Chico State's Smith starts season in solid fashion, named CCAA Player of the Week

WALNUT CREEK – A lot is expected this season from Chico State women’s basketball player Natasha Smith. After all, the unquestioned leader of the Wildcats enters the 2010-11 campaign ranked among the program’s all-time top 10 in scoring, assists, steals, free throws and 3-point shooting, and hopes to steer Head Coach Brian Fogel’s program to its eighth NCAA Chapionship Tournament appearance in nine years. Only two games are in the books, but Smith has already more than lived up to expectations, playing a major role in Chico State’s two weekend victories in the Coslet Classic. Her efforts were rewarded Monday when Smith was named the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Player of the Week for the period of Nov. 15-21.

Smith posted solid numbers throughout the stat sheet, scoring a combined 22 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, handing out 12 assists, connecting for four 3-pointers and grabbing three steals in wins over Academy of Art and Hawaii Pacific.

In Friday’s season opener, the two-time All-CCAA First Team selection tallied nine points and four rebounds while dishing out a team-high five assists in Chico State’s 73-55 victory over the Urban Knights. Saturday versus Hawaii Pacific, Smith did it all, scoring 13 points, hauling in seven rebounds and doling out seven assists – all team highs – hit both of her 3-point attempts and added a pair of steals in the Wildcats’ 64-46 win over the Sea Warriors. Following the tournament, Smith was named the Coslet Classic’s Most Valuable Player.

Smith and the Wildcats are back in action Tuesday night when they host Cal State Stanislaus at Acker Gym. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.