The Chico State volleyball team kicked off the 2012 season last weekend with a three-match sweep at the Humboldt State Volleyball Tournament, and senior opposite hitter Jessica Leek was a major reason for the ’Cats’ impressive start. Despite facing numerous defensive shifts aimed at limiting her effectiveness, Leek lived up to her 2011 All-American status as Chico State dropped just one set in wins over Dominican, Holy Names and Cal Baptist. Leek’s season-opening efforts have earned the native of Laguna Niguel the Wildcat of the Week award.
All told, Leek racked up 37 kills in the three matches at Lumberjack Arena in Arcata, averaging 3.7 kills per set and posting an attack percentage of .326. She also led the Wildcats with seven service aces and six total blocks, and was second on the team with 24 digs.
Leek began the Humboldt Tournament with a combined 17 kills and a .389 attack percentage in Chico State’s three-set victories Friday over Dominican and Holy Names.
She saved her best performance for the Wildcats’ toughest tourney opponent – Saturday against Cal Baptist, Leek delivered team highs with 20 kills and five service aces to go along with a dozen digs as Chico State downed a talented Lancers squad in four sets to start the 2012 campaign with a perfect 3-0 record.
Last weekend’s performance is one Wildcat fans have come to expect of Leek. She is already a familiar name in the Chico State record books, ranking ninth all-time in kills (861), fourth in career attack percentage (.270) and sixth in service aces (109).
Chico State plays its final non-conference matches of the season this Friday and Saturday in Rohnert Park as part of the Sonoma State-hosted Seawolf Spike Tournament.
