The COVID pandemic threatened to bring an abrupt and unceremonious end to the career of Chico State volleyball standout Makaela Keeve. The All-CCAA performer, however, was determined to go out on her own terms. Keeve weathered the shutdown of the 2020 season and this past spring was accepted into Chico State’s graduate business program. While working to earn her master’s degree this fall, Keeve’s final season of competition has seen her game rise to an even higher level. Her outstanding play during the ’Cats’ recent home stand makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Keeve was the catalyst of the Chico State attack as the Wildcats split their two weekend matches. All told, she racked up a combined 30 kills, averaging 4.29 kills per set, while posting a sparkling .415 hitting percentage. Keeve also collected six service aces, 17 digs, three assists, and six blocks over seven total sets.
Friday, Keeve delivered a match-high 18 kills and contributed four aces and four blocks in a four-set loss to Cal State LA. She then added another 12 kills (on just 17 swings), two aces, and two blocks in the Wildcats’ Saturday sweep of Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Keeve is currently second among all CCAA players in points per set (4.42) for the 2021 season, and ranks in the conference top 10 in kills (193), kills per set (3.45), aces (27), aces per set (0.48), blocks (44), and blocks per set (0.79).
Keeve and the rest of the Wildcats will take on Stanislaus State this week in a home-and-home series. Chico State will travel to Turlock Wednesday for a 5 p.m. match, then return to Acker Gym to host the Warriors Friday at 5 p.m.
