Box Score EDINBURG, TX – The fourth seeded CSU Bakersfield volleyball team opened up the first round of the Western Athletic Conference against fifth seeded Seattle U. What a first set to open up the WAC tournament.
The `Runners jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, only to see Seattle U go on a nine to one run to take a 9-4 lead. But CSUB went on a run of their own. The `Runners went on a five to one run of their own and cut Seattle U's lead to 10-9 and SU had to call a timeout. And from that point on, it was back and forth. But the `Runners came out on top in the end with a 25-21 victory behind senior
Aleksandra Djordjevic's team leading three kills and five digs.
The `Runners fell behind to open the second set 2-0, but went on an 8-1 run to lead 8-3 and eventually extended that lead to 17-8. But Seattle U fought back and went on an 8-1 run of their own and cut the `Runners lead to 18-16. But once again, the `Runners were strong at the end of the set, this time winning 25-22. 'Runners led two sets to none at the break.
After two sets, Djordjevic continued to lead CSUB, as well as the match in kills with eight and also led the `Runners with 10 digs. Senior Hayley Roberts and junior
Briannah Mariner of the `Runners were tied for the team lead in blocks with three each.
CSUB opened up an 8-2 lead to start the third set and really put a stranglehold on the set and the match. The `Runners would extend their lead to 16-8 behind back to back kills from junior
Mattison DeGarmo. CSUB would see out the match and the `Runners would sweep Seattle U with a 25-21, 25-22, 25-17 victory.
Djordjevic would end the match with a double double, her fourth of the season. The senior had 10 kills and 10 digs. But it was a team effort in Edinburg that helped the `Runners get the victory. CSUB had four players with five kills or more and also had four players with seven or more digs. The `Runners had 10 aces on the night, which is a season high.
CSUB's Director of volleyball,
Giovana Melo said, "I thought we did a great job serving the entire match. We put pressure on them and played as a team. We are ready to go to battle tomorrow."
The `Runners advance to the WAC semifinals and will play WAC regular season conference champion New Mexico State with first serve scheduled for 4:30 p.m. central time, 2:30 on the west coast.
