FRESNO, Calif. ? Close but no cigar continued to be the theme for the young CSUB volleyball team as they gave two spirited efforts but still dropped a pair of matches at the Fresno State Invitational Saturday at the Save Mart Center in Fresno.
The Roadrunners dropped a morning match to Saint Mary's College 25?22, 25?22, 31?29 then fell in four games to UC Davis 25?16, 11?25, 25?22 and 25?21.
CSUB got solid play from its three top seniors. Middle blocker Rosemary Stribling (West HS) led CSUB (0?3 overall) with 27 kills on the day. Outside hitter Sarah Norman (Stockdale HS) added 20 kills, including a team?leading 15 against UC Davis. Libero Mystie McNaughton (Stockdale HS) chipped in a match?high 32 digs, one of the top five efforts of her career.
But the 'Runners also relied on their youth, playing four freshmen Sunday. In addition to starters Alysia Baker (Vista/Tri?City Christian HS) and Lindy DeGeare (Stockdale HS), Lauren Shacklock (Tehachapi HS) and Taylor Kasha (Valencia HS) saw their first collegiate action against UC Davis.
The 'Runners played arguably their best volleyball of the season in the final three games versus Davis, overcoming a sluggish start to the match with a solid finish. After Norman and Stribling combined for 11 kills in CSUB's game two rout, the 'Runners never trailed by more than the final margin of three points in a tight third game.
The pivotal fourth game proved just as tight, but the 'Runners couldn't hold a 19?18 lead as Davis out?scored CSUB 7?2 down the stretch to finish the match.
The early start time didn't suit the 'Runners well in their 10 a.m. loss to Saint Mary's. They stayed close in all three games, but the Gaels consistently found ways to win late. The toughest pill to swallow came in game three, when CSUB led 20?15 and 23?19. CSUB eventually earned five game?point opportunities before Saint Mary's pulled out the 31?29 win to finish the match.
The 'Runners got solid play from their middles, who combined to hit .487 with 19 kills and just one error between them against the Gaels. Stribling led the way with 13 kills while Baker added six. Junior defensive specialist Kayla Williamson (Stockdale HS) enjoyed a strong match, equaling her career high with four aces.
CSUB will continue its season?opening eight?match road trip when it opens play at the Wichita State Invitational starting Thursday in Wichita.
