Over the years, Chico State volleyball head coach Cody Hein has brought several outstanding outside hitters into the Wildcats' program—Olivia Mediano, Ellie Larronde, Alex Shurtz, and Makenzie Snyder representing just a few recent examples. Three weeks into the 2019 season, Grace Shepherd is showing signs that she could soon join that elite group of point producers. The freshman played a huge role in Chico State's back-to-back sweeps of Stanislaus State and Cal State Monterey Bay to open California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play, and her productive efforts make Shepherd the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Â
In just six sets, the King City product piled up 22 kills while also contributing two service aces, six digs, and five blocks to help Chico State improve to 6-4 on the season and move the Wildcats into sole possession of first place in the CCAA North Division with a 2-0 conference record.
Â
Shepherd connected for a match-high 13 kills while registering four blocks and an ace Wednesday in the Wildcats' road sweep of Stanislaus State. She followed that up with a nine kill performance Friday as Chico State downed Cal State Monterey Bay in three sets at Acker Gym.
Â
Shepherd has racked up 79 kills on the young season, and ranks second among Wildcats' hitters with a 3.04 kills-per-set average.
Â
Shepherd and the Wildcats travel to the Bay Area this weekend to take on CCAA rivals Cal State East Bay Friday and San Francisco State on Saturday.Â
