Box Score CHICO – With No. 20 Cal State San Bernardino registering a four-set victory Friday over Chico State, it would be easy to use the blanket statement that the Coyotes simply extended their volleyball dominance over the Wildcats. Yes, San Bernardino beat the 'Cats for the 36th straight time dating back to 1995, but those at Acker Gym who saw the match in person know better. Chico State had the Coyotes on their heels a good portion of the night, but were unable to seal the deal in the third and fourth sets, allowing late leads to vanish and ultimately letting the match slip away, 18-25, 25-20, 19-25, 23-25.
The Records
Chico State saw its three-match winning streak end at three, dropping to 6-5 on the season and into second place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with a 3-1 conference record. With Friday's win, Cal State San Bernardino ran its win streak to five, improving to 8-4 overall and assuming the top spot in the CCAA standings with a 4-0 conference mark.
Ellie Larronde led the Wildcats with 15 kills and added 12 digs, while Lindsay Quigley contributed 13 kills, eight digs, two blocks and a service ace. Torey Thompson doled out 44 assists, with Emily Duran's 29 digs pacing the 'Cats. Brenna McIntosh of Cal State San Bernardino pounded out a match-high 16 kills and was one of four Coyotes to post double-digit kills on the night.
The Opener
Chico State stumbled out of the gate, as Cal State San Bernardino built a quick 6-1 lead in the opening set and never trailed. The Wildcats closed to within 14-13, but the Coyotes scored nine of the next 13 points and rolled to a 25-19 victory.
The High Point
The 'Cats rebounded in the second set, though an early 8-0 San Bernardino run gave the Coyotes a 10-6 lead. Chico State used kills by Larronde, Quigley, Ashton Kershner, Hannah Wilkins and Natalie Nordahl to spur a 13-6 run to put the Wildcats on top 19-16. San Bernardino pulled to within 19-18, but two late kills by Wilkins, a Quigley solo block and three Coyotes miscues gave the 'Cats the match-tying 25-20 win.
Despite nine ties and four lead changes, the third set saw Chico State overcome a 16-14 deficit with a 5-1 run to jump on top 19-17. That proved to be all Chico would get – following a time out, San Bernardino ripped off eight unanswered points to post the come-from-behind 25-19 victory.
The Decider
The fourth set turned out to be another missed opportunity for the Wildcats. Alex Shurtz, sidelined for the past two weeks with an ankle injury, was inserted into the starting lineup and provided an early spark as the 'Cats raced out to a 10-3 advantage. San Bernardino chipped away at the deficit, but Chico State still maintained a 20-18 lead, and the Acker Gym faithful began to visualize a fifth and deciding set. It was not to be – the Coyotes scored five unanswered points to go up 23-20, and though the 'Cats were able to survive one match point, Alexandra Torline ended the contest with a booming kill, giving San Bernardino the 25-23 victory and the match.
Next Up
The Wildcats are back in action Saturday, taking on UC San Diego (10-2, 2-2 CCAA) at Acker Gym. The match is slated to start at 7 p.m. It's also Golden One Credit Union Rally Towel night. The first 400 fans in attendance will receive a Wildcat rally towel, courtesy of Golden One Credit Union.
If you can't make it to Saturday's match in person, you can follow the action online via Live Stats.
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