'Cats return home to take on Gators
Kait Manning and the Wildcats host San Francisco State Friday and Saturday at University Softball Field.
4/16/2009 10:54:54 AM
CHICO, Calif. – After logging 36 of its first 49 games on the road, the Chico State softball team will play the remainder of its regular season contests in the friendly confines of University Softball Field, beginning with a four-game series this Friday and Saturday against CCAA rival San Francisco State.
The Wildcats enter Friday’s series-opening doubleheader 17-32 on the year, 5-23 in the CCAA. Chico State returns home after dropping three of four to CSU Monterey Bay last weekend, but despite the losses the ’Cats have won six of their last 10 games. For all the ups and downs the Wildcats have experienced offensively this season, their defense has been solid all year – Chico State’s .972 team fielding percentage leads the CCAA and ranks seventh among Division II schools nationwide.
San Francisco State comes to Chico with a 24-19 overall record and a 6-14 mark in conference play. The Gators have won 10 of their last 12, including a doubleheader sweep of Notre Dame de Namur earlier this week. San Francisco State has struggled against CCAA foes, however, losing seven of its last nine against conference opponents.
Last season the Gators won three of four meetings with the Wildcats in San Francisco, sweeping a doubleheader Feb. 22 and splitting a twinbill against Chico State March 17.
The first game of Friday’s doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m., with Saturday’s double dip beginning at noon. Saturday will also be Senior Day, with lone Wildcats senior Gwen Cox honored before the ballgame. Several former Chico State softball players will be on hand Saturday and will be recognized during pre-game ceremonies.