Reno, Nev. — Junior outside hitter Debora Araujo (Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Western Nebraska C.C.) recorded 20 kills and 12 digs in posting the first double-double of the season for the CSU Bakersfield volleyball team on Friday, but it wasn't enough to lift the Roadrunners to a victory as Cal State Fullerton defeated CSUB 3-1 (25-20, 19-25, 25-16, 25-14) in their first showdown at the Wolf Pack Invitational.

"We came out making too many unforced errors in the first set and it was frustrating to lose the match, but we were able to compete in a low-error set and win," said CSUB head coach Jolene Shepardson. "It is a step closer to where we want to function consistently."

Araujo's 20 kills were a match high and she also chipped in two blocks and one service ace. Freshman outside hitter Kelsee Sawyer (Temecula, Calif., Great Oak HS) added eight kills, while junior setter Fernanda Gonçalves (Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Western Nebraska C.C.) recorded 39 assists and six digs.

Cal State Fullerton came out strong to pick up a win in a close first set, but then CSUB rallied back to win the second set 25-19 to tie the match at 1-1. Araujo slammed down seven kills in the set and Sawyer added four. The Titans stole back the momentum in the third set and never gave it up on their way to the victory.

The Roadrunners dropped to 1-4 on the season, while Cal State Fullerton improved to 5-4.

Junior libero Mariah Alvidrez (Bakersfield, Calif., Liberty HS) totaled 11 digs for CSUB and junior outside hitter Shayna Guitare (Torrance, Calif., Los Angeles Pierce College) added seven kills.

CSUB will play two more matches on Saturday including a 9 a.m. showdown against Washington State (4-2) and a 7 p.m. match against Nevada (1-6).

~www.GoRunners.com~