BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—CSU Bakersfield opened the home portion of the 2016 beach volleyball slate with a 3-2 victory over Concorida-Irvine Saturday.
CUI took an early 2-0 lead, winning at No. 4 and No. 5. Sydney Haynes and Carol Grasso swept Rachel Flynn and Logan Grove at No. 1 to break the CSUB seal. Edithza Urias and Jocelyn Rodriguez tied the match when they posted a straight sets victory over Amber Rose and Marissa Boyd in the No. 2 slot. The dual came down to the No. 3 match where Kelsee Sawyer and Sophie Flemion defeated Kaila Ames and Ellie Ladensack in three sets, 21-19, 17-21, 15-13.
“We are still learning about competition,” said CSUB head coach Olivia Simko. “Most of the team hasn't played beach volleyball before. A game and practice are two very different things. They are trying to figure out their relationship with their partner as well. Overall I am very happy that we won today.”
CSUB defeated Mira Costa College 3-2 in an exhibition earlier in the day. Concordia-Irvine defeated MCC earlier in the day by a 3-2 count in an exhibition. The Roadrunners host a tri-dual with Cal Poly and San Jose State Friday. The action begins at 1 between the Mustangs and the Spartans. CSUB plays Cal Poly at 3 followed by San Jose State at 5 p.m.
The CSUB Student Recreation Center was opened in 2009 and is the center of student interaction and wellness at CSU Bakersfield. The $24 million facility houses over 75,000 square feet of both exercise equipment and other spaces for fitness, education and recreation for CSUB students, faculty and staff. In 2012, the SRC, CSUB Athletics, along with donors Steve and Lori Barnes partnered to build the sand courts, home of 'Runners Beach Volleyball and a place for students & community members to participate in this emerging and exciting sport.
~www.GoRunners.com~
