Chico's McKena Harvey throws 1-hitter under Friday night lights against Pleasant Valley

Chico High softball pitcher McKena Harvey dominates in 2-0 victory over rival Pleasant Valley

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and competitive energy of a softball game, with players and the field deconstructed into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist interpretation of the intense rivalry and high-stakes pitching duel between Chico and Pleasant Valley on the softball diamond.Chico Today

In a highly anticipated rivalry matchup under the Friday night lights, Chico High softball pitcher McKena Harvey threw a one-hit shutout, leading her team to a 2-0 victory over Pleasant Valley. Harvey struck out 11 batters and only allowed one hit, a bunt single, while her counterpart Rylie Bumgarner of Pleasant Valley also pitched an impressive game with 9 strikeouts.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the intense cross-town rivalry between Chico and Pleasant Valley, two of the top softball programs in the area. The game was the first time the teams had played under the lights, adding to the excitement and atmosphere. The pitching duel between Harvey and Bumgarner showcased the high level of talent in the Eastern Athletic League.

The details

Chico's McKena Harvey was dominant throughout, allowing just one hit - a bunt single in the second inning - while striking out 11 batters. She mixed her rise ball, drop ball and changeup to keep the Pleasant Valley hitters off balance. Chico scored the game's only two runs, one in the third inning on a double by Harvey and another unearned run in the fifth. Pleasant Valley's Rylie Bumgarner matched Harvey pitch-for-pitch, striking out 9 and only allowing 2 hits, but the Vikings couldn't muster any offense against the Chico ace.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 18, 2026 under the lights.
  • Chico and Pleasant Valley will face off again at 4 p.m. on May 5, 2026 at Chico High School.

The players

McKena Harvey

The starting pitcher for Chico High, she threw a dominant one-hit shutout, striking out 11 batters.

Rylie Bumgarner

The sophomore starting pitcher for Pleasant Valley, she matched Harvey with 9 strikeouts but took the loss in the 2-0 game.

Kai Peterson

The catcher for Chico High, she praised Harvey's mix of pitches that kept the Pleasant Valley hitters off balance.

Lily Thurman

The shortstop and leading hitter for Pleasant Valley, she said the little things matter in a pitcher's duel like this one.

Leah Cawthon

Chico High's leadoff hitter, she had a tough eight-pitch at-bat to start the game against Bumgarner.

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What they’re saying

“Her changeup got them too because with the off speed they weren't expecting it since they'd been looking high all game. With her drop they weren't looking low so she got them with that too.”

— Kai Peterson, Chico catcher

“The little things matter when it comes to games like this because we have two high level pitchers and they're working their butts off.”

— Lily Thurman, Pleasant Valley shortstop

“That first run was what fired us up and got us going all night.”

— Kai Peterson, Chico catcher

What’s next

Chico and Pleasant Valley will face off again on May 5, 2026 at Chico High School in another crucial Eastern Athletic League matchup.

The takeaway

This game showcased the high level of softball talent in the Chico area, with two elite pitchers in Harvey and Bumgarner going head-to-head. The intense rivalry between the two schools added to the excitement, and the outcome could have major implications for the league standings and playoff seeding.