The Chico State volleyball team is in the midst of its normal preparation for the next opponent, but Friday's home match against Humboldt State—the final action this season at Acker Gym—will have a little extra emotion attached to it. Beating the visiting Lumberjacks is still the evening's top priority, but the 'Cats also want to make their Senior Night celebration for Olivia Mediano, Anna Baytosh, McKenna Carroll and Tristen Thompson a truly memorable one.
Friday's match is scheduled for 7 p.m., with Senior Night festivities getting underway prior to first serve. Fans unable to attend in person can follow the evening's action online with Live Stats and live streaming video, both available via the Wildcat Athletics website.
Chico State enters its lone match of the week 14-11 on the season and sitting in second place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) North Division standings with an 8-7 conference record. The Wildcats have won six of their last seven matches and are closing in on clinching one of the four North Division berths for the upcoming CCAA Championship Tournament.
The 'Cats, 6-2 at home this season, split a pair of road matches last weekend. Chico State bowed in three sets to Cal State San Bernardino before sweeping Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday.
Chico State leads the 13 CCAA teams in service aces (145) and ranks second in the conference in aces per set (1.61). The 'Cats are tied for third in kills (1,133) and fourth in hitting percentage (.207).
Individually, Bekah Boyle ranks in the CCAA top 10 in kills (eighth with 256) and kills per set (sixth, 2.98). Nicole Desrochers is tied for fourth in service aces (30) and is ninth in aces per set (0.33), while Makaela Keeve ranks sixth in the CCAA in total blocks (80) and seventh in blocks per set (0.90). Kim Wright is eighth in the conference in aces (27), third in aces per set (0.37), ninth in total blocks (60) and 10th in blocks per set (0.82).
Humboldt State enters Friday's action 3-15 overall and occupying sixth place in the CCAA North Division with a 2-9 conference record. Due to postponed matches in mid-October and no scheduled contests last week, the Lumberjacks have played just three matches in the last three weeks.
Humboldt has dropped its last five decisions. Ironically, the last time the Lumberjacks played, they fell in three sets to the Wildcats October 21 in Arcata.
Humboldt's top offensive weapon is sophomore outside hitter Lauren Reid, who leads the Lumberjacks with 195 kills. Senior outside Alex Lollard has 176 kills to her credit, while senior middle Janelle Ayala has produced 125 kills and a team-high 61 blocks.
The Wildcats have won 20 of the last 24 meetings with Humboldt State, including the last five played at Acker Gym. Chico State leads the all-time series between the two teams 40-12.
