ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Chico State volleyball team fell in straight sets to Alaska at the Alaska Airlines Center on Thursday, during the season opener for volleyball. This match was part of the Seawolf Invitational hosted by Alaska Anchorage, with set scores of 25-20, 25-13, 25-14.
The Wildcats managed to record five service aces against the Nanooks, who posted a .317 hitting percentage.
Jillian Davis led the Wildcats with eight kills and added 10 digs in the match. Claire Nordeen contributed significantly with 15 assists and three kills, while Sophia Heller excelled at the service line with three aces. Jessica Ortiz provided defensive support, recording eight digs across three sets.
The first set began with a strong start from Alaska, taking an early lead with a kill by Presley Engelauf and a service ace by Kellan Flynn. Chico State responded with points from Maria Wahl and Davis but struggled with errors, allowing the Nanooks to maintain the advantage. A notable moment came when Chico State tied the score at 8-8 following a series of errors by Alaska and a kill by Wahl. However, the Nanooks regained control, capitalizing on multiple service aces by Haylee Lyons and Peri Hoshock, extending their lead to 20-13. Chico State mounted a late rally, with Nordeen contributing a service ace and a kill, narrowing the deficit to 24-20. Ultimately, Alaska secured the set victory at 25-20 with a final kill by Cori Leavitt.
In the second set, the Nanooks capitalized on Chico State's errors and executed an effective offensive strategy to claim a 25-13 victory. Leavitt and Lyons were instrumental in the home state team's performance, each contributing multiple kills, with Leavitt's final kill sealing the set. Chico State struggled with attack errors, which were compounded by strong blocks from the Nanooks, including a critical block by Lyons and Hoshock. Despite a brief rally by Chico State, led by Davis's consistent kills, Alaska maintained momentum and closed the set with a service ace from Genevieve Willis.
Alaska secured a commanding win in the third set, taking a 25-14 victory over the Wildcats. The set featured strong serving from Cynphany Henderson, who delivered three service aces, contributing significantly to the home state team's momentum. Chico State struggled to regain control, committing crucial attack errors and being unable to counter the efficient offensive plays from players like Leavitt and Lyons. A final service ace by Lyons clinched the set and the match for Alaska.
The Wildcats will face Lenoir-Rhyne on Friday at 11:30 a.m. PDT in Anchorage, Alaska. The Bears are coming off a four-set win over Texas Woman's University earlier in the day.
