The Chico State’s women’s volleyball team started off their season by competing in the Route 92 Showdown, the team faced the Dominican University Penguins. The ‘Cats had a close game against the Penguins, but lost in the final set 2-3.
The first set started off with Chico State and Dominican University struggling to gain the lead, as the the score reached a tie 11 times in the game. The Penguins took a four point advantage over the ‘Cats, and maintained their lead, closing the set 27-25, and leading the game 0-1.
Chico State gained an early 11-7 lead during the second set, but the Penguins caught up and tied the set at 17. Because of the five kills by junior outside hitter Olivia Mediano, and four kills from first year outside hitter Bekah Boyle, Chico State was able to take the set and tied the game 1-1.
Chico State’s was unable to keep up with Dominican University’s lead and lost the third set 25-21. The ‘Cats were able to earn a 9-6 lead early in the game, but the Penguins were able to come back after four consecutive kills and a service ace, tying the game 12-12. Dominican made a comeback and won the set, because of two late errors by Chico, giving them a 2-1 lead in the game.
In the fourth set, the ‘Cats had momentum on their side, as Chico took an early lead in the set, 11-5. The Wildcats won the set 25-18, and tied the game 2-2, because of the efficiency of senior setter Torey Thompson, who had 15 assists in the set.
While the game was close, Chico State fell in the last set 5-15. The Penguins were able to score eight consecutive times, and won the game 3-2.
Key Players of the game:
Junior outside hitter Olivia Mediano:
- 16 kills
- 2 Blocks
First year outside hitter Camryn Rocha
- 16 kills
- 3 blocks
Senior setter Torey Thompson
- 6 kills
- 48 assists
The Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season, and the first loss of the Route 92 Showdown, giving them a 0-1 overall record. Chico State is back on the court against Holy Names University on Sept. 1, in the second round of the Route 92 Showdown.
Gabriel Moreno can be reached at [email protected], or on Twitter @GabeSports3.
