If the Chico State volleyball team was experiencing any fatigue Monday night, they didn't come close to showing it. Just 48 hours after completing a four-match weekend tournament, the Wildcats were back in action at Acker Gym against non-conference opponent William Jessup. The 'Cats did not disappoint as they dominated in front of the home crowd for the first time this season, sweeping the visiting Warriors 25-12, 25-17, 25-22.
Chico State finishes its non-conference slate with two straight wins and a 6-3 season record. William Jessup dropped to 4-5 overall.
McKenna Carroll racked up 14 assists and a block
in the Wildcats' sweep of William Jessup.
On a night where Head Coach Cody Hein played nearly everyone on the Wildcats' roster, Olivia Mediano recorded a double-double, leading the team with 15 kills and 10 digs. Bekah Boyle matched her season high with nine kills, with Anna Baytosh contributing eight kills and three blocks. Nikki Desrochers led the 'Cats' setters with 17 assists, while Tristen Thompson registered three of Chico State's seven service aces on the night.
The Wildcats wasted little time taking control of the first set, racing out to a 12-1 lead. William Jessup pulled to within six at 14-8, only to see Chico State slowly pull away – a Jacki Kreymborg ace, combo blocks by Baytosh/Alex Boyle, Baytosh/Wright and Wright/Mediano plus kills by Baytosh, Mediano, Kim Wright and Bekah Boyle fueled an 8-2 Wildcat run that put the contest out of reach. Two late Baytosh kills and a Warriors error provided the final points in the 'Cats' 25-12 victory.
The second set was played much more evenly, with 10 ties and five lead changes. William Jessup used a Claudia Diaz service ace to grab a 16-15 advantage, but the Wildcats answered with seven straight points, highlighted by two Shannon Cotton aces, an Alex Boyle/McKenna Carroll block and two kills by Alex Boyle to go out in front 22-16. Bekah Boyle scored the Wildcats' final two kills to put the seal on the 25-17 win.
The Warriors proved a handful in the early goings of the third set, using a 6-2 run to go up 13-11. With the score tied at 14-all, Chico State spread the wealth offensively to take the lead for good – kills by Mediano, Baytosh and both Alex and Bekah Boyle powered a 10-6 Wildcat run to make it a 24-20 contest. William Jessup survived two match points, but Mediano provided the dagger with a kill that gave the 'Cats the 25-22 win and the match sweep.
Chico State is back in action this weekend, opening up California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play with a pair of home matches. Friday at 7 p.m. the Wildcats entertain Cal State East Bay at Acker Gym, followed by Cal State Monterey Bay Saturday at 7 p.m.
