`Runners Ready to Start 4-Match Home Stint

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – After enduring a four-match road trip including stops at two of the top teams in the Big West Conference, the CSU Bakersfield volleyball team has returned to the Icardo Center. The Roadrunners are gearing up for a four-match home stint with UC Irvine (Oct. 22) and UC San Diego (Oct. 23) set to pay visits to Bakersfield this week.

"This weekend I believe both games will be fun and competitive matches," said Giovana Melo, who is in her eighth season at the helm of the `Runners. "Both teams are currently ranked above us in Conference and playing well, but I am excited to watch our team go to battle against them."

CSUB (10-6, 3-5 BWC) returns home after suffering road losses at Cal Poly and Hawai'i last week, a pair of teams that have a combined league record of 14-2. Bakersfield currently sits in sixth place of eleven teams in the Big West standings with 12 conference games left to play.

UC Irvine (12-6, 5-3 BWC) will come to the Icardo Center on the heels of a split weekend on the road. The Anteaters were swept in straight sets by Cal State Fullerton last Friday, but UCI rebounded with a five-set victory over Long Beach State the next day.

UC San Diego (7-12, 4-4 BWC) is proving to be a formidable foe in the volleyball program's first season played as an NCAA Division I member. The Tritons contested a pair of four setters last week, falling to LBSU on the road before defeating Fullerton at home.

Friday night's match between the `Runners and Anteaters is scheduled for a 5 p.m. (PT) first serve in the Icardo Center. On Saturday, CSUB and UCSD will play at 7 p.m. on the themed Pride Night.

"I am personally excited for Saturday night's match," Melo said. "It's our annual Pride Night and it has such a special meaning to me." Melo has used her voice to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community for quite some time and the CSUB volleyball team excitedly awaits its annual match celebrating Pride Month.

Fans are welcome to cheer on their favorite team in the Icardo Center and tickets are available online at GoRunners.com/tickets. Those who are unable to attend the matches in person can follow along with the live broadcasts on ESPN+. Links for live streams, live stats, tickets, and more are all available at GoRunners.com/live.

~GoRunners.com~

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