COLORADO, SPRINGS, Colo. - The CSU Bakersfield volleyball team put up a tough battle, but wasn't able to pull off the upset as the Roadrunners lost to Washington State 3-1 (25-14, 25-27, 25-23, 25-18) on Friday night at the Falcon Invitational at the Air Force Academy. Earlier in the day, CSUB (2-6) fell to Air Force 3-0 (15-15, 25-22, 25-22).

Junior outside hitter Debora Araujo (Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Western Nebraska C.C.) led the 'Runner charge against the red-hot Cougars, who have now won eight straight matches. She posted her third double-double of the season with 17 kills and 12 digs. Junior outsite hitter Shayna Guitare (Torrance, Calif., Los Angeles Pierce College) and freshman opposite hitter Kelsee Sawyer (Temecula, Calif., Great Oak HS) both hit double digits in kills for CSUB with 12 and 10 respectively.

The 'Runners showed improvement from when they faced off against the Cougars earlier this season and were swept by Washington State 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-14) at the Wolf Pack Invitational on Sept. 8.

Also in the match, junior setter Fernanda Gonçalves  (Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Western Nebraska C.C.) recorded 40 assists, while junior libero Mariah Alvidrez (Bakersfield, Cailf., Liberty HS) added 15 digs.

Against the host Falcons (4-7), CSUB was again led by Araujo with 15 kills and six digs, while Goncalves posted 24 assists. Sophomore middle blocker Molly O'Hagan (Tonganoxie, Kan., Tonganoxie HS) added six kills, four digs and four blocks.

On Saturday, CSUB will travel to Boulder, Colo. to play the host Buffalos (7-2) at 11 a.m. (MDT) in the Colorado Invitational. The 'Runners will then finish off the weekend with a showdown against Norfolk State (2-8) at 7 p.m. (MDT).

Colorado will be providing free streaming of the matches at the Colorado Invitational on Saturday at http://pac-12.com/live/cubuffs.aspx

~www.GoRunners.com~