BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—Carol Grasso and Marina Sanches each recorded 13 kills as CSU Bakersfield defeated Grand Canyon in straight sets to open Western Athletic Conference volleyball play Friday night.

With the set tied at 11, the Roadrunners rattled off six straight points to take control. Led by Sanches who hit .556, CSUB took set one by a 25-18 count. The 'Runners sped to a 12-4 start in the second set.  CSUB led 24-15 before GCU scored the next five in a row as the 'Runners called timeout to steady themselves. After the timeout, Antelope setter Heidi Carpenter served the ball into the net, giving the Roadrunners a 2-0 match lead.

The Antelopes started strong out of the halftime break, taking a 5-2 lead. CSUB battled back. On the strength of three consecutive Fabiana Andrade aces, CSUB mounted a 6-1 charge and a 10-8 advantage. CSUB would win seven straight points on Andrade's serve for a four-point lead. The Roadrunners would go on a 10-2 run that gave the 'Runners a 20-12 lead before GCU called timeout.  CSUB would go onto a 25-16 third set victory and the sweep.

Sanches hit .579, making only two errors in 19 hitting attempts (13-2-19). She also posted a game high four blocks. Grasso hit .308 (13-5-26), recorded seven digs, one assist, and one service ace. Sydney Haynes returned from a shoulder injury to hit .333 and tally 10 kills (10-4-18). Andrade and her fellow setter, Sidney Wicks combined for 40 assists (23 for Wicks, 17 for Andrade).

“I thought we did a good job,” said CSUB director of volleyball Giovana Melo. “We were patient and were able to place the ball in the spots we wanted to. Both of our setters played well. The more we play and practice with them, the greater the connection becomes with them and our hitters.”

The Roadrunners return to the Blue Floor of the Icardo Center next Thursday when CSUB hosts NM State at 7 p.m. The match will again be streamed on the WAC Digital Network.

~www.GoRunners.com~