BAKERSFIELD, Calif.- The Roadrunner swimming and diving teams are set to begin the long haul that is the month of January. CSU Bakersfield opens the month with a women's dual meet against San José State, Jan. 2, here at the Hillman Aquatics Complex. The dual is just the first off four meets the 'Runners will take on this month.

“San José, a former WAC competitor, is a tough team to swim against,” said Chris Hansen, Bakersfield's Director of Swimming. “Since taking over the women's team, we get closer and closer to beating San José. We are going to give it our all.”

Before the teams can concentrate on the rest of the month, they will have to defeat the SJSU Spartans in the pool. One year ago, the 'Runners rang in the new year in a losing effort to the lady Spartans by a score of 182-106 in Bakersfield. Hansen knows it will be a tall yet possible task to turn the tides in 2015: "It's the first meet of the year that Michaela Paige, a four-time WAC champion, is healthy and injury free. She has been training like a beast and I'm so pumped to see her race healthy. We are ending our four-week training camp, so, we are real tired, but I do expect to see some fast swimming. Carlee Burks, Paola Hernandez, Delise Batiza, and Dylana Milobar will be key players to show San José we are getting closer to a victory."

The 'Runners have not been in competition since their Dec. 13 dual against Cal Baptist in which CSUB defeated the former NAIA National Champions 163-137. Hansen was pleased to receive a well-rounded performance out of the squad nearly a month ago and will again look to see his ladies overcome their lack of numbers with consistent execution.

Come on out to the pool at the Hillman Aquatics Complex at 11 a.m. on Jan. 2 to support the 'Runners. Admission, as always for swimming and diving events, is free for fans and parking is free during athletic events this year courtesy of the Athletic Department.

~www.GoRunners.com~