`Runners Preparing For Final Road Tournament

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Only one more weekend on the road stands between the CSU Bakersfield volleyball team and its first home matches of the season. Before the Roadrunners can return home for seven-straight matches in the Icardo Center, CSUB will travel to Colorado for the Amy Svoboda Memorial Classic, hosted by Air Force, Sept. 6-8.

"We are excited about the opportunity to go get better this weekend," said Giovana Melo, CSUB's Director of Volleyball. "We are ready to compete with these teams." The `Runners will face Air Force, Presbyterian, and Valparaiso on the campus of the Air Force Academy.

While training to protect this great country, the Falcons have started the year with a 5-2 record including quality wins over Wake Forest and Maryland. Air Force has a strong service game, averaging 1.6 aces per set so far this season. The Falcons look to junior outside hitter Denise Ssozi and her 3.70 kills per set to lead the way.

Presbyterian (1-4) got off to a slow start this year, but overlooking the Blue Hose is a dangerous mistake. Much like CSUB, PC has a well-balanced offense in which attacks can come from any player at any time. The Blue Hose are also averaging almost seven blocks per match on the season.

Another strong squad, Valparaiso kicked the season off with a five-set loss at the hands of Fresno State. After that defeat, the Crusaders won six-straight matches before falling to No. 20 Michigan in Ann Arbor on Tuesday. Five Crusaders average more than two kills per set as a potent offense will prove to be a tough challenge for the `Runners.

CSUB (2-4) is coming off a weekend at the UC Irvine Tournament that arguably featured the most talented group of teams the `Runners will face this season. After taking a 3-2 victory over host UCI, the `Runners battled hard against Texas Tech and Georgia to close out the weekend. Senior Briannah Mariner and sophomore Krista Hernandez earned All-Tournament honors for stellar play in southern California.

The `Runners will open this weekend's action against Air Force on Thursday at 7 p.m. (MT). Friday afternoon, CSUB and Presbyterian will clash with first serve set for 4:30 p.m. (MT). For their final match before returning to Bakersfield to host the Roadrunner Classic, the `Runners will take on Valparaiso on Saturday at 10 a.m. (MT).

Every match this weekend will be live streamed through the Mountain West Network while live stats will also be available. Links for both options are available through the CSUB volleyball schedule page.

~GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#12 Krista Hernandez: L; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#10 Briannah Mariner: OH; 5' 10"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#12 Krista Hernandez
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: L

#10 Briannah Mariner
: 5' 10"; Senior
: OH

Players Mentioned

#12 Krista Hernandez

#10 Briannah Mariner

Players Mentioned

#12 Krista Hernandez

#10 Briannah Mariner