As the month of September opened, the Chico State volleyball team got its 2021 season off to a very productive start. The last couple of weekends, though…not so much. The Wildcats have found victories a little hard to come by of late, but Head Coach Tommy Gott's squad is confident it can quickly turn its recent fortunes around. The 'Cats will get their first opportunity this weekend as they hit the road to take on Sonoma State Friday in Rohnert Park, followed by a Saturday showdown in Arcata against Humboldt State. Both matches are slated to get underway at 5 p.m.
Fans can follow the action on the Internet with live streaming video and Live Stats. The online links are posted on the Chico State volleyball schedule page and home page calendar on the Wildcat Athletics website, at
chicowildcats.com.
Those who plan on attending Friday's match against Sonoma State in person will be required, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings while inside the gym.
Masks will also be required to attend Saturday's match versus Humboldt State. The Lumberjacks also suggest bringing proof of vaccination to the event.
Chico State enters the weekend 4-6 on the year and 0-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The Wildcats are attempting to put a halt to their current losing streak, which reached five following home losses last weekend to Cal State San Bernardino and Cal Poly Pomona.
This weekend marks the second time this season that the 'Cats have faced the Seawolves and the Lumberjacks, albeit the first meetings were non-conference contests. Chico State topped Humboldt State in four sets October 10 as part of the Seawolf/Gator Classic, then later in the day dropped a four-set decision to Sonoma State.
Statistically, Wildcat senior middle Makaela Keeve continues to rank among the top hitters in the CCAA. Keeve currently ranks second in the conference in points per set (4.67), fourth in kills (130) and kills per set (3.71), fifth in blocks (30), and 10th in blocks per set (0.86).
Brooke Ono is still in the upper tier of CCAA setters, ranking second in the conference in assists (359) and third in assists per set (10.26).
Sonoma State is 4-6 overall and 1-1 in CCAA play on the eve of its Friday clash with the 'Cats. The Seawolves split their conference openers last weekend in Southern California, topping Cal State Dominguez Hills in five sets before being swept at the hands of Cal State LA.
Sonoma State leads the all-time series with the Wildcats 45-30, though the two teams have split the last four meetings.
Humboldt State, which takes on the Wildcats Saturday after hosting Stanislaus State the previous evening, is 3-3 on the season and 1-1 in CCAA play. The Lumberjacks opened conference play last weekend on the road, falling in four sets to Cal State LA before handing Cal State Dominguez Hills a four-set defeat.
Chico State holds a 46-12 advantage in the all-time series with Humboldt State. The Wildcats have won 13 straight matches against the Lumberjacks dating back to 2016.
