FULLERTON, Calif. ? Cal State Fullerton's defense was a step ahead of the CSUB volleyball team all night and that effort was the difference in a 30?22, 30?23, 30?24 CSUF win Thursday night at Titan Gym in Fullerton.

Alex Wolnisty collected a match?high 14 kills to lead Fullerton (11?10 overall), but a bigger factor were the 22 digs by libero Cami Croteau. Croteau, who enjoyed the best three?game match of her collegiate career, led a Titan defensive effort that constantly picked up tips and deflected attacks as the Roadrunners struggled for kills all night.

Junior middle blocker Rosemary Stribling (West HS) led CSUB with eight kills. Junior outside hitter Sarah Norman (Stockdale HS) added seven, her second lowest total of the season.

Game one was tight before three 'Runner errors helped Fullerton snap a 16?16 tie and take a 21?16 lead that CSUB couldn't overcome.
The Titan defense was never better than it was at the start of game two. Bakersfield managed just two kills in the first 25 rallies as Fullerton built a 17?8 lead that wouldn't be challenged.

Game three saw the 'Runners rally from an early deficit to lead as late as 21?19. Following a Fullerton timeout, however, the Titans got three kills from Jonny Hart in the next five rallies as they pulled away to win the game and the match.

CSUB will take the weekend off before closing the regular season with a pair of matches against Big West foes. The 'Runners will play at Cal State Northridge Nov. 1 and at Long Beach State Nov. 3 before heading to the NCAA Division I Independent Championships Nov. 17?18.