Fresno, Calif. – The Chico State volleyball team opened the 2025 season in commanding fashion Friday afternoon, sweeping Menlo College 3–0 (25–20, 25–16, 25–23) at the Sunbird Classic hosted by Fresno Pacific University.
Notable Performances
Jillian Davis – 10 kills, 6 digs, 11.0 points
Maria Wahl – 10 kills, 3 digs, 10.0 points
Gwyneth Wentzel – 7 kills, 2 aces, 9.0 points
Claire Nordeen – 29 assists, 4 digs, 1 ace, 7.5 points
Kylie Matthews – 5 kills, 2 blocks, 9 digs, 7.0 points
Match Summary
Set 1: Menlo jumped out to a 7–1 lead before the Wildcats surged back behind Wahl and Davis, taking control midway through the set and closing it out 25–20.
Set 2: Chico used a pair of early kills from Wentzel and strong setting from Nordeen to pull away, hitting .324 in a 25–16 win.
Set 3: The most competitive frame of the match saw nine ties, but Chico delivered in the clutch, with Davis and Matthews combining for key late kills to secure the 25–23 victory.
By the Numbers
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The Wildcats hit .268 as a team while holding Menlo to a .154 clip
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Chico recorded 49 digs and 6 team blocks, including two solo blocks by Kylie Matthews
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Jessie Camarillo led all players with 20 digs and added 4 assists
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The Wildcats outscored Menlo in total points 76–60
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All 14 of Chico's attacking errors came across just 112 total swings
Wildcat Whispers
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Chico State now leads the all-time series against Menlo 5–1, earning its first win over the Oaks since 1988.
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Interim head coach Ricci Luyties picked up his first win leading the Wildcats. It was his first match since November 17, 2023. He is now 306–248 in 20 seasons as a collegiate head coach.
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The Wildcats have now won their season opener three years in a row, and seven of the last eight overall.
Up Next
Chico State returns to action tonight, taking on tournament host Fresno Pacific at 7 p.m.
