Sure, it's been 21 long months since the Chico State volleyball team took on an opponent. But this year's addition of the Wildcats—which still features 10 players from the 2019 squad that last took the court in a competitive match—have put the long period of inactivity way back in the rearview mirror, and are laser-focused on the upcoming 2021 season. It officially gets underway Thursday, as the 'Cats travel to the Bay Area to take part in the three-day NorCal Kickoff.
Chico State lifts the lid on the 2021 campaign against a quartet of Pacific West Conference schools. The Wildcats square off Thursday at 5:30 p.m. against Dominican University, then stay in San Rafael Friday to take on Academy of Art at 10 a.m. and Holy Names at 3 p.m. The 'Cats conclude the NorCal Kickoff in Hayward Saturday with a 2 p.m. match against Fresno Pacific.
For fans planning on attending any of Chico State's San Rafael matches Thursday or Friday, please note that the host school, Dominican, is capping attendance at 250 individuals for each match. All spectators will be required to wear masks, but proof of vaccination in not required to attend. Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased with cash.
For the Wildcats' Saturday match in Hayward, masks or face coverings are required in Pioneer Gymnasium, regardless of vaccination status.
All four NorCal Kickoff matches will be streamed on the Internet, with live stats also available online. Links are posted on the Chico State volleyball schedule page and home page calendar on the Wildcat Athletics website, at
chicowildcats.com. Please note there will be a $10 charge to stream each of the Thursday or Friday matches; Saturday's live stream will be free.
Chico State will be led by returning senior middle hitter Makaela Keeve, an All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) selection in 2019, and senior opposite hitter Kelley Jacome. Sophomore setter Brooke Ono is the reigning conference assist leader heading into the 2021 campaign, and is backed up by freshman Caitlyn Eichhorst.
Head Coach Tommy Gott's Wildcats feature several talented outside hitters, including returning junior Gretta Kirkby and sophomore Grace Shepherd, with junior Lizzie Wilson, sophomore Zoe DiNardo, and freshman Taylor Whyte seeing their first action as Wildcats. Freshman opposite Jane Mcnulty is another hitting threat in this season's 'Cat attack.
Returning senior Evelyn Clonts, and freshmen Lauryn Osendorf and Bree Rodriguez provide considerable depth at the middle hitter position, while seniors Ali Collins and Makenzie Salva, junior Kennedy Greenwood, and sophomore Emma Hirschkorn will anchor the 'Cats' defensive specialist slots.
Thursday's contest against Dominican will mark the first time since 2017 that the Wildcats and Penguins have met on the volleyball court. Chico State holds an 11-1 lead in the all-time series between the two teams.
The 'Cats have had similar success against Academy of Art, winning all four of their head-to-head matches with the Urban Knights dating back to 2015. Chico State is also a perfect 4-0 all-time against Holy Names, but have not faced the Hawks in four years.
Chico State and Fresno Pacific have lined up on opposite sides of the net only twice since 1989, with each team claiming a victory. The last contest went to the Wildcats in three sets during the 2018 D2 West Region Showcase.
Following the season-opening NorCal Kickoff, the Wildcats will again be in the Bay Area September 10–11, playing four matches as part of the Seawolf/Gator Classic, hosted by Sonoma State and San Francisco State.
Chico State begins CCAA play with its home opener September 17 against defending CCAA and Division II national champion Cal State San Bernardino.
