SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Santa Clara volleyball returns to California for the first time since opening weekend to compete at the Sacramento State Invitational Friday and Saturday. The Broncos start the weekend with a 4:30 p.m. Friday matchup against Kent State, followed by a 10 a.m. contest Saturday vs. Nevada and a 7:30 p.m. nightcap against the host Hornets.
Santa Clara finishes out its season-long, nine-match road trip this weekend before returning to the Leavey Center for the start of West Coast Conference play next week.
THE SLATE
SANTA CLARA vs. Kent State
Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 • 4:30 p.m. PDT
Game #10 • Neutral Game #4 • Sacramento, Calif.
Live Stats: http://statb.us/b/99472
Series: Santa Clara Leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Sept. 4, 1999 in Tucson, Ariz. (Wildcat Classic) — Santa Clara won 3-1
SANTA CLARA vs. Nevada
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 • 10 a.m. PDT
Game #11 • Neutral Game #5 • Sacramento, Calif.
Live Stats: http://statb.us/b/99526
Series: Santa Clara Leads 18-6
Last Meeting: Sept. 1, 2001 in Tempe, Ariz. (Sun Devil Challenge) — No. 22 Santa Clara won 3-2
SANTA CLARA at Sacramento State
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 • 7:30 p.m. PDT
Game #12 • Road Game #4 • Sacramento, Calif.
Live Stats: http://statb.us/b/93954
Live Video: http://eversport.tv/big-sky
Series: Santa Clara Leads 18-10
Last Meeting: Sept. 1, 2010 in Sacramento (Sac State Tournament) — Santa Clara Won 3-0
THE BRONCOS
Santa Clara began a three-game Texas road trip with a 25-17, 17-25, 25-22, 25-20 victory over UTSA last Thursday afternoon at the Convocation Center. Nikki Hess and Sabrina Clayton combined for 37 kills, and joined Kirsten Mead as the three Broncos to record a double-double in the win. The Roadrunners had won 24 of their last 27 matches entering the contest, including seven of eight to start the 2015 season.
The Broncos recorded their fifth sweep in eight matches with a 25-16, 25-16, 25-19 victory over Iona Friday morning at Gregory Gym. Santa Clara had a season-best 14 service aces as part of the first match in the Texas Classic. In the nightcap, the Broncos fell 21-25, 12-25, 23-25 against No. 4 Texas to close out the weekend at 2-1.
Danielle Rottman leads the WCC with 5.28 digs per set and ranks 22nd nationally in the category entering the week. Nikki Hess ranks 3rd in the WCC and 23rd in the NCAA with 4.36 kills per set. As a team, the Broncos average 13.03 assists per set (1st WCC/36th NCAA) and 1.69 aces per set (40th NCAA).
THE OPPONENTS
Kent State enters the weekend at 5-4, and has won three of its last four matches. The Golden Flashes last competed on Friday and lost 3-0 at No. 11 Wisconsin. Kelsey Bittinger (3.50 k/s) and Kelly Hutchison (4.11 k/s) have combined for 241 kills on the season. Don Gromala is in his fourth season as head coach of Kent State.
Nevada comes into the tournament at 5-4 and currently boasts a four-match winning streak, including back-to-back sweep victories. The Wolf Pack won all six sets of last Saturday's doubleheader against Montana State and Miami (Ohio). Madison Morell is an active part of the Wolf Pack offense, leading the team in total attacks (387) and service aces (12). Lee Nelson is in his first season as head coach of Nevada.
Sacramento State enters the tournament as one of the country's hottest teams. The Hornets are on a 10-match winning streak — their only loss this season came against Cal Poly on opening weekend. The Hornets have five players with at least 10 aces, led by Sloan Lovett's 19, and entered the week ranked 7th in the NCAA with 77 aces. Ruben Volta is in his eighth season as head coach of Sacramento State.
GO BRONCOS!
