SAN FRANCISCO – The youth movement continues for the San Francisco State women's volleyball team. On Tuesday night the Gators played their best match of the season but it wasn't enough as the North Division leading Chico Wildcats defeated the Gators 3-0 (17-25, 18-25, 15-25) at the Main Gym at the Don Nasser Family Plaza.
San Francisco State (1-17/0-10 CCAA) was very efficient on the attack. The Gators hit only 13 attack errors on the night, tied for the second fewest all season. They hit .198 which was fifth best all year. The Wildcats (15-5/9-2 CCAA) were just a little bit better, hitting .342 on the evening.
The Gators attack showed nice balance, no player recorded more than eight kills, but six players tallied three or more kills on the evening.
Christine Johnson led SF State with eight kills on 32 swings. She was red-hot through the first two sets. She also recorded eight digs.
For the second consecutive match the Gators back row defense was tremendous. SF State recorded 48 digs, tied for the sixth most all season, and third best in a three-match set.
Jessica Stratton and
Danielle Ryan did most of the heavy lifting in that department, recording 14 digs apiece.
Running the Gators attack tonight,
Linda Aerne finished the night with 17 assists,
Malia Muin chipped in 13.
Match Notes:
Coming Out Hot
The Gators came out on fire against the Wildcats, the typically slow first set was SF State's best on the attack, as they hit .273, recording 11 kills on 33 swings with just two attack errors.
Youth Movement Progressing
The Gators boast one of the youngest teams in the league, tonight six underclassmen played significant time.
Kaitlyn Clemann and
Lexi Chabiniak finished with seven and six kills respectively.
Wrong End of The Service Ace
The Gators, who are one of the better teams in the conference at the serve, were on the wrong end of the service ace tonight. The Wildcats recorded nine service aces on the evening, four coming in the opening set.
Block Party
That Gators net play was strong tonight. SF State finished with five total blocks, tied for fifth most all season. They out blocked the Wildcats five to three on the evening. Clemann led the Gators with two total blocks including a solo block. Chabiniak had a block and a half with the Gators other solo block.
Abby Griffith finished her busy night with two block assists and six kills.
Next Time Out
The Gators return to action on Friday when they host cross-bay rival Cal State East Bay at 7:00 p.m.
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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.
