Chico, Calif. – The Chico State volleyball team returned to Acker Gym to open conference play Thursday night, but defending CCAA champion Cal Poly Pomona spoiled the Wildcats' home debut, handing them a 3–0 defeat (25–22, 25–17, 25–16).
Despite a fast start and several early lead changes in the opening frame, Chico State couldn't keep pace with the Broncos' consistent offense and back-row defense. The Wildcats fell to 4–4 overall and 0–1 in the CCAA. Cal Poly Pomona improved to 3–4 and 1–0 in conference play.
Notable Performances
Claire Nordeen – 3 kills (.750), 26 assists, 5 digs, 1 block
Jillian Davis – 6 kills (.250), 1 block, 1 dig
Wyievee Binda – 5 kills (.500), 3 digs
Gwyneth Wentzel – 4 kills (.250), 1 block
Cashe Olswang – 4 kills (.444), 2 digs
Maria Wahl – 7 kills, 1 block
Kylie Matthews – 4 digs, 2 kills
Jessie Camarillo – 7 digs, 1 assist
Match Summary
Set 1: Chico State hit .400 as a team and traded points deep into the set, with 15 ties and 6 lead changes. But Cal Poly Pomona pulled ahead late, finishing on a 4–1 run to take it 25–22.
Set 2: The Broncos used a 6–0 mid-set surge to create separation and held the 'Cats to .000 hitting in a 25–17 win.
Set 3: Cal Poly Pomona opened the third with five straight points and kept control, forcing a Chico timeout at 8–3 and cruising to a 25–16 final.
By the Numbers
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Cal Poly Pomona hit .356 for the match while Chico hit .209
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The Broncos recorded 12 service aces and out-blocked the Wildcats 7.0 to 3.0
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Claire Nordeen has now recorded 25+ assists in 6 of 8 matches this season
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Chico had 24 total ties and 9 lead changes across the three sets
Wildcat Whispers
Up Next
The Wildcats continue CCAA play Saturday at 5 p.m., hosting Cal State LA at Acker Gym.
