BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Back to what passes for healthy, coming off one of its best performances of the season, and playing an opponent it played tough last month on the road, the CSUB volleyball team seemed poised for a breakout performance Tuesday night when old rival Cal State Northridge visited the Icardo Center.

The Roadrunners couldn't sustain a promising start, however, and Northridge overcame an early deficit to earn a 25-22, 25-16, 25-18 win.

CSUB led late in a seesaw first set before the Matadors scored the final four points to pull out the win. The second set remained close until Northridge closed the set with a 10-2 run to open a two sets to none lead. That 10-2 run became a 16-3 streak as the Matadors took control of the final set with a 6-1 start and never looked back.

Junior outside hitter Lindy DeGeare (Stockdale HS) had a solid attacking night for CSUB, leading both teams with 12 kills and a .500 attack percentage. Junior middle blocker Alysia Baker (Vista/Tri-City Christian HS) added three aces.

Middle blocker Lynda Morales led a balanced Northridge effort with nine kills and five blocks.

CSUB closes the home portion of its 2010 schedule with a two-match set against fellow NCAA Division I Independent Seattle University Friday and Saturday in the Icardo Center. First serve both nights is 6 p.m.