BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The CSUB volleyball team gave one of its gutsiest performances of the season, but critical errors late in the first two sets sabotaged the Roadrunners' upset bid as undefeated Fresno Pacific held on for a 25-23, 25-22, 25-18 win Tuesday night in the Icardo Center.

Statistically, CSUB played its best match of the season, hitting a season-high .256, including a .407 mark in the second set. After getting off to a slow start, FPU came on to finish the night at .310.

CSUB stayed close in the first set and had the momentum tied at 23-23 with junior Lindy DeGeare (Stockdale HS), the team's best server, at the line. DeGeare drilled one that FPU libero Mariah Mandelbaum overpassed in self defense. But the overpass somehow found its way to the floor for a fluke kill and the Sunbirds got a block to end the next rally and finish off the set.

Trailing 20-14 in the second set, the 'Runners fought back as aces by Danielle Gong (Stockdale HS) and DeGeare helped them pull to within 23-22. But a CSUB service error choked off the comeback and a Michelle Johnson kill sealed the set for FPU.

The third set was close early until FPU used a 7-2 run midway through the frame to turn a 13-11 lead into a 20-13 advantage that CSUB wouldn't challenge.

DeGeare led the 'Runners with 11 kills and shared match-high honors from the service line by equaling Gong's three aces. Freshman outside hitter Jennifer Lawson (Red Oak [Texas] HS) enjoyed one the best matches of her young career by hitting a team-high .600.

Martina Gregusova led all attackers with 13 kills for FPU. Keke Wang chipped in a match-high five blocks.

CSUB will take eight days off before returning to action Wednesday against Fresno State. First serve will be 6 p.m. in the Icardo Center.