Six matches into the 2021 conference campaign, the Chico State volleyball team knows it possesses the talent to make a legitimate run at reaching postseason play. The wins needed to accomplish that goal, however, have come at a slower than expected pace. Returning to the friendly confines of Acker Gym this weekend, the Wildcats look to take advantage of some home cooking and rack up a couple of much-needed victories in the process, as they host Cal State LA Friday and Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday. First serve for both matches are scheduled for 5 p.m.
 
Fans unable to attend either of the two home matches in person can follow the action online via streaming video and Live Stats, with the links available on the Chico State volleyball schedule page and home page calendar on the Wildcat Athletics website, at chicowildcats.com.
 
Chico State is currently 5-9 on the season and 1-5 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The Wildcats dropped a pair of four-set road decisions last weekend, bowing to Cal State San Marcos and Cal State East Bay.
 
Makaela Keeve continues to lead the Wildcat attack while ranking among the CCAA leaders in several statistical categories. The senior middle hitter is fourth in the conference in points per set (4.21), is tied for fourth in kills (163) and service aces (21), tied for eighth in aces per set (0.43), and ninth in kills per set (3.33).
 
Brooke Ono ranks second among CCAA setters in assists (476) and fourth in assists per set (9.71).
 
Cal State LA comes to Acker Gym Friday sporting an overall record of 8-5, and is tied for third place in the CCAA standings with a 4-2 conference mark. The Golden Eagles split two home matches last weekend, handing then-No. 21 Cal Poly Pomona its first loss of the season Friday before falling in four sets to No. 12 Cal State San Bernardino.
 
Cal State LA's offense is fueled by the top two hitters in the conference. Freshman right side hitter Emily Elliott and senior outside hitter Karla Santos have piled up 206 and 202 kills, respectively.
 
Cal State LA holds a 37-12 advantage all-time against Chico State. The last time the Wildcats beat the Golden Eagles at Acker Gym was back in November of 2011.
 
Cal State Dominguez Hills, which visits Chico Saturday following a Friday contest against Stanislaus State, is 0-11 on the season but 1-5 in CCAA play. The Toros' lone victory was a COVID-caused forfeit by Cal State Monterey Bay on September 25. Dominguez Hills had little success last weekend, suffering sweeps at the hands of both Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino.
 
Chico State leads the all-time series with Dominguez Hills 37-11. Though the Toros have won the last two meetings between the two teams, the Wildcats have won 22 of the last 26 contests dating back to 2005. 
 
Health and Safety Protocols
Thank you for supporting our student-athletes! Please be aware of the following health and safety measures for intercollegiate athletic events held on the campus of Chico State:

• Venue capacity is limited to 50% of the listed capacity for each facility.
• Spectators must follow campus health and safety guidelines: symptom check and mask indoors; mask outdoors where physical distancing cannot be achieved.
• Spectators will be limited to seating areas (bleachers and stands).
• At the end of the competition, spectators are asked to leave the venue immediately and wait outside the venue to greet participants.
• No spectators are allowed in team areas, including the playing area, bench, hallways, athletic training room, locker rooms, etc.