WEST POINT, N.Y.—CSU Bakersfield opened the 2016 volleyball season with a split at the Black Knights Invitational, hosted by Army West Point Friday.

In the opener, Valparaiso defeated the Roadrunners 3-1. CSUB took the first set by a 25-18 count before losing the second 25-21. The Crusaders earned a third set victory 25-22. Valpo rallied from a 12-4 deficit in the fourth set to secure the match victory 30-28.

Sophie Flemion recorded her first career double-double to lead the 'Runners. Moving to outside hitter for the first time, the redshirt senior, posted a career high 17 kills and 17 digs. The 5-7 San Simeon native also added two blocks.

Sydney Haynes recorded 13 kills and three blocks. Redshirt freshman Sydney Wicks made her debut at setter for the Roadrunners and came away with a double-double of 28 assists and 18 digs. Jocelyn Rodriguez posted 20 digs out of the CSUB libero position.

Emily Campbell led Valparaiso with 17 kills and nine digs. Katherine Carson had 16 kills, 15 digs, and three blocks.

“We fought really hard, but made too many mistakes,” said CSUB director of volleyball Giovanna Melo. “We are still getting used to having players in different positions, so we have to be a little more disciplined.”

The Roadrunners mounted a rally of their own in the nightcap against the host, Army West Point, to defeat the Black Knights 3-2. Army West Point defeated the 'Runners 25-19 in the first set before CSUB would tie it up with a 25-17 victory over their own.

The Black Knights took a 2-1 advantage by defeated CSUB 25-17 in set three. CSUB tied the match with a 25-11 decision in the fourth frame before winning the match 15-12.

Haynes led all players with 12 kills. Flemion put up 22 digs and eight kills. Emily Lopes, a junior transfer from Albany, charted a double-double of 16 assists and 16 digs. Wicks tallied 19 assists and seven digs while the CSUB liberos, Rodriguez and Addy Peters combined for 24 digs.

Amber Clay paced the Black Knights with a double-double of 17 digs and 10 kills. Rachel Gearon also had 10 kills for Army West Point.

“It wasn't pretty, but it was a hard fought battle,” Melo said. “We overcame a lot and winning this game was big for us today.”

CSUB concludes the tournament Saturday when the Roadrunner face Hofstra at 2 p.m. (ET).

~www.GoRunners.com~