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Twins have a bond to which no other relationship can compare. Twins can be very competitive with each other, but the maturity shown on the softball diamond by the Johnson sisters is obvious.
Chico State junior softball players Christine and Rebecca Johnson are identical twins, but they both have signature talents in certain areas of the game, said Rebecca Johnson.
"Tine has more speed and ability to move runners over," Rebecca said. "Definitely more talented in the outfield than I ever was."
The two women are virtually inseparable and have always played on the same teams together, said Christine Johnson.
Senior Wildcat center fielder Gwen Cox thinks their bond is a special one.
"I have a sister, and we are really close - but they have a bond unlike any other," Cox said.
Known as "Tine" and "Bec" on the diamond, the Johnsons' great relationship has translated into an important asset for Wildcat softball, Cox said.
"They get along great," she said. "When one gets hurt, the other just laughs and vice versa."
The Johnsons' passion for softball is fierce and was apparent when Rebecca Johnson got a concussion when they played Notre Dame de Namur, Christine Johnson said.
Her sister and the 'Cats had to carry on without her on the field for the weekend games against UC San Diego, but she was cheering in the dugout all the same.
Softball has been a passion for the twins since they were kids and they started playing competitively at the age of six, Rebecca Johnson said.
"We actually weren't looking to go to the same place it was just really coincidental," Rebecca Johnson said. "Coach Rupe, the coach before coach Brown, really wanted both of us."
However, the 'Cats 2009 season has not been one that the competitive Johnsons would like to remember, so far.
Even with the Johnsons' passion, the 'Cats have lost 17 of their last 18 CCAA games, leaving the Wildcats with a 4-20 record and in last place in the conference.
"It has been pretty rough," Rebecca said.
One day we will hit really well and not play defense, and then the next day we will get great pitching and defense, but just can't get a hit, she said.
The Johnsons and the whole team come out and play hard every game, said coach Jamie Brown.
It is because of everyone's positive attitude and hard work that the team is inching closer to getting this season together, she said.
After their Chico State career ends, Christine Johnson, exercise physiology major, aspires to be a physical therapist, while Rebecca, environmental sciences major, is considering teaching, attending law school or working for the government forest service.
Kevin Bakken can be reach at kbakken@theorion.com
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