CHICO – No more non-conference tune-ups – it’s “takin’ care of business” time from here on out for the Chico State volleyball team. Following Wednesday’s three-set victory over Simpson Univeristy, the Wildcats return to California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play this weekend with matches against Humboldt State Friday and Sonoma State on Saturday. Both contests are set to start at 7 p.m. at Acker Gym.
The ’Cats enter this weekend’s action 6-2 on the season, and are tied for fifth in the CCAA with a 1-1 conference record. Head Coach Cody Hein, who stands just five victories shy of becoming the winningest coach in Chico State volleyball history, has seen his Wildcats climb to the upper levels of the conference rankings in several statistical categories – the ’Cats currently top the CCAA in kills (385), are second in hitting percentage (.253), third in service aces (averaging 2.07 per set) and fourth in kills per set (12.83 a set).
Individually, Jessica Leek’s team-high 94 kills is second among CCAA hitters; Crystal Trifeletti is third in the conference in hitting percentage (.394) with Leek ranked fifth (.370). Makenzie Fahnestock’s 16 aces puts her among the top five servers in the CCAA, while Sable Villaescusa (261 assists on the year; 9.0 per set) and Jessica Simms (109 digs; 3.63 a set) are ranked in the conference’s top 10.
Humboldt State, Chico State’s Friday night opponent, has gotten off to a slow start this season, losing its first six matches; the Lumberjacks currently reside in 11th place in the CCAA standings. After matches against four quality non-conference programs, Humboldt State opened CCAA play last weekend with losses against the always tough UC San Diego Tritons and arguably the conference’s hottest team, Cal State East Bay. The Lumberjacks rank near the bottom of the CCAA’s offensive team statistics, but are fifth in the conference with 43 blocks, averaging 2.05 rejects per set.
Humboldt State is led by junior outside hitter Oceana Matsubu, who has posted team highs in both kills (55) and digs (51). Freshman hitter Taylor Manuel has collected 31 kills on the season, while senior setter Joliann Arzadon has fed the offense with 132 assists. Freshman middle blocker Allison Drobish has been getting it done on defense for the Lumberjacks, leading the team with 18 total blocks.
The Wildcats beat the Lumberjacks twice last season and have won the last six matches with Humboldt dating back to 2006.
Sonoma State entered the weekend 3-3 on the season; the Seawolves will be in Turlock taking on Cal State Stanislaus Friday before traveling to Chico for their Saturday match with the Wildcats. Sonoma State, which won 23 matches a year ago and played in the NCAA Pacific Regional, has lost three straight and was beaten twice on the road last week to open conference play, dropping decisions to Cal State East Bay and UC San Diego.
Despite losing their first two CCAA match-ups, the Seawolves rank fourth in the conference in assists (averaging 12.10 per set), fifth in dig (15.00 a set) and sixth in service aces (1.90 per set).
Sonoma State features a pair of All-America players, junior outside hitter Keala Peterson and junior libero Taylor Krenwinkel. Peterson entered the week seventh in the CCAA in kills (averaging 3.25 per set), while Krenwinkel is averaging 5.25 digs a set, tops in the conference. Sophomore outside hitter Ally Sather, an All-CCAA second team selection a year ago, has contributed 63 kills to the Seawolves’ attack, and freshman setter Hayley Ross has collected 145 assists. On defense, the trio of Kendahl Batiste, Brooke Moore and Lindsay Lytle have combined for 38 total blocks so far this season.
The Wildcats and Seawolves split their two matches last year, with each team winning on the other’s home court. Sonoma State leads the all-time series, 28-25.
Fans unable to get to Acker Gym can follow the action of both Chico State matches via Live Stats, available on the Wildcat Athletics website. Friday and Saturday’s contest will also be broadcast live on the Internet on UStream, with former Chico State great Gillian Heydorff providing color commentary.
CLICK HERE to be connected to the Wildcats’ Internet broadcast.
