SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego State volleyball team continues the second half of its Mountain West schedule when it travels to the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains to battle Colorado State and Wyoming this week.
The Aztecs will lock horns with the Rams in Fort Collins, Colorado, on Thursday, Oct. 27, beginning at 7 p.m. MT (6 p.m. PT), before continuing north to Laramie, Wyoming, for a clash with the Cowgirls on Saturday, Oct. 29, starting at noon MT (11 a.m. PT).
In addition to live stats, both contests will be streamed live via the Mountain West Network on GoAztecs.com.
SDSU split two conference showdowns last week, dropping a hard-fought 3-1 decision at New Mexico on Oct. 20, before returning home to defeat Air Force in four sets on Oct. 20, to snap a six-match slide.
With their results, the Aztecs (5-16, 3-7 MW) find themselves slotted ninth in the conference this week, two matches behind sixth-place Wyoming, as the top six teams qualify for the Mountain West Championship next month.
Against the Falcons, three SDSU players surpassed the double-digit kill plateau, including Madison Corf, who launched a match-high 21 non-returnables, followed Heipua Tautua'a, who notched her fourth double-double of the year with 12 kills and 15 digs, and Kayla Rivera, who added 11 put-aways of her own.
Not to be outdone, libero Ellie Geoghegan led the Scarlet and Black with a combined 47 digs (5.88) in those two matches to earn MW Defensive Player of the Week and conference Freshman of the Week.
With her awards, the Manhattan Beach, California, native becomes the just the second MW player to earn two league honors in the same week this season.
Entering the week, Geoghegan ranks eighth in the MW with 3.30 digs per set in conference matches.
SERIES RECORD VS. COLORADO STATE
> The Rams lead the all-time series 47-17.
> The Aztecs kept the score close in their last meeting with CSU but came up empty in three sets (21-25, 21-25, 23-25) on Oct. 15 in San Diego.
> In that contest, Madison Corf logged her first collegiate double-double with 15 kills and 11 digs, while Kayla Rivera powered down nine shots, followed by Mikela Labno's eight put-aways.
> Labno hit .304 for the match, committing one error in 23 attempts and registered a pair of blocks, while Ellie Geoghegan led all players with 14 digs.
> SDSU blasted as many kills as the Rams (43-43) but were plagued by 19 attack errors, seven of which were the result of CSU blocks. In addition, the Aztecs maintained a 41-36 advantage in team digs but nine errant serves also contributed to their undoing.
> Conversely, the Rams totaled just nine attack errors, out-hitting the Scarlet and Black .347 to .224 for the day while maintaining the edge in team blocks (7.0 to 4.0).
> The teams combined for 10 ties and four lead changes in the third set, as the Aztecs fought to extend the match. However, CSU broke a 22-22 deadlock with a 3-1 spurt late in the frame to secure the sweep.
SERIES RECORD VS. WYOMING
> Despite dropping the last seven encounters with the Cowgirls, San Diego State still leads the all-time series 36-25 in 61 encounters since 1984.
> The Aztecs suffered a four-set defeat to Wyoming at home (14-25, 22-25, 25-20, 17-25) in the last match between the two sides on Oct 13.
> SDSU was unable to erase an 0-2 deficit in sets after combining for just 17 kills and a .030 hitting percentage in that span.
> Overall, the Cowgirls out-hit the Aztecs .258 to .028, maintaining the statistical advantage in kills (46-39), team blocks (13.0 to 8.0) and service aces (6-5) en route to the win.
> Kayla Rivera led SDSU with nine kills and tied Kat Cooper for team-high honors with four blocks, including a solo stop, while Heipua Tautau'a finished with seven put-aways of her own and six digs.
> The SDSU fortunes were also boosted by Ellie Geoghegan, who led all players with 18 digs and three service aces, while Noa Miller logged her second double-double of the year with 18 assists and 10 digs.
SDSU IN MW RANKINGS
> Entering the weekend, Julia Haynie has climbed to second in the league with a .367 hitting percentage for all matches.
> Ellie Geoghegan occupies the eighth spot in the MW with 3.30 digs per set in conference matches, while fellow freshman McKenna Douglas ranks 10th in that category (3.14/set).
> Noa Miller is also slotted ninth in the league with 5.68 assists per sets in MW action.
> Miller's six service aces against UC San Diego on Aug. 27 is tied for the second-highest total in the Mountain West this season and marks the most by an SDSU player since Ashlynn Dunbar served up six of her own vs. Colorado State on Sept. 27, 2018. Dunbar also finished with seven service aces against CSU Bakersfield in the 2018 season opener.
> Kayla Rivera's .647 hitting percentage (12-1-17) vs. Pepperdine on Sept. 3 is tied for the fifth-best efficiency in the conference this season.
> Douglas' 26 digs vs. Nevada on Sept. 24 mark the fifth-best total in a four-set match this season in the league.
> Schraeder's nine overall blocks vs. Army West Point is tied for the sixth-best figure in the MW this year and represents the most by an SDSU competitor since Lexie Hamrick's 11 rejections against UTEP on Sept. 15, 2018.
> Madison Corf's 22 kills vs. Nevada represent the fourth-highest total in a four-set match this season, while her 21 put-aways against Air Force are tied for fifth in a four-set contest.
> Collectively, the Aztecs' 71 kills against Nevada is tied for the third-highest figure in the league this season and represents the most in a four-set match.
> In addition, SDSU's 67 kills against UC San Diego is tied for the fourth-highest total in the MW for a four-set match this year.
> The Aztecs' 48 kills at Pepperdine is tied for the fifth-best figure in the MW a three-set match in the league this year.
> In addition, SDSU's 14 team blocks vs. Army is tied for the ninth-highest total in the conference.
NEWCOMERS SHINE
> Seven of eight Aztec newcomers have seen action for the Scarlet and Black this season, with several providing key contributions through 19 matches.
> Freshman Madison Corf has started 15 of 21 matches and leads the team with 2.61 kills per set and 183 kills overall. The former AVCA Prep All-American set a career high with 22 put-aways in SDSU's 3-1 triumph over Nevada on Sept. 24, which is tied for the 14th-best performance in the Mountain West this season and marks the fourth-highest total in a four-set match. Corf has recorded double-digit kills in eight matches thus far, tying sophomore Mikela Labno for the team lead. In the Aztecs' 3-1 victory at home over Air Force, she finished with a season-best .333 efficiency, launching 21 kills to go with a season-high three service aces. On Oct. 15, Corf also logged her first collegiate double-double with 15 kills and 11 digs vs. Colorado State.
> A senior transfer from Georgia, Kayla Rivera has started 20 of 21 matches for SDSU and ranks second on the team with 53 total blocks while occupying the third spot in kills (2.26/set). The Aztec opposite hitter has blasted double-digit kills in consecutive matches for the second time this year at New Mexico (10) and vs. Air Force (11) after a string of four straight outings with nine put-aways. Earlier, Rivera was named to the all-tournament team at the Pepperdine ASICS Classic after posting 29 kills and a .313 hitting percentage, including a career-best .647 clip (12-1-17) vs. the host Waves. She also logged a season-high 13 kills against Nevada and a collegiate-best seven block assists vs. Army West Point at the SDSU Invitational.
> Freshman defensive specialist Ellie Geoghegan has taken over the team lead with 239 digs overall and has surpassed the double-digit plateau in four straight matches and on 11 occasions overall, highlighted by a season-high 24 scoops at New Mexico. The Manhattan Beach product also contributed 23 scoops vs. Air Force, earning MW Defensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. Geoghegan has also recorded 17 of her 21 service aces for the season in her last 12 appearances, tying her career best with three vs. Wyoming on Oct. 13.
> Despite missing 11 matches this season, freshman libero McKenna Douglas ranks second on the Aztecs with 3.03 digs per set. The Phoenix, Arizona, native averaged 3.14 digs per frame in a six-match span from Sept. 22-Oct. 8, highlighted by a career-high 26 scoops vs. Nevada. In SDSU's 3-0 triumph at Fresno State on Sept. 27, Douglas served up a collegiate-best five aces, helping the Scarlet and Black record its first road sweep over the Bulldogs since 1996.
> In her first season on The Mesa after transferring from USD, sophomore middle blocker Elly Schraeder has started all 20 matches she has played, leading the team with 66 total blocks and 0.96 blocks per set, the latter of which ranks 12th in the Mountain West. The Athlol, Idaho, native flashed her versatility against Army West Point, posting a career-high nine blocks, including a solo stuff, while hitting .375 on eight kills in 16 swings with just two errors. Schraeder equaled her season high with eight additional put-aways vs. Air Force to go with five block assists.
> A starter in 10 of 19 appearances, freshman middle blocker Kat Cooper is tied for third on the team with 28 total blocks and ranks fourth with 0.49 blocks per set A former AVCA Prep All-American, Cooper enjoyed a breakout performance against UC San Diego at the SDSU Invitational when she hit .600 on seven kills in 10 attempts against just one error while adding five blocks (1 solo) and five digs. Earlier that day, the Springdale, Arkansas, native recorded five additional blocks (1 solo) vs. Army West Point. In the Mountain West opener against San José State, Cooper matched her season best with seven kills, posting a .429 efficiency with one error in 14 swings.
> Freshman setter Sarena Gonzalez ranks second on the squad with 4.85 assists per set. A starter in 10 of 21 matches, the Temecula product has dished at least 20 assists in six appearances, including a season-high 30 helpers vs. UCSD on Aug. 27. In addition, Gonzalez has 64 digs (0.94/set) and 10 aces (0.15/set) this season, the latter of which ranks fifth on the team. In the fourth set against Maryland at the Aztec Classic, she spun three aces on consecutive serves.
ODDS & ENDS
> With one more victory, San Diego State will reach 900 wins in program history dating back to 1976. The Aztecs own an all-time record of 899-657 in almost 47 seasons of varsity competition.
> Ellie Geoghegan has served up at least one ace in nine straight matches, including three vs. No. 8 San Diego (Sept. 17) and Wyoming (Oct. 13).
> Kayla Rivera had at least one block to her credit in the first 18 matches of the season before her streak was snapped vs. Colorado State on Oct. 15.
> All five of SDSU's victories have been recorded with the Aztecs holding the statistical advantage in kills, hitting percentage and digs.
> San Diego State is also 3-0 this season when leading after two sets.
> Four of the Aztecs' five wins have been registered on a Saturday.
THIS WEEK'S SAN DIEGO MATCH CONNECTIONS
> Colorado State senior outside hitter Jacqi Van Liefde is a graduate of Eastlake High School in nearby Chula Vista.
> Wyoming freshman outside hitter Rylee Schultz is a 2022 alumna of Carlsbad High School in San Diego County.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
> Colorado State (15-6, 8-2 MW) remains in third place in the Mountain West after splitting a pair of matches last week. The Rams dropped a 3-1 decision at home to Boise State (26-28, 25-22, 21-25, 20-25) on Oct. 20 before rebounding with a four-set triumph at Utah State two days later (25-23, 25-14, 17-25, 25-22). Picked first in the MW preseason coaches poll, CSU is 8-4 on its home floor this year and a combined 7-2 in road/neutral matches. Offensively, junior outside hitter Kennedy Stanford leads the Rams with 3.20 kills per set (256 overall), which ranks ninth in the league, while sophomore middle blocker Malaya Jones (2.76), junior middle blocker Karina Leber (2.39), and senior outside hitter Annie Sullivan (2.28) are all averaging over two put-aways per frame. Entering the week, senior setter Ciera Pritchard has climbed into the second spot in the league with 9.82 assists per set, while junior middle blocker Naeemah Weathers (.357) and Leber (.329) find themselves among the MW leaders in hitting percentage, ranking fifth and eighth, respectively. Along the back row, freshman defensive specialist Kate Yoshimoto is slotted eighth in the conference with 3.21 digs per set. As a team, CSU leads the MW with a .270 hitting percentage and finds itself near the middle of the back in kills (5th, 12.54/set), assists (5th, 11.38/set) and blocks (6th, 2.24/set) but ranks 10th in digs (12.03/set). The Rams are coached by Tom Hilbert, who has guided CSU to 23 NCAA Tournament appearances since his arrival on the Fort Collins campus in 1997. Previously, Hilbert was the head coach at Idaho from 1989-96. His career record stands at 805-231, including a 630-158 mark at Colorado State.
> Saturday's opponent Wyoming (9-13, 5-5 MW) has won three of its last four to climb into sole possession of sixth place in the Mountain West standings. The Cowgirls are coming off a thrilling 3-2 upset at Boise State on Oct. 22 (19-25, 25-19, 22-25, 26-24, 15-12) after rallying from a 2-1 deficit in sets. Oddly, Wyoming is 2-8 at home this season but a combined 7-5 in road/neutral matches. Prior to their clash with the Aztecs, the Cowgirls will play host to Fresno State on Thursday evening. Offensively, Wyoming sports three players who are averaging over two kills per set in junior outside hitter Naya Shimé (2.99), fellow outside and classmate Corin Carruth (2.66) and graduate outside hitter KC McMahon (2.63). In addition, sophomore setter Kasia Partyka (9.76 assists/set) and freshman middle blocker Tierney Barlow (.359 hitting percentage) occupy the fourth spot in the Mountain West in their respective statistical categories, with the latter ranking 63rd nationally. The Cowgirls' back row is bolstered by senior Hailey Zuroske, who ranks fifth in the league with 3.75 digs per set, while sophomore Kayla Mazzocca leads the Wyoming defensive charge at the net and is slotted eighth in blocks (1.02/set). Collectively, the Cowgirls find themselves in the league's fifth position in hitting percentage (.221) but rank just eighth in both kills (11.93/set) and blocks (2.16/set). Wyoming is coached by Chad Callihan, who is in his 10th season on the Laramie campus after spending five years as head coach at Georgia Southern. He has also served as head coach at Appalachian State and Radford. Callihan's career record stands at 404-244, including a 177-108 mark with the Cowgirls.
ON THE HORIZON
> Following Saturday's clash, San Diego State opens a four-match homestand, starting next week when it plays host to Boise State on Thursday, Nov. 3, before battling Utah State on Saturday, Nov. 5.
> The Aztecs close out the second half of their Mountain West schedule in the inverse order of teams they faced in the first half of their conference slate.
Aztecs Ready for Two MW Road Matches This Week
