San Francisco – Continuing their string of solid play on Friday evenings, the SF State volleyball soundly defeated Chico State in four sets, 3-1 (25-23, 25-18, 18-25, and 25-13) at the SF State Gymnasium at Don Nasser Family Plaza.

In a match with very similar results in the box score, the Gators (7-8/5-5 CCAA) prevailed on the strength of their solid attack, as SF State hit .261 as a team.  On the defensive side of the ball the Gators were just as sharp, holding the Wildcats (7-7/5-5 CCAA) to a .208 attack percentage and a .032 attack percentage in the final set.

Junior outside hitter Jaclyn Clark was on fire for the Gators.  Clark finished with a team-high 20 kills on 42 swings for a .405 attack percentage, she also picked up a team-high 15 digs for her sixth double-double of the season.

Joining Clark in double figures was junior middle blocker Kaileen Mejia who finished her impressive evening with 13 kills on 26 swings for a .346 attack percentage, she also added seven total blocks.  Freshman middle blocker Samantha Krakower made her first collegiate start and played well recording seven kills and two total blocks.

Setter Jacquie Brice recorded yet another double-double, tallying 47 assists and 10 digs on the evening.  Jessica Nicerio finished the evening with 10 digs and a service ace, while defensive specialist Arianna Cruz tallied 11 digs in the match.

Friday's match featured 22 tie scores and seven lead changes, most of that coming in the opening set.  The Gators and Wildcats battled to 11 ties and four lead changes as both teams jockeyed for momentum early.  With the set tied at 22 a kill by Mejia and a service ace by Krista Forte had set point for the Gators.  Mejia put the set away when she quickly returned an overpass for the set's final point.

The second set was all SF State.  The Gators owned a .333 hitting percentage compared to Chico State's .146.  The set featured just thee tie scores and one lead change, all coming early as the Gators lead big, going up 10, 20-10 late in the frame.  Following a small run by the Wildcats the Gators took the commanding 2-0 lead following a kill by Melissa Horton to win the set 25-18.

Out of the intermission the Wildcats put the pressure on the Gators, holding SF State to a .125 attack percentage and just 10 kills, well below their season average in kills per set.  Seven times the Gators and Wildcats were tied, but ultimately Chico State took the set 18-25 following a four point run.

The fourth set was once again all SF State, as the Gators refused to allow the Wildcats to send the match to a fifth set.  The Gators raced out to an early 7-2 lead prompting a timeout from Chico State's bench.  Out of the stop the Gators increased their lead to nine, 14-5 before the Wildcats settled down and cut the lead to seven again.  Ultimately SF State went on another big run taking the set 25-13 to win the match.

The Gators return to action tomorrow night when SF State hosts Cal State Stanislaus at 7:00 p.m. in the gym.  Saturday's match will be the Gators annual Dig for a Cure match that is co-sponsored by the CCAA in an effort to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.


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Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.

Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments.  For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.