CHICO – These days, the Chico State volleyball team is hitting on all cylinders – the Wildcats have not only won six in a row to earn the No. 23 spot on the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association top 25 Coaches Poll, but have officially jelled as a unit thanks to a string of several strong performances, both home and away. This weekend, the 'Cats put their undefeated home record on the line as they welcome Humboldt State to Acker Gym Friday for "Pack the House Night," followed by a key California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) matchup with Sonoma State on Saturday. Both contests get underway at 7 p.m.

Chico State sports a 14-3 record – already matching its win total from last season – and sits in third place in the CCAA standings with a 9-2 conference mark. The Wildcats were impressive on the road last weekend, sweeping both Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State L.A. to extend their longest winning streak in over two years. The 'Cats have not dropped a single set so far in October and nine of its victories this season have been three-set decisions. Chico State is a perfect 5-0 at Acker Gym so far this year.

Statistically, the Wildcats are backing up their fine play, ranking third in the CCAA in hitting percentage (.239) and fifth among conference teams in both kills (13.19 a set) and assists (12.39 per set). Jessica Leek is in the CCAA top 10 in several categories, including hitting percentage (fifth, .325), service aces (fifth, 0.38 a set), points (eighth, 3.88 per set) and kills (ninth, 3.25 a set). Makenzie Snyder ranks eighth in the conference in kills (3.34 per set) and 10th in points (3.77 a set). Sable Villaescusa is fourth in the CCAA in assists (10.70 per set), while Lauren Orozco is eighth in digs (3.75 a set).

Humboldt State, which visits Acker Gym Friday, has had its share of problems since starting the season 3-1. The Lumberjacks have dropped four straight and nine of their last 11 matches, including losses last weekend to San Francisco State and Cal Poly Pomona. Humboldt enters the weekend 5-10 on the season, and sits in 11th place in the CCAA with a 2-9 conference record.

While not among the CCAA leaders, the Lumberjacks have been potent at the net, so much so that they lead the conference in blocks (2.30 a set), and are third in digs (16.84 per set). Senior outside hitter Oceana Matsubu tops the CCAA in kills (4.16 a set) and is second in points (4.81 per set); junior middle blocker Allison Drobish is second among conference players in blocks (1.18 a set), and sophomore setter Bailey Kostas ranks ninth in assists (8.24 per set).

Chico State won the first meeting with Humboldt this season, beating the Lumberjacks in three sets Sept. 10 in Arcata. The Wildcats lead the all-time series with Humboldt, 31-9.

Sonoma State, which comes to Chico Saturday following a Friday match against Cal State Stanislaus, is on a major roll – the Seawolves have won three straight entering the weekend and 11 of their last 12 to climb into second place in the CCAA with a 10-1 conference record; overall, Sonoma State is 13-3 on the season. Ranked just outside the national top 25, the Seawolves had little problem posting road victories last weekend over Cal Poly Pomona and San Francisco State.

Sonoma State ranks high among the conference leaders in several team statistical categories. The Seawolves lead the CCAA in service aces (1.95 a set), are second in kills (13.57 per set) and hitting percentage (.267), and third in the conference in assists (12.47 a set). Sonoma boasts several talented players, including a trio of All-CCAA performers – junior outside hitter Allison Sather is seventh in the conference in kills (3.55 a set), ninth in points (3.78 per set) and 10th in hitting percentage (.294); Keala Peterson is eighth in points (3.81 a set) and 10th in kills (3.20 per set), and senior libero Taylor Krenwinkel is fifth in the CCAA in digs (4.22 a set). Sophomore setter Hayley Ross ranks second in the conference in assists (10.74 per set) and fourth in service aces (0.40 a set), while freshman outside hitter Kelsey Hull is fourth in the CCAA in hitting percentage (.333).

Chico State will be looking to even the season series with Sonoma; back on Sept. 9 in Rohnert Park, the Seawolves dispatched the Wildcats in four sets. Sonoma State leads the all-time series, winning 31 of the 56 meetings between the two teams.

Friday's match is "Pack the House Night," so fans and Chico State students are encouraged to come out in force, root for the Wildcats and fill Acker Gym to capacity. For those unable to attend, both Friday and Saturday night matches can be followed online via Live Stats on the Wildcat Athletics website.