The Chico State volleyball team has completed a nine-day, 10-match road trip and is more than ready to get down to the business of competing against its rivals in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The Wildcats don't have to wait long – the conference schedule officially gets underway Tuesday when the 'Cats host Cal State East Bay for a 7 p.m. match at Acker Gym.
The Wildcats, 8-2 on the season, play their first home match of the year following two Saturday losses in last weekend's Western Oregon Invitational. Generating a new winning streak in front of the home crowd and getting the CCAA season off to a positive start is something the 'Cats hope to do Tuesday against the Pioneers.
Chico State has posted some impressive numbers in its 10 non-conference contests, and enters the week No. 1 among the 13 CCAA teams in several statistical categories. The Wildcats lead the conference in kills (492), assists (457), digs (672), service aces (62) and solo blocks (24).
Individually, Olivia Mediano leads the CCAA in kills (128); Torey Thompson is No. 1 among CCAA setters with 354 assists; Shannon Cotton is first in the conference in digs (177), and Anna Baytosh leads the CCAA with six solo blocks on the season.
Cal State East Bay enters CCAA play with a 2-6 record on the season. East Bay, looking to improve on last season's 10-17 mark, snapped a three-match losing streak Saturday with a win over Fort Lewis (Colo.) to wrap up the Coyote Classic in San Bernardino.
The Pioneers are led by sophomore outside hitter Michaela Gardner, averaging 3.0 kills per set, and freshman middle blocker Deja Thompson, who ranks sixth in the CCAA with 20 blocks on the season.
Chico State and Cal State East Bay split their two 2014 matches, both posting victories on their home floor. The Wildcats have won five of the last six meetings with the Pioneers and lead the all-time series 29-10.
Fans unable to attend the match in person can follow the action online via Live Stats and live streaming video through the Wildcat Athletics website.
