DAVIS, Calif. ? The CSUB volleyball team got off to a blazing start then held off a resurgent effort by host UC Davis to earn a 25-18, 25-11, 22-25, 25-21 win match two of the Aggie Invitational Friday night at the Pavilion.
Senior outside hitter Sarah Norman (Stockdale HS) pounded out a match-high 17 kills and added a career-high three block solos to lead CSUB (6-6 overall). Senior middle blocker Rosemary Stribling (West HS) chipped in 13 kills and hit .500 for the night. Mystie McNaughton (Stockdale HS) led three Roadrunners in double figures with 20 digs.
The 'Runners have relied on middle blockers Stribling and Alysia Baker for much of their offense this season, but they went outside to win Friday. In addition to Norman, senior Sarah Warner (Tehachapi HS) enjoyed an effective night with eight kills and just one error in 19 swings.
The 'Runners controlled the first two sets, using a potent serving game and mostly error-free attacking to win going away. But with freshman setter Asia Casino subbing for starting setter Carson Lowden, the Aggies eventually found their footing. After hitting just .181 through the first two sets, they hit .303 in the fourth set.
Davis (6-5 overall) crawled out of a 6-2 hole in set three by scoring eight unanswered points. Trailing 13-10, CSUB went on an 8-1 run of its own to seemingly retake control at 18-14. The 'Runners seemed ready to put the match away leading 21-19 when four different Aggies registered kills as Davis came from behind again to force a fourth set.
The fourth set was tight from start to finish. Davis slowly opened a 17-13 lead and led 19-16 before the 'Runners made their final push. A pair of Stribling kills and an ace by Kayla Williamson (Stockdale HS) sparked a final 9-2 CSUB run. Setter Barbie Thistle (Bakersfield HS) closed out the match by directing and overpass to open court.
The 'Runners will conclude action at the Aggie Invitational with a pair of matches Saturday. They take on former Division II rival and 2007 NCAA Tournament qualifier Sacramento State at 10 a.m. before meeting Fordham at 4:30 p.m. Fordham defeated Sac State 25-18, 25-20, 25-19 in Friday's opening match.
