CHICO – The Angel Shamblin era of Chico State softball officially gets underway this Friday as the Wildcats travel to Turlock to open the 2010 season at the Mizuno Best of the West Invitational. The tournament, hosted by Cal State Stanislaus, will see the ’Cats participate in six games over the three-day event, and will serve as the team’s lone non-conference tune-up before California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play begins Feb. 12.
Shamblin, in her first season as Chico State head coach, leads a Wildcat squad that features 11 letterwinners, including seniors Rebecca Johnson, Christine Johnson and Charlotte Honciano. The 2010 edition of the ’Cats will look to improve on last season’s 19-36 record, and thanks to a productive fall season, the team is feeling optimistic about turning its’ fortunes around.
“The thing that we noticed most was that our girls were relaxed,” Shamblin said about the team’s fall preparations. “They were relaxed in their at-bats and playing defense, which definitely made a difference. Everybody’s been working hard. [The players] have verbally told us they want to be successful; they want to have a good experience with the program…so that tells us they’re pretty excited and positive about what we have going.”
First baseman Rachel Failla, the Wildcats’ home run leader in 2009, is back for her second season, as are fellow sophomores Jessie Minch (SS), Kelly Head (OF), Jenna Wermes (C/1B), Jessica McDermott (RHP), Reina Andreatta (C) and Sam Quadt (OF). Junior utility player Christina Wieck rounds out the returners.
Among the newcomers to the Chico State roster are junior transfers Courtney Brock (SS/C) and Sarah Marcia (right-handed pitcher), and freshmen Kacie McCarthy (RHP), Caitlin Byrne (LHP/OF) and Maddi Hillier (1B/OF).
The Mizuno Best of the West Invitational will take place at Turlock’s Pedretti Park. The 12-team field includes nine CCAA schools.
Chico State opens up the season Friday at 1:15 p.m. against UC San Diego, followed by a 3:30 p.m. tilt with San Francisco State. Saturday, the Wildcats take on host Cal State Stanislaus at 1:00 p.m., then at 3:30 p.m. square off against West Virginia’s Davis and Elkins College. The ’Cats wrap up the Best of the West Invitational Sunday with games at 9:30 a.m. against Grand Canyon University and Cal State Monterey Bay at 2:00 p.m.
Tournament scores, results and updates will be available online throughout the weekend at
www.warriorathletics.com/bwi.
