Volleyball Game Notes No. 9

THIS WEEK: The Cal State Monterey Bay women's volleyball team plays its final three home matches of the 2011 season this week. The Otters take on their travel partner Cal State East Bay on Tuesday, Nov. 1 before welcoming Cal State Stanislaus on Friday, Nov. 4 and Chico State on Saturday, Nov. 5 to the Kelp Bed.  All three matches begin at 7 p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD:  The Otters conclude their 2011 campaign on the road against two nationally ranked teams with No. 2 Cal State San Bernardino slated for Friday, Nov. 11 and the No. 17 UC San Diego Tritons.  Earlier this season, the Otters pulled off a four-set upset against UCSD on at the Kelp Bed.

THOUGHTS FROM COACH JODY GARRY: “Our match last Saturday against San Francisco State was the best I have seen us play in awhile.”

AMONG THE BEST: In digs per set, the Otters are 17th in the nation while remaining steady in second among CCAA teams, averaging 18.15 per set. In kills per set, senior outside hitter Rheann Fall ranks second (3.85 per set) and senior middle hitter Melanie Lashbrook is seventh (3.56 per set). Senior libero Dionna Lucas is fourth in digs (4.38 per set) and senior middle blocker Tiffaney Riggs is eighth in blocks (0.87 per set).

SCOUTING CAL STATE EAST BAY: The Pioneers (14-8, 9-8 CCAA) earned a sweep last weekend with a five-set thriller against San Francisco State and a four-set win over Cal Poly Pomona. Top Players: Kitona Offord (2.78 kills per set, .382 clip) and Katie Allen (2.65 kills per set, 35 aces).

SCOUTING CAL STATE STANISLAUS: The Warriors (9-12, 5-12 CCAA) have had a tough two weekends, dropping four straight matches capped by a five-set heartbreaker at home to UC San Diego this past Saturday.  Cal State Stanislaus squares off with Chico State on Wednesday before facing the Otters on Friday. Top Players: Lianne Vicchio (3.83 kills per set, 3.32 digs per set) and Eva Chafeh (2.23 kills per set).

SCOUTING CHICO STATE:  With five matches remaining and in the fourth spot in the CCAA standings, the Wildcats (15-8, 10-7 CCAA) are fighting to break into the top eight in the regional rankings to make postseason.  Chico State has lost five of its last six matches after starting the season with a 9-2 CCAA record. Top Players: Jessica Leek (3.2 kills per set, 30 aces, 39 blocks) and Makenzie Snyder (3.11 kills per set, 2.47 digs per set).

COVERAGE: Fans can follow the action with live stats and live audio, available at OtterAthletics.com