CHICO --- Another slow start doomed the Warriors as No. 19 Chico State continues to have its way against Cal State Stanislaus in volleyball with a 30-11, 30-22, 30-25 sweep Wednesday night in the conference opener for both teams.
Chico State improved to 7-3 with the win while Cal State Stanislaus dropped to 2-7 after sweeping CSUS for the fourth straight time dating back to two seasons ago.
Without its star setter, third-team All-American Erica Brick, the Wildcats still managed to get off to a hot start with a .500 hitting attack in game one. Chico State registered 15 kills and just three errors in 24 tries in the 30-11 game one win. Sophomore setter Stephanie Achenbrenner registered 13 assists in game one en route to a 38-assist night. She replaced Brick, who sat out with a shoulder injury.
Freshman Jen Gee led the Warriors with seven kills while Megan Loghry added six. Nicki Brown registered 17 assists and Megan Britton had 10 digs for Cal State Stanislaus. As a team, the Warriors had a .029 hitting percentage (24-21-103).
Head coach Chris Difani remained positive with her young squad. "We started off the match a little shakey, but came back and played competitively against a polished team," Difani said. "I know that we will only improve thorughout the season. I believe we have a lot of talent and will come together soon."
Lindsay Macias led a balanced Chico State attack with 11 kills. Gillian Heydorff pounded out 10, Crystal Trifeletti nothced nine and Kelly Smiland and Whitney Johnson finished with eight kills apeice.
This was the second time in five days that the Warriors faced a team ranked No. 19 by the AVCA. BYU Hawaii, the Warriors' opponent on Saturday, was ranked 19th at the time before falling out of the poll on Monday.
Cal State Stanislaus will travel to Arcata for a single-match weekend on Saturday against Humboldt State.
