Orem, Utah - After defeating Chicago State 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-23) to begin the two-match day at Utah Valley on Saturday, the CSU Bakersfield volleyball team fell to the host Wolverines 3-1 (24-26, 25-19, 25-19, 25-17).

"We came out strong in the first set against Utah Valley with a well-balanced offense," said CSUB head coach Jolene Shepardson. "Utah Valley just kept good pressure on us and we weren't able to get into a good rhythm to come out on top tonight."

In the win over Chicago State, the 'Runners (11-12) were led by Fernanda Gonçalves (Jr., Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Western Nebraska Community College), who posted a double-double performance with 34 assists and 14 digs. It was her third double-double of the season.

Freshman opposite hitter Kelsee Sawyer (Temecula, Calif., Great Oaks HS) recorded nine kills against Chicago State (2-23). Outside hitter Debora Araujo (Jr., Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Western Nebraska C.C.) added eight kills and eight digs.

Even though the 'Runners defeated Utah Valley 3-2 at the Icardo Center earlier this season on Sept. 22, they were unable to come up with the season sweep over their future Western Athletic Conference foes. CSUB won a hard-fought first 26-24 over Utah Valley (13-7), but the Wolverines took the next three sets.

Araujo slammed down 15 kills and added four digs, while Sawyer had 13 kills. Gonçalves put up 39 assists, nine digs, six kills and four blocks in an impressive all-around effort. Libero Mariah Alvidrez (R-So., Bakersfield, Calif., Liberty HS) scooped up 14 digs, while Lisa Bartsch (Jr., Wuppertal, Germany, Augusta State) chipped in 11.

Up next, the 'Runners will return to the Icardo Center to host Fresno State (13-8) on Thursday at 6 p.m. The two teams met on Thursday, Oct. 18 in Fresno and the Bulldogs won 3-0.

~www.GoRunners.com~