You could tell by the unbridled energy on the Acker Gym floor—the Chico State volleyball team was extremely happy to play in front of the home crowd. After nine straight road matches to open the 2017 campaign, the Wildcats made their first contest at Acker Gym this season an impressive one, needing just three sets Tuesday to convincingly defeat Simpson University 25-9, 25-12, 25-15.
The win, coming in Chico State's final pre-conference tune-up, improved Chico State's record to 6-4 on the year. Simpson, who came into the contest on a four-match winning streak, dropped to 4-8 overall.
Head Coach Cody Hein played nearly his entire team, and as a result the offense was evenly spread around. Makaela Keeve led the Wildcats with eight kills on the night, with Anna Baytosh recording seven kills and two blocks. Alex Boyle, Mckenna LaForge and Claire Wilson each had five kills, as setters McKenna Carroll and Nicole Desrochers combined for 33 assists and five service aces. Tristen Thompson topped the 'Cats with 10 digs.
The Wildcats spotted Simpson the first point of the opening set, and then quickly took control. Kills by Baytosh, Keeve, Alex Boyle and Kim Wright put Chico State on top 8-3, and after the Red Hawks trimmed the deficit to three, the 'Cats ripped off 12 unanswered points to balloon their advantage to 20-5. Bekah Boyle delivered three kills to highlight the run, with Wright and Baytosh each hammering home a pair of winners. Kelley Jacome's ace put the final point in the book as Chico State breezed to the 25-9 win.
The 'Cats kept the momentum going in the second set, jumping out to a 12-4 lead—Desrochers delivering a pair of early aces, with Wilson, Keeve, LaForge and Baytosh adding to their personal kill totals. Kills by Baytosh and Alex Boyle helped Chico State go up 16-6, and the Wildcats never relinquished their double-digit lead. Late kills by LaForge, Wilson and Keeve effectively sealed the deal as the 'Cats rolled to the 25-12 victory.
The third set was played a little tighter, but once the Wildcats grabbed the lead, they were never headed. Simpson was up 3-2 when Chico State put together a 15-6 run—Desrochers and Carroll each recording an ace, while Keeve mashing a trio of kills—to go up 17-9 and take full control of the contest. The Red Hawks crept to within 17-13, only to see the 'Cats close things out by scoring eight of the final 10 points—Keeve delivering the decisive kill that gave Chico State the 25-15 victory and the match sweep.
The Wildcats are back in action this weekend, with two home matches to kick off the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference schedule. The Wildcats welcome Cal State LA to Acker Gym Friday, with Cal State Dominguez Hills coming to town on Saturday. First serve is slated 7 p.m. each evening.
