TUCSON, Ariz. ? The CSUB volleyball team held leads late in games two and three but couldn't hold on to upset high?flying UC Irvine in a 30?23, 30?25, 30?26 loss on the final day of the Regency Suites Classic Saturday in Tucson.

Bakersfield (4?10 overall) led as late as 22?18 in game two and 19?18 in game three but couldn't complete the upset against a UCI (10?3) team which figures to challenge for the Big West Conference title this season.

The Roadrunners played the match with just one middle blocker as junior Rosemary Stribling did not dress for the match. Junior outside hitter Sarah Warner stepped in to play middle blocker and acquitted herself surprisingly well in the role, collecting six kills in just eight swings while leading the team with three blocks.

Senior outside hitter Jodi Hardin finished a strong tournament performance by earning all-tournament honors for the 'Runners. She led CSUB for the third consecutive match Saturday against UCI, this time with 14 kills.

Sophomore outside hitter Kate McWhorter made her second start of the season and added a season?high 10 kills. Junior libero Mystie McNaughton led all defensive players with 22 digs.

Kari Pestolesi and Lauren Kellerman led all attackers with 16 kills apiece. They were the only Anteaters to reach double figures Saturday.

Bakersfield will conclude its nine?match road trip with a pair of contests in the Bay area next weekend. The 'Runners will play at San Francisco Friday and at Saint Mary's College Saturday. They return to the Icardo Center to host a pair of matches against fellow NCAA Division I independent Utah Valley University Oct. 12?13.