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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

All content by Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
Wildcat Spotlight: Jacqueline Massey-Blake

Wildcat Spotlight: Jacqueline Massey-Blake

Alex Martin and Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
March 27, 2020

Jacqueline Massey-Blake is a sophomore from the Bay Area and came to Chico State to pursue her degree as a business information systems major. Massey-Blake has a very diverse background in sports but...

Makaela Keeve serving the ball to the other team. Photo credit: Mary Vogel

Wildcats’ Five set battle results in loss against Toros

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
October 26, 2019

The volleyball team took a tough loss to the California State University, Dominguez Hills in a long five set battle Friday night. The confidence that Chico State displayed throughout the game showed the...

Photo credit: Melissa Joseph

Getting my gender and pronouns right: Why it matters

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
October 23, 2019

There have been many places where I have been misgendered, but sitting at a restaurant with my brother is not where I expected it to happen, yet again.About two years ago, I decided to cut my long hair...

Kim Wright (left) celebrates a kill against Humboldt State in this archive photo. Photo credit: Ricardo Tovar

Wildcat comeback falls short to Concordia (Irvine)

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
September 15, 2019

The Wildcats took command at the beginning of the Division II West Region Volleyball Showcase as they swept both Montana State Billings and Saint Martin’s Saints only playing six sets on Thursday...

Chico State standing for the national anthem in their game against California State University, San Marcos. Oct. 25, 2018. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Women’s soccer season opener nearly equalized by true freshman

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
September 7, 2019

The Chico State women’s soccer team kicked off their season opener away from home as they faced 15th-ranked Colorado School of Mines. As the Wildcats expected an uphill battle, they only fell short...

Chico State men's rugby team celebrating beating Cal State Long Beach on April 21. Photo credit: Ricardo Tovar

Chico State men’s rugby club fall short in D1AA national championship

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
May 6, 2019

The Wildcats knew that facing defending champion Dartmouth College was not going to be easy and were ready to fight for the national title. “I’ve played in big rugby games before and how you...

Jason Adams trails behind in 110 men's hurdles at Chico Multi Classic. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Men and Women’s Track split ways in CCAA championships

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
May 6, 2019

The Chico State track and field teams finished their season with record-breaking performances at the California Collegiate Athletic Association championships hosted in La Jolla, California.Women’s...

Team chemistry and bonds formed through countless games together made the Chico men's rugby team the brothers they are now. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Chico State Men’s Rugby Club fights for national title

Chico State’s Men's Rugby Club has done what no other alumni group has in Chico State history by securing their spot in the USA Rugby national playoff game. They will represent the Pacific Western...

The Chico State rugby team hoist up head coach Lucas Bradbury after the win against Cal State Long Beach on Sunday. Photo credit: Ricardo Tovar

Chico State men’s rugby going to nationals

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
April 22, 2019

For the first time in Chico State history, the men’s rugby club has earned a spot in the national championship game. “The boys were clearly prepared to put their bodies on the line for a victory,...

#9 Turner Olson takes a swing in a game against Cal State San Marcos on April 5, 2019. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Wildcats slip behind Broncos in the first game of series

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
April 19, 2019

What might have been the closest game of the season for Chico State Baseball, definitely reflected the skill set of the team. A pitchers' duel between the Wildcats William Curless and Bronco's Tim Holdgrafer...

Natalie Kinney was the leading scorer in the CCAA championship. Photo Courtesy of Sports Information.

Chico State women’s golf place fourth in CCAA Championship

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
April 18, 2019

Despite their strong performance, the women’s golf team placed fourth in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championship.Day oneChico State started off with a powerful performance...

Joshua Cummings and Isaiah Roybal running a medley race at University Stadium, Photo Courtesy of Sports Information

Wildcats give Division I competitors a tough time

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
April 15, 2019

Chico State headed to UC Davis in an effort to show Division I competitors what they were capable of. Both men and women’s Track and Field made their presence known at the Woody Wilson Classic as they...

Josh McCollum earned his second golfer of the week award for the CCAA. Image courtesy: Chico Sports Information

Wildcats make top five at Mustang Invitational

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
April 10, 2019

After prevailing at the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational the week before, Chico State was ready to continue the momentum in the Mustang Invitational. The Wildcats started off Monday at 10 under par in...

Brooke Larsen up at home plate batting at University Softball field. Photo Courtesy of Sports Information/ Skip Reager

Otters sink Wildcats in Chico doubleheader

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
April 8, 2019

The Wildcats headed to the Bay Area this weekend to face off against California State University, Monterey Bay in a weekend series. Chico State was off to an early series lead Saturday taking the first...

The hard-hitting reality of salaries in the NFL

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
April 2, 2019

The NFL made history in March of 2018 when they paid quarterback Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings a fully-guaranteed three-year contract. Unlike NBA, MLB and NHL athletes, NFL players are not...

Isabella Moyer passing on the baton to Lyndsey Settle in the invitational track meet Sunday. Image courtesy of Chico State Sports Information.

Wildcats track and field shine brightly in the Bay Area

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
April 1, 2019

Both Chico State's track and field teams darted to the Bay Area to compete in the Mike Fanelli Track Classic and Stanford Invitational this weekend. Even with such an eventful weekend for the Wildcats,...

Alexandria Tucker has returned to competing while Brennan Wheeler (left) and Derek Morton (right) are still in the recovery process. Photo credit: Brian Luong

How athletes deal with their worst nightmare-injuries

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
March 13, 2019

As an athlete, the most important thing you can do is to keep your body well-maintained throughout the season. But with sports being as unpredictable as they are, injuries can occur in the blink of an...

Chico State and Humboldt State jump ball to start their game on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Acker Gym. Photo credit: Ricardo Tovar

The twisted turns of the men’s basketball season

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
March 13, 2019

The men’s basketball team faced a roller coaster ride of a season, ending up ranked 22 in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II West Region.The record for the season was 8-14 in...

Josh McCollum swings at the Western Washington Invitational. Image courtesy of Chico State Athletics

Wildcats slip up in SoCal Invitational

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
March 7, 2019

The Men’s golf team took on the SoCal Invitational hosted by the University of California, San Diego on Tuesday. Through harsh weather conditions and a rigorous course, Chico State powered through...

Dustin Miller batting at the top of the second inning against Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday, Mar. 1, 2019. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Wildcats face fourth straight defeat, fall against the Otters

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
March 3, 2019

The Wildcats looked forward to redeeming themselves after a doubleheader loss against the Gators in the previous week. They were soon disappointed as California State University, Monterey Bay took both...

Alex Davila and Jason Adams competing in the 110 meter high hurdles on Friday, Mar. 1, 2019 in Chico Multi classic. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Track and Field post up a fight in Chico Multi classic

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
March 2, 2019

As the Chico Multi classic took place Thursday and Friday, the Wildcats were ready to show how ambitious they are in the new season. “I am looking forward to competing, having fun and keeping the...

Teddy Kassa followed by Jason Intravaia in the distance medley relay. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Sprinting back into the track and field season

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
February 24, 2019

The track and field team kicked off their season early Saturday morning with a welcoming scrimmage between the Cardinal and White Intrasquads. Although the scrimmage performance was not for any season...

#12 Marvin Timothy attempts to get the rebound against Cal State Pomona Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Broncos trample Wildcats’ winning streak

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
February 17, 2019

The Wildcats were at an all-time high on their four-game winning streak facing off against California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, the second seed in their conference. That energy was soon shut...

Brittany O'Bryant dropped a pair of birdies and shot a 3-over par 75 and that was good enough for sixth place on the individual leaderboard for day one of the Mikuni Sushi Shootout.
 Image credit: Chico State Sports Information

Wildcats tie for sixth in day one of the Mikuni Sushi Shootout

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
February 12, 2019

Chico State women's golf looks to redeem themselves this week, as unfavorable weather conditions in the Sea Lion Invitational caused the Wildcats to tumble to 10th place. The team came back at Mukini...

Paradise High School remained untouched despite buildings around it being destroyed by flames. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Paradise High School on the road to Recovery

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
February 10, 2019

The first week of November was a crucial time for Paradise High School athletics: the football team was ready to take on their first playoff game, both soccer teams and the wrestling team were on the verge...

Malik Duffy shooting a three against Humboldt State at Acker Gymnasium. Image credit: Chico State Sports Information

Wildcats shame Warriors on Alumni Weekend

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
February 10, 2019

Chico State came in ready to extend their winning streak on the road when they faced California State University, Stanislaus Saturday night. “We knew this was a big game because the win would help...

Chico State senior Emily Rotter tees off at the first annual CCAA women's golf championship in this archived photo. Photo credit: Heather Fegley

Unpredictable weather drowns Wildcats in Sea Lion Invitational

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
February 6, 2019

Battling against weather conditions, the Chico State women’s golf team struggled to shine when the first round of the Sea Lion Invitational, hosted in San Diego, was canceled after the 10th hole...

Marvin Timothy slams the ball in against Humboldt State Saturday night. Photo credit: Mathew Boe

Wildcats send Lucky Loggers packing

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
February 3, 2019

Unfair calls and Humboldt State's aggressive defense was what Chico State faced Saturday night at Acker Gymnasium. It showed what the team was truly capable of as the Wildcats gutted out a 67-65 win over...

Naomi Monahan is a senior pitcher. She was named Second Team All-CCAA and All-West Region selection in 2018. She led all Wildcat pitchers in winning percentage (.938), second on the team in wins (15) and strikeouts (70), third in earned run average (2.83) and tossed four complete games and three shutouts. 
Photo Credit: Janna Weiss Photography

Chico State softball seek a comeback

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
January 29, 2019

February is around the corner and that signals the start of the Wildcat’s softball season as they come back from winning their first-ever California Collegiate Athletic Association championship. Along...

Shay Stark helping the Wildcats on defense and with the flow of the game against Cal State East Bay, on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Wildcats extend winning streak

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
January 20, 2019

Chico State women’s basketball has come back stronger than ever after facing a three-game losing streak. After taking on the Pioneers, the Wildcats have extended their winning streak to four games. Shay...

The WNBA looks for expansion

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
December 18, 2018

The disparity that the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) players face has finally gotten the spotlight in a recent collective bargaining agreement opt out.It is no shock that some of the most...

McKena Barker is a senior, leader, rebounding specialist and this week's Wildcat of the Week. Photo credit: Caitlyn Young

Wildcat of the Week- McKena Barker

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
December 12, 2018

McKena Barker is a Chico native that has been a part of the Chico State women's basketball team since fall of 2014. She received her bachelor’s degree in public administration in spring 2018 and...

Chico State guard Shay Stark attempts a layup on Thursday night against Stanislaus State. Photo credit: Keelie Lewis

Chico State women’s basketball comes home for a win

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
December 7, 2018

The Chico State women’s basketball team showed that chemistry and determination on the court brings desired outcomes. The Wildcats maintained paced movement with their immaculate passing and did not...

Gavin Risbry is the Chico State Lacrosse team's goalie, a position many are unwilling to take due to fear of being hit by the ball. Photo credit: Tara Killoran

Wildcat of the Week: Gavin Risbry

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
November 7, 2018

Dual athlete in lacrosse and field hockey, Gavin Risbry, is definitely a strong force, both as a forward for field hockey and as a goalkeeper for lacrosse. He was named defensive player of the year by...

Chico State's Kim Wright goes up for the blocked shot attempt against Sonoma State in this archived photo. Photo credit: Ricardo Tovar

Warriors throw away Chico’s playoff chances

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
November 4, 2018

The Chico State volleyball team has been through a heck of a season.Starting off conference play with a six set losing streak at the beginning of the season then finally getting their first conference...

LAbron takes on the Western Conference

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
October 27, 2018

Since his start in the Los Angeles Lakers franchise, Lebron James was faced with a lot of pressure to put the team on top. Many Lakers fans put their faith in James, but have been disappointed with the...

Chico State soccer gets ready for the game against Cal State San Marcos on Thursday. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Women’s Soccer back on the road to Victory

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
October 26, 2018

The Chico State women’s soccer team started on a climactic note with an amazing save by Brenna Meier within the first five minutes of play.“It was kind of frustrating, you don’t want...

Chico State forward, Jordan Doukakis, moves the ball upfield against Sonoma State in this archived photo. Photo credit: Roy Anderson

San Francisco State ends Wildcats unbeaten streak

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
October 22, 2018

A foul was all it took for the Gators to take the game at the last minute.Chico State women’s soccer team made an early presence on the field attempting the first shot of the game within the first...

Chico State Midfielder, Cooper Renteria, looks to shoot the ball against UC Santa Cruz in this archived photo. Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Chico State women’s soccer continues unbeaten streak

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
October 18, 2018

The Chico State women’s soccer team has ended their seven-game winning streak on the road against in a tie with Stanislaus State thanks to a late goal by the Warriors. It was not disheartening to...

Reischling officiating University of Oregon basketball match. Photo courtesy of Mark Reischling.

Chico honors alum after years of dedication

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
October 16, 2018

Chico State alumni Mark Reischling is a man of many talents, known for being a college athlete, coach, mentor and basketball official. All attributes that earned him the Hall of Fame Committee’s...

Chico State's #5 Lindsey Bryant gets ready to strike the ball against San Francisco State in this archived image. Photo credit: Ricardo Tovar

Wildcats served up by the Pioneers

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
October 3, 2018

The Chico State women’s volleyball team went head-to-head against California State University, East Bay on Tuesday night. The Wildcats were looking for redemption against the Pioneers as their first...

Libero Brooke Fogel back-row attacks the ball against Cal State San Bernardino earlier in the year in this archived photo. Photo credit: Julia Maldonado

Wildcats take a step back against the Seawolves

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
September 30, 2018

After gaining confidence with a sweeping win against the Lumberjacks Friday night, Chico State women’s volleyball was ready to conquer Sonoma State on Saturday night, or so they thought. The Wildcats...

Chico State makes a block against Cal State San Bernardino in this archived photo. Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

The Gators turn the tables on the Wildcats

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
September 25, 2018

On Tuesday night the Chico State volleyball team faced the tough competitors of San Francisco State University for the second time this season. Chico State put up a fight but trailed behind San Francisco...

Chico State huddles before the start of the first set on Saturday in a game against Cal State East Bay. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Pioneers cut Wildcat’s winning streak short

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
September 23, 2018

Chico State volleyball took on the California State University, East Bay Pioneers on Saturday, but after a thrilling first set that saw a total of 17 tie scores and ten lead changes the Wildcats would...

Chico State's #3 Kim Wright attempts a block during a game against CSU San Bernardino. Photo credit: Maury Montalvo

Chico State Women’s Volleyball dominate against California State Monterey Bay

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
September 16, 2018

Chico State Volleyball gains momentum and accomplished two consecutive wins by beating out the California State Monterey Bay Otters 3-1 on Saturday.The Wildcats made it look easy in the first set beating...

Chico State huddles before the beginning of the first half against Cal State LA on Friday night. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Chico State Men’s Soccer take second loss of the season

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava
September 15, 2018

After an intense 90 minutes, Chico State men's soccer came up short Friday night against the California State Los Angeles Golden Eagles with a final score of 0-1. Both teams put up a strong fight not...