The Chico State women’s volleyball team gave a hearty hello to the newest California Collegiate Athletic Association member, the Cal State San Marcos Cougars. In the first-ever meeting between the two squads, the Wildcats swept their fellow feline mascot opponents for their 16th overall victory and eighth in CCAA play.

The well-rested Wildcat team was more than up for the task of showing the former NAIA school what life is like in one of the best Division II conferences in the country. The ‘Cats had a week off before traveling to San Marcos.

Set 1: The ‘Cats got off to a lackluster start, finding themselves down 9-14 after using both their allotted timeouts. However, head coach Cody Hein’s squad was not to be denied as they rallied back to knot the set at 21 before pulling out the 26-24 win.

Set 2: Leading the entire way, Chico State didn’t give their CCAA newcomer opponents any breathing room. The ‘Cats were never threatened in claiming the frame 25-21.

Set 3: Another efficient set, the ‘Cats took care of business and avoided any extra contests, taking the match in a sweep behind another 25-21 score.

Key Cats:

A balanced ‘Cat offense tore up the Cougars to the tune of a .280 hitting percentage thanks to junior setter Torey Thompson’s 43 assists. First-year outside hitter Shelby Frank led the team with 14 kills while sophomore outside hitter Olivia Mediano stacked up 13 kills and 9 digs.

The ‘Cats will embark on another Southern California road trip next weekend as they take on UC San Diego and Cal State San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24.

Nick Reddy can be reached at [email protected] or @NickIsReddy on Twitter.