Start strong, finish strong seemed to be the theme of the Chico State Women’s volleyball team home opener on Tuesday night at Acker Gym. The Wildcats defeated the Simpson University Red Hawks 3-0, bringing Chico State’s record to 3-3 on the year. The loss dropped Simpson University to 1-13 on the year.

The quick start began in the first set when the Wildcats stormed out to a 7-2 lead behind two kills from junior outside hitter Shannon Boling. Boling also led the Wildcats with eight kills and one block. The Wildcats closed out the first set with four straight points including two kills from mid hitter Kristy Casalino who finished just behind Boling with seven kills of her own. The Wildcats ended up closing out the set 25-12

For the match Chico State more than doubled Simpson University’s number of kills at 54-22. Setter Torey Thompson finished the match with 28 assists. Lindsay Quigley, Shannon Cotton, Ashton Kershner and Thompson were the only Wildcats to register a service ace on the night, all with one each.

After winning the second set 25-12, Simpson University was pushing back in the third set before the Wildcats ran off five of the last six points to win the final set 25-16. The Wildcats’ home stand continues with another 7 p.m. start Friday against Cal State East Bay and at 7 p.m. Saturday against Cal State Monterey Bay.

For more, check out Courtlynn Cerrito and Amanda Hovik’s video about the volleyball team’s goals for its season.

Kevin Lucena can be reached at [email protected] or @klucena824 on Twitter.