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Chico State 3, San Francisco 2
- Scores: 26-24, 22-25, 25-19, 20-25, and 15-13
- Kills: Olivia Mediano (22); Kristyn Casalino (12)
- Assists: Torey Thompson (59)
- Digs: Torey Thompson (20); Emily Duran (25)
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Despite being swept by California Collegiate Athletic Association regular season champion Sonoma State the previous night, the Chico State women’s volleyball bounced back from defeat for a rousing victory on Senior Night Saturday. The Wildcats clawed their way past the San Francisco State Gators by scores of 26-24, 22-25, 25-19, 20-25, and 15-13.
A special pregame ceremony honored five Wildcat seniors for their contributions to the program. Kristyn Casalino, Ellie Larronde, Lindsay Quigley, Emily Duran and Lauren Orozco were all spotlighted in thanks for their career efforts.
The ‘Cats won a tight first set after being behind most of the way, pulling away at the end. However, the Gators, owners of a four-match winning streak entering the season finale for both teams, snagged the second set.
Chico State ultimately took the third set, but not before Larronde went down with an ankle injury. Shannon Boling filled in for the graduating four year program cornerstone as the ‘Cats won by six.
The Gators forced a fifth set finish by taking the fourth set by five. A back and forth last set of volleyball in Acker Gym for the 2014 season ended with Quigley putting the ball away for her 20th kill of the match and gave the Wildcats a 15-13 victory.
Chico State ends its season on the outside of the playoff picture by virtue of an eighth place finish in CCAA play. The ‘Cats finish the 2014 campaign with a 13-13 overall record and 11-11 in CCAA contests.
Freshman Olivia Mediano had a match-high 22 kills to go with nine digs. Casalino racked up 12 kills and sophomore setter Torey Thompson orchestrated the offense all night long to the tune of 59 assists while also picking up 20 digs. Duran posted a match high 25 digs.
Nick Reddy can be reached at [email protected] or @NickIsReddy on Twitter.
