebrating senior Thade Miller's walk off RBI single in the bottom of the tenth inning. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Feb. 15.

Chico State completes series sweep of Colorado Mesa with two gritty wins

Lukas Mann, Sports Reporter
February 16, 2025

The Wildcats swept a Saturday doubleheader for the third consecutive week with a pair of wins over the No. 10 Colorado Mesa Mavericks.   Some late-game heroics and timely hitting helped Chico State...

Chico spelled out in the empty bleachers at Acker Gym.

Men’s and Women’s basketball clinch conference tournament in same night

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
February 15, 2025

Following wins over the San Francisco State Gators on the road, the men’s and women’s basketball teams clinched a spot in the CCAA championship tournament in San Marcos. The women’s team won a...

Pitcher Rocco Borrelli started the game and pitched five innings on Feb. 14 at Chico State.

Wildcats bats stay hot as they pick up first series-opening win of the season

J.J. Fain and Jenna McMahon
February 15, 2025

Masterful starting pitching from junior Rocco Borelli and a red-hot offensive performance, which tallied 14 hits including four extra-base hits, carried the Wildcats to their third straight win. Despite...

The Wildcats shuffling around the dugout preparing to take the field on Feb. 8 at Chico State. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

Series opener against Colorado Mesa canceled due to rain

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
February 11, 2025

The upcoming baseball series at Nettleton Stadium against the Colorado Mesa Mavericks has been changed due to weather concerns.   The series will now look like this: Thursday (Feb. 13):...

The bench celebrates after guard Jojo Murphy throws an alley-oop pass to forward Trae Taylor, who finishes with a dunk Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Chico State.

Wildcats’ defense stifles Otters in tight victory

J.J. Fain, Reporter
February 10, 2025

Coming off a tight win versus the Stanislaus State Warriors, the Wildcats looked to maintain their home dominance against Cal State Monterey Bay who are currently in last place in the conference. In their...

Ayden Nordby makes contact with the ball, hitting a ground ball single on Feb. 8 at Chico State. Nordby’s batting average is .273.

Wildcats dominate Saturday doubleheader for second series win of the season

Lukas Mann, Sports Reporter
February 10, 2025

The Chico State Wildcats won their second series of the season after winning both games in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon against the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks. The Wildcat bats were alive early...

Wildcats line up along the fence in the dugout to cheer on their teammate at-bat on Feb. 8 at Chico State. The Wildcats played a three-game series against the Nighthawks.

Wildcats’ offense struggles in homecoming loss to nighthawks

J.J. Fain, Reporter
February 8, 2025

After having their game postponed on Thursday due to the weather, the Wildcats took the field on Friday and lost their first home game of the season 5-2 to the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks.  In their...

Senior guard Jordan Allred and the rest of the Chico State starters cheering on the rest of their team in a blowout win over the Stanislaus State Warriors on Feb. 6. Taken by Aaron Draper

Wildcats getting back on track in 36-point blowout of the Warriors

Lukas Mann, Sports Reporter
February 7, 2025

The Chico State Wildcats were three points shy of the century mark in a 97-61 win over the Stanislaus State Warriors Thursday night.  The Wildcats returned to the Acker Gymnasium coming off a big win...

Jojo Murphy, Trae Taylor and Cortevious Taylor help teammate Max Walters after getting fouled during the second half against Stanislaus State Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 at Chico State.

Wildcats rebound from two-game slump with gritty win over Warriors

J.J. Fain, Reporter
February 7, 2025

Looking to bounce back from a two-game skid, the Wildcats were back at Acker Gymnasium facing the Stanislaus State Warriors. The Wildcats got out to a hot start by connecting on four quick three-pointers...