The last time Chico State beat Cal State San Bernardino in volleyball, the average cost of gas was $1.09 a gallon; Toy Story was the top-grossing film of the year; "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio topped the pop charts…and the Clintons were in the White House. After enduring an agonizing 41-match losing streak, the 2016 edition of the Wildcats did something no Chico State volleyball team had done since 1995 – triumph over the mighty Coyotes. And the 'Cats did it with authority, sweeping No. 17 San Bernardino 25-17, 25-13, 25-22 Saturday night at Acker Gym. The win also marked the first time in the program's history that the Wildcats have defeated the Coyotes in Chico.
 
More importantly, Saturday's victory moved Chico State to 10-4 on the year and into sole possession of first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) North Division with a 4-1 conference record. Cal State San Bernardino slipped to 9-4 overall and 3-2 in the CCAA South Division.

 

Camryn Rocha had the hot hand to lead the Wildcat offense, registering 16 kills. Olivia Mediano recorded 12 kills, eight digs and three service aces, while Ashton Kershner contributed seven kills and a pair of blocks. Kim Wright and Torey Thompson chipped in with six kills apiece, with Thompson also doling out 38 assists on the night. Shannon Cotton paced a balanced 'Cats' defense with nine digs. As a team, Chico State racked up 10 service aces while posting an impressive .359 hitting percentage.
 
The Wildcats came out strong in the opening set, scoring the first five points and roaring out to an 8-3 lead. San Bernardino closed to within 12-8, only to see Chico State reel off seven of the next eight points – Tristen Thompson delivered an ace, Wright and Torey Thompson teamed up on a block, and Mediano supplied three kills – to extend the 'Cats' advantage to 19-9. The Coyotes could not recover, and back-to-back kills by Kershner and Wright put the exclamation point on the Wildcats' 25-17 win.
 
Chico State was even more dominant in the second set. Aces by Mediano and Tristen Thompson and kills by Mediano, Wright, Rocha, Torey Thompson and Anna Baytosh helped Chico fire out to a huge 13-2 lead, and San Bernardino could get no closer than eight points the rest of the way. Rocha and Kershner each provided two late kills to seal the deal as the 'Cats cruised to the 25-13 victory.
 
The third set was a more tightly played affair that featured eight tie scores and five lead changes. The Coyotes, trying to get back into the contest and force a fourth set, were up 12-11 but Chico State put together a key 6-0 run – Mediano posting a kill and two aces, and Rocha mashing a pair of winners – to send the Wildcats out in front 17-12. It was a lead Chico State would not relinquish. San Bernardino crept to within 21-19, but the 'Cats successfully kept the Coyotes at bay. With the score 24-22, Torey Thompson's kill delivered the final point to give Chico State the 25-22 victory and the match sweep, ending the 20-year losing streak and providing Head Coach Cody Hein with his first career win against San Bernardino.
 
The Wildcat players, obviously aware of the historical significance, poured onto the court in wild celebration following the match-winning point. And in the stands, excited former Wildcat volleyball stars Molly Ratto, Ellie Larronde and Alex Shurtz (as well as current assistant coach Sable Villaescusa) were able to share and savor with the rest of the 291 in attendance an achievement they had never experienced in their playing days.
 
The Wildcats travel to Turlock Wednesday for a key conference division matchup against Stanislaus State (6-8 overall, 3-2 CCAA North Division). Chico State will be back at Acker Gym next Friday to host Humboldt State.