CSUB Ready for 3 Beach Matches in Irvine

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – After a 4-0 start on opening weekend that featured four 5-0 sweeps, the CSU Bakersfield beach volleyball team is preparing for a busy day of action in the sand. On Friday, Feb. 28, the `Runners will head to Irvine, Calif. to compete in a three-team dual with Santa Clara, Concordia Irvine, and host Irvine Valley College.

"This week's matches are going to be a good test for us," said Cesar Benatti, CSUB's Head Coach. "First, because we play three matches in one day in a different format than what we are used to. All games are going to be happening at the same time as IVC has five courts. Second, because we play really qualified teams."

Benatti continued on to break down this weekend's competition: "IVC is one of the best Junior Colleges in California and every year they have great players and compete for the state title. Concordia Irvine is a top D2 school that has always been really good at beach volleyball. Finally, Santa Clara is a highly qualified team that brought one of the best coaches in the game and certainly will be playing hard against us."

CSUB's match against IVC will be an exhibition match, but the Lasers should prove to be a challenging early-season test for the `Runners. Last season, IVC tied for third at the CCCAA State Championships while the top pair of Lasers also placed third in the state pairs tournament.

Concordia Irvine is off to a 3-1 start on the season with its only loss against No. 12 Long Beach State. Santa Clara opened the season with an 0-5 start last week, falling to tough foes such as UC Davis, San Jose State, and Grand Canyon.

CSUB and the three other teams in the field will meet in Irvine, Calif. on Friday for a busy day on the sand courts. Bakersfield opens the day against IVC at 10 a.m. before taking on Concordia Irvine at noon. The `Runners will close out the day at 2 p.m. against Santa Clara.

For in-match updates, follow @CSUB_Volleyball on Twitter (link above). Results and a full recap will be posted here on GoRunners.com on Saturday after the matches conclude.

~GoRunners.com~

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