At just about every level of volleyball, the big hitters get the vast majority of the headlines. But just as important in determining the team's success are the efforts of the back line – the players who are counted on for accurate passes and keeping the ball alive to set up the hitters. Throughout the 2015 season Chico State libero Shannon Cotton has been the team's unsung hero, and her outstanding play during the final three matches of the regular season not only helped the 'Cats reach the postseason but also earned the Santa Cruz native Wildcat of the Week honors.
Cotton was all over the court for the 'Cats in matches versus San Francisco State, Humboldt State and Sonoma State. In just 10 sets, Cotton racked up a whopping 63 digs while also contributing seven assists and a pair of service aces to the Wildcats' cause.
Cotton's 26-dig, six assist effort Thursday helped lead Chico State to a four-set win over Humboldt State and a berth in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championship Tournament – the program's first postseason appearance since 2008.
Cotton, who needs just 13 digs to become only the fourth player in Chico State history to post 500 digs in a season, currently ranks fourth among CCAA players in digs (487) and fifth in digs per set (4.87).
Cotton and the Wildcats will face top seed and 18th-ranked Sonoma State Thursday in the opening round of the CCAA Championship Tournament Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
