Skip to Main Content
Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

All content by Katalina Santamaria
Chico State softball celebrates their NCAA West Regional Title Saturday. Photo credit: Martin Chang

Wildcats win West, move on to Super Regionals vs. No. 3 Dixie State

Katalina Santamaria
May 13, 2018
Second baseman Karli Skowrup sets new single-season RBI record with two-run homer
Wildcats softball earn spot in NCAA West Regional Final with 2-0 start

Wildcats softball earn spot in NCAA West Regional Final with 2-0 start

After winnings the first two games at home of the NCAA West Regional, the Chico State softball team has now won 27 in a row and has earned a spot in the NCAA West Regional final on Saturday morning. The...

Victor Guerrero along with his dog hiking the Yahi Trail. Photo credit: Katalina Santamaria

Explore Upper Bidwell Park with a day trip on the Yahi Trail

Katalina Santamaria
May 8, 2018

Located in Upper Bidwell Park, roughly 10 minutes outside of Downtown Chico, the Yahi Trail is a simple, yet exciting hike that leads to Chico’s beloved Bear Hole. There are various ways to get to...

Pitcher Haley Gilham won Most Valuable in the Tournament as well as being named to the CCAA All-Tournament Team. Photo Courtesy: Janna Weiss Photography. Photo credit: Janna Weiss

Coach of the year Angel Shamblin leads list of nine Wildcats on All-CCAA list

Katalina Santamaria
May 7, 2018

The Chico State softball team leads the league in almost every batting and pitching category along with some of its top players ranking amongst the top three. Individually all their hard work has paid...

Wendy Cordial concentrating while at bat where she finished Friday's victory with 3 RBIs including a home run. Photo credit: Caitlyn Young

Three home runs lead Wildcats softball in game one of CCAA Championship

Katalina Santamaria
May 5, 2018

The Chico State softball team continue to prove why they are the No.1 ranked team in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament after beating Cal State San Bernardino 12-0 in five innings...

Pitcher Haley Gilham winding up for a pitch against San Francisco State. Photo Courtesy of Janna Weiss Photography

Wildcats softball finishes regular season on 22 game win streak entering CCAA Tournament

Katalina Santamaria
April 30, 2018

The Chico State softball team capped off season play with a four-game series sweep over San Francisco State, extending the team's win streak to 22. Following the weekend sweep, the Wildcats finish the...

Amanda Flores celebrating with teammates moments after hitting the game tying grand slam against San Francisco State. Photo Courtesy of Jana Weiss

Wildcats softball team ends regular season play atop the offensive leaderboard

Katalina Santamaria
April 29, 2018

The Chico State softball team is proving to fans that this year’s team has the skills and capabilities of bringing home a National Championship coming from their impressive offense where they sit...

Olivia Williams, 2, battles for the steal in a scrimmage against ________. Photo credit: Maria Ramirez

Chico State women’s soccer team working towards new goals for 2018 season

Katalina Santamaria
April 27, 2018

After losing in the first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship tournament last year, the Chico State women’s soccer team is looking to make improvements to ensure their...

A couple walk along the swimming area at Bidwell Park One Mile, April 20. Photo credit: Rachael Bayuk

One Mile: A fun day trip in the sun near downtown Chico

Katalina Santamaria and Rachael Bayuk
April 24, 2018

Located in the heart of Chico in historic Lower Bidwell Park, roughly five minutes from Downtown Chico and Chico State, it is a local favorite.Unlike hikes that may be snowed over or muddy during certain...

Pitcher Amanda Flores had seven hits, six RBIs and her first home run as a Wildcat in the four game series against Humboldt. Photo Courtesy: Janna Weiss Photography

Wildcats softball team set a new single season wins record with sweep of Jacks

Katalina Santamaria and Justin Couchot
April 22, 2018

The Chico State softball team improved to 43-3 in its four game sweep of Humboldt State. In doing so, Chico State also set a new single-season wins record, breaking the mark of 40 set in both 1980 and...

11 time CCAA pitcher of the week Haley Gilham leads the league in wins, shutouts and complete games. Photo credit: Kate Angeles

Wildcat of the Week: The 2018 record-breaking Wildcat softball seniors

The Chico State softball team has a lot to be proud of in their record breaking 39-3 season that included a perfect 20-0 home record at University Softball Field. From one of the Wildcats' greatest all-time...

With Bailey Akins' next home run, she will break the single-season home run record at Chico State. Photo credit: Caitlyn Young

Wildcat softball topping Chico State record book and CCAA leaderboard

Katalina Santamaria
April 10, 2018

The Chico State softball team has shown fans week after week why it is the No. 3 ranked Division II team in the nation. The team sits atop the California Collegiate Athletic Association with a record of...

Chico State shortstop Wendy Cardinali has been one of the top Wildcat hitters from the leadoff spot in the order. Photo credit: Kate Angeles

Wildcat of the Week: Wendy Cardinali

Katalina Santamaria
April 4, 2018

Wendy Cardinali is the starting shortstop and leadoff hitter for Chico State's softball team. Cardinali is a transfer student from Division I Fresno State who is in her junior year as a kinesiology major....

Bailey Akins celebrates following a double against Dominguez Hills. Akins tied the Chico State single season home run record Thursday with her 11th on the year. Photo credit: Caitlyn Young

Wildcats softball outscores Dominguez Hills 23-3 in doubleheader to improve to 33-3

Katalina Santamaria
March 30, 2018
Skowrup and Akins both go deep to help Wildcats win eighth straight.
Softball team celebrating after a hit. Photo Courtesy: Janna Weiss Photography

Wildcats finish undefeated in Tournament of Champions improving to 31-3 on the year

Katalina Santamaria
March 27, 2018

The Chico State softball team continued their success in Turlock winning all five of their games over the three-day Tournament. The Wildcats are ranked the No.3 team in the nation and now improve to 31-3...

Bailey Akins rounding the bases following a home run. Photo Courtesy: Janna Weiss Photography

Wildcats win by mercy rule in Tournament of Champions

Katalina Santamaria
March 25, 2018

The Chico State softball team beat Montana State Saturday night 9-1 in the Tournament of Champions after a rain storm in Turlock limited the team to only one game on the day. Due to the rain changes...

With the game two win Friday, Chico State Softball Head Coach Angel Shamblin tied Teri Rupe (1995-2005) as the winningest coach in Chico State softball history with 281 wins. Photo Courtesy: Janna Weiss Photography Photo credit: Janna Weiss

Despite split Friday, Wildcats take series 3-1 in Shamblin’s milestone win

Katalina Santamaria
March 16, 2018

After taking the first two games against UC San Diego Thursday, the Wildcats split the double header Friday, losing game one 10-2, and rebounding with a 9-6 win in game two. The game two win was a historic...

Cyrena Taylor at bat for the Wildcats. The senior finished with a double in each game against the Tritons as well two RBIs in game two. Photo Courtesy: Janna Weiss Photography Photo credit: Janna Weiss

No. 1 Wildcats shut out No. 2 Tritons improving record to 25-2 on the season

Katalina Santamaria
March 16, 2018

The Chico State women’s softball team won both games of its double header Thursday night, shutting out UC San Diego 2-0 in game one, and following that with 6-0 victory in game two.With the wins,...

Chico State third baseman Cameron Santos, 3, was one of three Wildcats with three hits Friday. Photo credit: Martin Chang

Chico State men’s baseball loose heartbreaker in 15 innings to Cal State Monterey Bay

Katalina Santamaria
March 10, 2018

The Chico State baseball team played their longest game in Wildcat history Friday afternoon losing 12-11 in 15 innings to Cal State Monterey Bay. The team was scheduled to play a doubleheader, but with...

Wendy Cardinali, 5, and Ari Marsh, 2, at Wildcat Softball Stadium. Photo credit: Kelsey Veith

‘Go green’ motto motivates Chico State softball to aim for the fences

Katalina Santamaria
March 7, 2018

“We’re ready to bring the fire,” said Kristin Worley, a sophomore outfielder, just after the Chico State softball team won their first five games of the season. The team is now 18-1 on the season...

First baseman Cyrena Taylor hits a home run for the Wildcats. Photo Courtesy: Janna Weiss Photography

Stanislaus State snaps Chico’s win streak; Wildcats fight to even series at 2-2

Katalina Santamaria
March 5, 2018

Chico State softball broke even with Stanislaus State Monday in double header where the Wildcats would win game one 9-5 and fall to the Warriors in game two 4-1. In game one of the double header the...

Chico State pitcher Naomi Monahan in one of her 10 wins on the year in a start at home for the Wildcats Photo credit: Anne Chamberlain

Stanislaus State snaps Chico State softball 17 game win streak, Wildcats look to bounce back

Katalina Santamaria
March 4, 2018

Chico State softball fells short against Stanislaus State Sunday afternoon after losing 4-0 in game one of a double header, snapping the teams 17 game winning streak. Going into the game the ’Cats...

Pitcher Haley Gilham is one of the Wildcats off to a hot start this season, starting 9-0 with a .70 ERA after nine games. Photo credit: Katalina Santamaria

Wildcats softball team looking to break school records

Katalina Santamaria
February 28, 2018

The Chico State Women’s softball team is now 17-0 on the season where they are slowly reaching new heights to possibly break individual as well as team records.Pitching: ERA: Starting pitcher Haley...

Haley Gilham is the pitcher on the Chico State softball team. Photo credit: Caitlyn Young

Wildcat of the Week – Haley Gilham

Katalina Santamaria and Caitlyn Young
February 27, 2018

Senior pitcher Haley Gilham is making her name known this season after a dominant start with a 9-0 record and an ERA of 0.70. The softball team is currently undefeated sitting at 17-0 on the season. Gilham...

Pitcher Naomi "Nemo" Monahan delivers a pitch against Cal State San Marcos, with shortstop Wendy Cardinali ready for the pitch. Photo credit: Anne Chamberlain

Chico State softball stays unbeaten behind powerful bats and strong pitching

Katalina Santamaria
February 16, 2018

The Chico State softball team is beginning to feel unstable,after winning both games of their double-header Friday against Cal State San Marcos to improve their unbeaten record to 11-0. In game one, the...

Wildcat of the Week, Josh McCollum Photo credit: Caitlyn Young

Wildcat of the week – Josh McCollum

Katalina Santamaria
February 13, 2018

Josh McCollum is a junior transfer student from Creighton University who is on the Chico State men's golf team. McCollum was recognized last week when he finished second out of 80 golfers at the Fujikura...

The Wildcats feel short tonight despite their second half effort. Orion Stock Photo

Wildcats rally but fall short of victory against Stanislaus State

Katalina Santamaria
February 8, 2018

The Chico State's men basketball team fell short of a victory Thursday night in a 78-88 loss against Stanislaus State. The Wildcats played a well fought game against the Warriors but ultimately fell...

Wendy Cardinali. Photo Courtesy: Chico Wildcats

Wildcats top 3 from Vegas’ Desert Stinger Classic

Katalina Santamaria
February 5, 2018

The Chico State softball team gave fans an outstanding performance and a reason to be excited for their season after winning the Desert Stinger Classic in Las Vegas. They finished the tournament with an...

Kristin Worley in an at bat against Eastern New Mexico at the Desert Stinger Classic in Las Vegas. Photo Courtesy: Janna Weiss Photography

Wildcats takes home title in Desert Stinger Classic

Katalina Santamaria
February 5, 2018

The Chico State softball team came out swinging in the debut of its 2018 season with a win at the Desert Stinger Tournament in Las Vegas. The Wildcats went 5-0 in the tournament for the second year...

Isaiah Ellis helped lead the Wildcats with 26 points and seven rebounds Photo credit: The Orion

Wildcat men stay hot, women continue to struggle on the road

Katalina Santamaria
January 28, 2018

The men's basketball team continued a dominant road series with a 85-58 win over Cal State Los Angeles Saturday night. Isaiah Ellis had another terrific night scoring 26 points which is a new season-high...

Isaiah Ellis shoots a field goal in the Wildcats home game against Dominguez Hills. Photo credit: Justin Couchot

Branham struggles, Ellis and McFerren with season highs in split verse Dominguez Hills

Katalina Santamaria
January 27, 2018

The Chico State men's basketball team continued its win streak with a 82-64 victory over Cal State Dominguez Hills Friday. Seniors Jalen McFerren and Isaiah Ellis led the Wildcats to a victory over the...

Chico softball celebrates following the 2016/2017 season. Photo credit: Carlos Islas

Wildcat softball ready to hit the field once again

Katalina Santamaria
January 22, 2018

With softball season approaching, the Chico State women’s team is eager and ready to bring home a championship. Coming off a hot season last year, the team feels the pressure to not only come back...

‘Cats struggle in Coyote territory

Katalina Santamaria
January 23, 2017

After three straight wins at home, the Chico States women’s basketball team started the new year with a tough loss against Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes. Despite a slow start, the 'Cats were able...

Violence prevention course offered for spring 2017

Katalina Santamaria
December 6, 2016

A violence prevention class will be offered at Chico State this spring. Chico State has developed a new course which is designed to provide students with the tools and knowledge to be able to recognize...

Photo credit: Cortneanne Campbell

Students unite for solidarity walk

Katalina Santamaria
November 17, 2016

Students, staff and members of the community gathered near the George Petersen garden to show solidarity in creating a safer and welcoming environment on campus. Participants celebrated national walkout...

City Council member Sean Morgan

Chico State Professor wins seat on City Council

Katalina Santamaria
November 9, 2016

Chico State Professor Sean Morgan won a second term as a member of the Chico City Council. Morgan has lived in Chico since he was 4 years old and graduated from the Chico State's College of Business...

‘Stay at home’ protest coming to Chico State

Katalina Santamaria
September 24, 2016

The Black Faculty and Staff association at Chico State will stay home on Sept. 26 in response to police brutality toward unarmed black men and women in our country, according to a campus-wide email. "These...

Dr. Katherine Whitlock is remembered at an outstanding professor and awarded for her excellence in teaching. Photo courtesy of Facebook

Former Chico State Professor wins posthumous award

Katalina Santamaria
September 6, 2016

Former Chico State theater Professor Dr. Katherine Whitlock was the recipient of the Oscar Brockett Outstanding Teacher of Theater in Higher Education 2016 award. Whitlock unexpectedly died in her home...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

George Washington’s grandson rants about Paris Hilton

Katalina Santamaria
August 27, 2016

Chico Police Department Call Type: Traffic Hazard, 8:51 a.m., Thursday, Forest Avenue Man on Highway 32 stops traffic near 7-Eleven by walking through the street and running towards cars yelling at them...

New cameras fortify bike trail

New cameras fortify bike trail

Katalina Santamaria
August 23, 2016
New cameras add second line of defense for wary bike trail travelers