The most intense part of the Chico State volleyball team's 2018 schedule—six matches in 12 days, with the last four all on the road—is over. The Wildcats survived intact, and now begin much-needed three-match home stretch in the friendly confines of Acker Gym. The 'Cats look to enjoy some home cooking and return to their winning ways Friday when they host the Otters of Cal State Monterey Bay. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Fans unable to attend in person can follow the action online with Live Stats and live streaming video, both available via the Wildcat Athletics website.
With just eight matches left in the regular season, Chico State needs to get a positive roll going if the Wildcats plan on qualifying for the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championship Tournament. The 'Cats are 11-7 overall, but are in fifth place in the CCAA North Division with a 4-6 conference record. The top four teams from both the North and South will meet in Turlock November 8–10 to compete for the CCAA title.
The Wildcats have dropped four of their last five decisions, including a five-set heartbreaker Tuesday in Hayward against Cal State East Bay. Though five of Chico State's final eight matches are at Acker Gym, home has not exactly been a haven so far this season for the 'Cats, who have won just two of five contests on the Acker hardwood.
Cal State Monterey Bay, meanwhile, comes to Chico with a full head of steam and a share of the CCAA North Division lead. The Otters have won four straight matches—including home sweeps of Cal State San Marcos and UC San Diego last weekend—and sport a 10-6 overall record. Monterey Bay is 5-4 in CCAA play, and enter the weekend tied with Stanislaus State and Cal State East Bay for first place in the North.
Friday will mark the second time the Wildcats and the Otters have squared off this season. The first meeting went to Chico State, which downed Monterey Bay in four sets September 15 at The Kelp Bed in Seaside. Bekah Boyle led the 'Cats to victory with 17 kills on the night.
Boyle continues to be Chico State's top offensive weapon, ranking second among CCAA hitters in kills (229) and sixth in kills per set (3.47). Nicole Desrochers leads the conference in both service aces (31) and aces per set (0.48), and is third in the CCAA in assists, averaging 10.43 per match.
Monterey Bay features a trio of hitters—seniors Anela Visesio and Chandler McKena, and sophomore Jenna Tobin—with over 100 kills on the season. Tobin, who racked up 41 kills over her last three matches, is the reigning CCAA Player of the Week.
Chico State has won eight of the last nine meetings with Monterey Bay, and leads the all-time series between the two teams 25-4.
