Things have gone well for the Chico State volleyball team so far this fall. The Wildcats are in the thick of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) race and have already chalked up more victories than it did all last season. The 'Cats know, though, that any sort of prolonged losing streak could send them tumbling down the conference standings and jeopardize the team's postseason aspirations. As a result, quite a bit hinges on this weekend's contests at Acker Gym, where the Wildcats host Cal Poly Pomona Friday and Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday. Both matches get underway at 7 p.m.
Fans unable to catch the Wildcats in person can follow the action online with Live Stats and live streaming video, both available through the Wildcat Athletics website.
Chico State, finishing up a stretch of five home dates in the last seven matches, are 14-5 overall and enter the weekend in fourth place in the CCAA with a 6-3 conference mark. The Wildcats wrapped up a home-and-home series with Stanislaus State on Tuesday, dropping a three-set decision to the Warriors in Turlock.
The 'Cats have lost back-to-back matches only once this season going into Friday's contest. Though only four of the team's 19 matches have been at home, Chico State has performed well (3-1) in the friendly confines of Acker Gym.
Cal Poly Pomona, the 'Cats' Friday night opponent, is 10-6 on the year and is tied for second place in the CCAA with a 6-2 conference record. The Broncos have kicked off October with two straight victories, including a big five-set road win Tuesday over a talented UC San Diego team.
Pomona, which features a trio of 2014 All-CCAA standouts – senior middle blocker Alexa Hasen, sophomore outside hitter Deanna Blaine and senior setter Nicoletta Stork – is 6-5 on the road this season.
Last year, the Broncos and Wildcats split their two-match series, with each team winning on the opponent's home court. Pomona, which has won three of the last four contests at Acker Gym, lead the all-time series with the 'Cats 25-17.
Cal State Monterey Bay (4-9 overall, 3-5 CCAA) enters the weekend looking to turn their fortunes around. Prior to Friday's scheduled match against Stanislaus State, Monterey Bay has lost four of its last five contests, including a four-set decision to Cal State San Bernardino on Tuesday. The Otters, led by senior outside hitter Jessica Malcolm (a 2014 All-CCAA selection), are just 1-7 on the road this season.
The Wildcats swept the season series in 2014 and are 9-2 against Monterey Bay at Acker Gym. Chico State has beaten the Otters in eight of their last nine meetings and lead the all-time series 20-3.
