Since the Chico State volleyball is loaded with talented hitters, playing time is not an overabundant commodity. Freshman outside hitter Olivia Mediano has done whatever she has been asked – even playing defensive specialist at times – to be a contributor to the ’Cats lineup this season, and last weekend her efforts all came together. The Palm Springs native put up the best numbers of her short Chico State career in matches against UC San Diego and Cal Poly Pomona, resulting in Mediano being named Wildcat of the Week.
All told, Mediano racked up a combined 22 kills against the Tritons and Broncos while also providing 36 digs, three assists and eight service digs – seven coming in Saturday’s match against Cal Poly Pomona.
Friday against UC San Diego, Mediano notched her first double-digit kill match as a Wildcat, scoring 11 winners to go along with 15 digs, two assists and a service ace as Chico State handed the visiting Tritons a four-set defeat.
Saturday Mediano matched her career-high of 11 kills against Cal Poly Pomona, and her seven aces were just two shy of the Chico State single-match record. Mediano also set a new personal best with 21 digs, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Broncos from winning in five sets.
Mediano currently ranks fourth on the Wildcats in kills (68) and service aces (9), and is fifth on the team in digs (114).
Mediano and the Wildcats are on the road this weekend, taking on Cal State Monterey Bay Friday before traveling to Hayward Saturday to battle Cal State East Bay.
