CHICO – The season opener for any sports team is eagerly anticipated – and with its first three matches of the 2013 campaign scheduled in Hawaii, it's certainly understandable that the Chico State volleyball team is extremely fired up to get the year underway. The Wildcats will compete Thursday through Saturday in the Hawaii Invitational, taking on Hawaii Pacific Thursday at 10 p.m. Pacific time, Chaminade Friday at 10 p.m. and No. 5 BYU-Hawaii Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
Chico State Head Coach Cody Hein, beginning his 13th year at the helm, features a deep squad that includes several offensive threats, most notably All-America outside hitter Alex Shurtz. Shurtz, who ranked among the national top 10 in kills in 2012, enters her senior year needing just 379 winners to become the program's all-time kills leader.
Junior outside hitter Ellie Larronde and junior middle hitter Lindsay Quigley, an All-CCAA Second Team selection last season, combined to pile up nearly 550 kills a year ago and return in 2013 to combine with Shurtz to form a formidable front line for the 'Cats. Sophomore hitters Shannon Boling and Hannah Wilkins will also figure prominently in the Wildcat attack.
The 'Cats are extra deep in the middle, with junior college transfer Kristyn Casalino and a quartet of freshmen – Ashton Kershner, Taylor Schade, Anuhea Kaiaokamalie and Natalie Nordahl – providing additional offensive options as well as beefing up the defense at the net.
The big challenge for the Wildcats will be replacing All-America setter and Chico State career assists leader Sable Villaescusa. Junior Haley Uhland and true freshman Torey Thompson are both talented candidates vying for the key position in the Chico State lineup.
Defensive specialists Molly Ratto, Emily Duran and Lauren Orozco are back to keep the ball alive and set the tone for the team's passing efforts. Freshman Shannon Cotton adds depth and outstanding defensive skills to the 2013 edition of the Wildcats.
Chico State heads into the season projected to finish fifth in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), according to the annual pre-season coaches poll. The Wildcats have won 19 matches in each of the last two seasons and look to return to postseason play for the first time since 2008.
All three of Chico State's season-opening opponents are members of the Pacific West Conference. Hawaii Pacific, which faces the Wildcats Thursday night, is 1-0 on the year, rolling to a three-set victory over the University of Alaska-Fairbanks last Saturday. The Sea Warriors are coming off a 17-8 season in 2012 and a share of fifth place in the Pac West standings.
Chaminade, the Wildcats' Saturday opponent, split a pair of season-opening matches last week with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (a four-set win) and Alaska Anchorage (a three-set loss). The Silverswords finished the 2012 season with a 7-17 overall record and a 4-11 conference mark, good for a share of 12th place in the Pac West.
The major test for Chico State comes Saturday, when the 'Cats battle No. 5 BYU-Hawaii. The Seasiders, 2-0 on the young season, did not lose a set in victories last weekend over Alaska-Fairbanks and Alaska Anchorage. BYU-Hawaii went undefeated in winning the Pac West title last year and advanced all the way to the semifinals of the NCAA Championship Tournament, finishing 25-4 on the season.
Live Stats will not be available for Thursday's season opener against Hawaii Pacific, but Wildcat fans can follow the action online Friday versus Chaminade and Saturday's clash with BYU-Hawaii. In addition, live streaming audio will be offered for the Chaminade contest.
CLICK HERE for Chico State-Chaminade Live Stats
CLICK HERE for live streaming audio of the Chico State-Chaminade match
CLICK HERE for Chico State-BYU Hawaii Live Stats
Following its trek to Hawaii, Chico State returns stateside to take part in the Sonoma State-hosted Seawolf Spike Tournament Sept. 13-14 before playing its home and CCAA conference opener Sept. 18 against Cal State Stanislaus.
