BAKERSFIELD, Calif. ? The NAIA No. 1 ranked Fresno Pacific University volleyball team rode the big right arm of Brazilian star Thais Julio to a 30?24, 30?22, 30?25 win over CSUB Tuesday night at the Icardo Center in Bakersfield.

CSUB (5?16 overall) got an impressive 19?kill performance from junior outside hitter Sarah Norman (Stockdale HS), but Tuesday night belonged to Julio. Julio matched Norman's 19 kills in 19 fewer attempts. She made just two errors on the night for a gaudy .630 attack percentage.

Senior middle blocker Melissa Myers (Wasco HS) added 10 kills and two blocks for the Roadrunners while FPU middle Marin Canaday chipped in 10 kills for the Sunbirds.

Despite the final scores, all three games were reasonably close until late. CSUB was within one point at 19?18 in game one and was down just three at 24?21 in game two. The 'Runners then rallied from a 17?10 deficit to lead 21?19 in the third game. But Fresno's size and experience advantages proved too much to overcome at the critical junctures of each game, allowing the Sunbirds to ease away every time the 'Runners got close.

CSUB returns to action Wednesday night when it hosts Fresno State in the 2007 home finale. Fans who bring a nonperishable food item to the game will receive a $1 off coupon for the 'Runner concession stand with the food going to support the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter.

Fresno Pacific improved to 24?0 with Tuesday's win. The Sunbirds return home to host Point Loma Nazarene University Friday night.