CHICO – Following three non-conference matches to open the season, the Chico State volleyball team's 2014 campaign quickly kicks into high gear with five contests in nine days. The first two tilts are the opening California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference games of the season, with the Wildcats travelling to southern California to face Cal Poly Pomona Friday and No. 14 UC San Diego on Saturday. Both matches are scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m.
The 'Cats enter the weekend with a 1-2 overall record, but finished the season-opening Seattle Pacific Tournament last Saturday with a sweep of Western Oregon. Following this weekend's two-match road trip, the Wildcats will play at home for the first time this season, with three matches in Acker Gym slated for next week.
Three Chico State players are ranked in the CCAA top 10 in several statistical categories. Junior outside hitter Shannon Boling is fourth in the conference in kills per set (3.78), fifth in points per set (3.8) and seventh in hitting percentage (.321). Sophomore Torey Thompson is third among CCAA setters in assists per set (10.0), and senior defensive specialist Emily Duran is sixth in the conference in digs per set (4.0).
Cal Poly Pomona, Chico State's Friday night opponent, is 2-1 overall. The Broncos opened the season last weekend with wins over Seattle Pacific and Western Oregon before falling in three sets Saturday against Dixie State at the Seattle Pacific Tournament.
Pomona is looking to improve on last season's 12-18 record and seventh place CCAA finish. The Wildcats and Broncos split their two conference matches last year: after dropping a four-set decision Oct. 17 in Pomona, Chico State topped the Broncos in the 2013 season finale Nov. 23 at Acker Gym.
Cal Poly Pomona holds a 24-16 lead in the all-time series between the two teams, but the Wildcats have won eight of the last 10 meetings with the Broncos.
UC San Diego, which faces the 'Cats following a Friday matchup with Cal State Stanislaus, slipped from 11th to 14th in the national rankings by splitting their four season-opening matches last weekend at the Central Washington-hosted Wildcat Invitational. The Tritons beat Hawaii Pacific and Saint Martin's, but fell in four sets to both No. 9 Western Washington and No. 13 Central Washington.
UC San Diego returns several key players from last year's team that posted a 26-6 overall record, a third place CCAA finish and an appearance in the NCAA West Regional semifinals. The Tritons are led by three All-CCAA First Team selections: senior outside hitter Caitlin Brenton, junior setter Heidi Sparks and junior outside hitter Danielle Dahle.
UC San Diego swept the season series with Chico State in 2013 and lead the all-time series 24-6. The Wildcats have beaten the Tritons just once on the road since 2006.
Wildcats fans can follow the action of both weekend matches online via Live Stats.
CLICK HERE for Chico State-Cal Poly Pomona Live Stats CLICK HERE for Chico State-UC San Diego Live Stats
