BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—Bakersfield advanced to the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference Tournament with a straight sets victory over Texas-Pan American Thursday night in the Icardo Center.

“I thought this was our best match of the season,” said Bakersfield head coach Giovana Melo.

Bakersfield (14-14) defeated the Broncs 25-8 in the first set. The eight points were the fewest allowed by the 'Runners in a 25-point set at the Division I level. The Roadrunners hit .577 during the frame, compared to .036 for UTPA.

Despite the Broncs getting off to an early lead in the second set, Bakersfield's strong defense took over as CSUB held Texas-Pan American to .094 hitting. Molly O'Hagan (Sr., Tonganoxie, Kan., Tonganoxie HS) posted six of her 11 kills and all three of her blocks in the second set to lead CSUB to a 25-16 win.

The Roadrunner defense was at its peak in the final set. UTPA was held to -.094 (7-8-31) from the field. Bakersfield posted six individual blocks and hit .303.

Kelsee Sawyer (Jr., Temecula, Calif., Great Oak HS) tallied a match high 12 kills and hit .400 on the night. Mariah Alvidrez (R-Sr., Bakersfield, Calif., Liberty HS) recorded a game high 14 digs while Eryn Riley (Sr., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Los Osos HS) added 10 digs. CSUB had six team blocks in the match and did not allow a UTPA block. Bakersfield hit a season high .422 (45-7-90).

The Broncs (7-23) were led by Alisha Watson who posted nine kills, four aces, and four digs. Setter Mary Kate Clark had 20 assists.

Bakersfield will take on the second seed, New Mexico State, Friday night at 5 p.m. The Aggies swept the season series from the Roadrunners. NM State won 3-2 in Las Cruces while taking a 3-1 victory from CSUB in Bakersfield.

“Honestly, we have to come out and play like we did tonight,” Melo said. “When we come out and play strong and like we're having fun, no matter who we're playing, we're going to compete.”

Tickets for the WAC Tournament can be purchased online at vallitix.com

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