The volleyball team took a tough loss to the California State University, Dominguez Hills in a long five set battle Friday night. The confidence that Chico State displayed throughout the game showed the grit the team has had in the season so far.

The Wildcats were looking for a win on their home court after being on the road and losing both games. Chico came in strong as seniors Kim Wright and Brooke Fogel lead on the court guiding true freshmen Brooke Ono and Grace Shepherd.

With such young talent the intensity pierced through the first two sets as the Wildcats maintained the lead the whole time.

Chico State’s lead looked promising as they came into the third set but the Toros had other plans.

The Toros lost no time and quickly climbed up to a 4-11 lead. But the Wildcats retaliated and slowly snuck up to a four point difference.

Dominguez Hills had no remorse and did not allow for a closer set. The Toros took Chico’s chance of a three-set win as they took the third set 25-16.

Chico State came back stronger in the fourth set and were neck to neck with the Toros as the set was tied seven times and had two lead changes.

The Toros came out victorious in what was the closest set so far. The Wildcats didn’t lose hope and looked for a comeback in the deciding fifth set.

Chico came ready to take the game and kept up with Dominguez Hills the whole set. The team was confident even though the set fluctuated with 12 tied scores and 5 lead changes.

The Wildcats’ effort fell short as they dropped the set 19-17.

With only seven conference games left, the volleyball team continues in a potential playoff spot. Chico State looks to redeem themselves Saturday night in their game against California State University, Los Angeles at 7 p.m. in Acker Gym.

Lucero Del Rayo-Nava can be reached at [email protected] or @del_rayo98 on Twitter.