PORTLAND, Ore.—Utah defeated CSU Bakersfield 3-1 in the final match for the Roadrunners at the University of Portland North Harbour Challenge Saturday.

The Utes (7-2) defeated the Roadrunners 25-20 in the first set. CSUB tied the match by handing Utah a 25-21 in the second set. The 'Runners outhit the Utes .366-to-.244 in the second.

CSU Bakersfield came out strong out of the halftime break, scoring the first four points of the third set. The Utes battled back scoring 11 of the 14 to lead the match by four. Hitting proved to be difference again as this time, Utah outhit CSUB .500 (12-1-24) to -.174 and would win 25-11. The Utes committed just one hitting error in the fourth set for a .692 percentage to defeat the 'Runners 25-16.

Carol Grasso was the featured CSUB offensive player, recording 20 kills.  Jocelyn Rodriguez moved from the back row into a hitting position for the first time and she came away with her first career double-double of 11 kills and 10 digs. Sophie Flemion earned a double-double with 10 kills and 10 assists.

Adora Anae's double-double of 17 kills and 11 digs was the top Utah offensive performance. Setter Bailey Choy also charted a double-double with 36 assists and 11 digs. Tawnee Luafalemana added 12 kills.

"Considering our circumstances today, I thought we put up a good fight," said CSUB director of volleyball Giovana Melo. "We lost a little bit of focus in the last two sets. We need to get better this week."

CSUB (1-9) returns home Thursday when the 'Runners host Northern Arizona at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed on the WAC Digital Network.

~www.GoRunners.com~