Melo Welcomes 4 More `Runners to 2021 Signing Class

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The 2021 Roadrunner volleyball roster has shaped into a strong collection of student-athletes as CSU Bakersfield Director of Volleyball Giovana Melo has welcomed four more incoming `Runners to the squad. After signing Lizzie Binder in November, Melo inked Golden Finch, Samia Bhakta, Sarah Martin, and Paige Calvin to compete for CSUB.

"I love our incoming class," Melo said of the five newest `Runners to join the Bakersfield family. "We started with Lizzie and added four more extremely talented young women. They are super fun and have an amazing work ethic."

Golden Finch

Standing at six feet tall, Finch is a welcome addition of size to the CSUB roster. Originally from Albuquerque, N.M., Finch has been a successful middle for both the Albuquerque Rebels Volleyball Club as well as Sandia High School. She is the first of three incoming-freshmen in this batch of new `Runners.

"Golden is a physical player," Melo said. "She has a fun personality and is an extremely hard worker. I can't wait to watch her grow in our program."

Samia Bhakta

Bhakta is a native of Gilbert, Ariz. and comes to CSUB via Highland High School (Ariz.). Another six-footer, Bhakta has the athletic versatility to play anywhere along the net. She will join the `Runners after gaining valuable prep experience while also competing with East Valley Juniors club team.

"Samia is a great student-athlete," said Melo. "She is smart, athletic, and someone who can play in pretty much any hitting position."

Sarah Martin

Martin is another Arizona native, hailing from Phoenix. The 2021 graduate of Sandra Day O'Connor High School will defend the back row for CSUB. Martin also has club experience as a member of the Arizona Storm Elite Volleyball Club.

Melo commented on what Martin brings to the squad: "Sarah is a fireball. She plays with so much passion and brings so much energy to the court. She also believes in bringing back the dab."

Paige Calvin

A native of the Central Valley, Calvin has transferred to CSUB after spending the last three seasons at Sacramento State. The 5-foot-7 libero/defensive specialist played in 42 matches in her time as a Hornet, tallying 64 digs and 14 services aces. Originally from Visalia, Calif., less than an hour away from Bakersfield, Calvin was a 2018 graduate of Central Valley Christian School.

"Paige brings a great amount of experience," Melo said. "She is very talented and competitive. I believe she will make an immediate impact on our program."

After missing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the `Runner volleyball program is excited to get back to work this Fall. Keep an eye out for the announcement of the 2021 CSUB volleyball schedule, which will be released to the public in the near future.

~GoRunners.com~

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