`Runners to Start Big West Play on the Road

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – A long-awaited moment is almost here for the CSU Bakersfield volleyball team as the Roadrunners are preparing to play their first-ever Big West Conference matches. CSUB will hit the road on Friday to take on Cal State Fullerton before wrapping up the first week of league play at Long Beach State on Saturday.

"We're excited to finally play in the Big West," said Giovana Melo, CSUB's eighth-year Director of Volleyball. "Of course, some nerves are expected and normal, but we're excited to get started and see where we stand against these teams."

Bakersfield has waited years for this moment, or even decades depending on who you ask, and the time has finally arrived. After missing out on the 2020 season, the team's first official year in the Big West, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the `Runners will take their momentum from a 7-1 non-conference slate and charge toward their new league.

Melo commented on how she thinks her team achieved the results it has thus far in 2021: "I think we have had a pretty balanced offense with different players contributing in different games and that has helped us. It's harder to defend and it's harder to plan for." The `Runners currently have six different players average 1.50 kills per set or more, including their setter Seleisa Elisaia (1.50) and a team-high 3.44 from outside hitter Hayley McCluskey.

Cal State Fullerton brings a 3-4 record into Big West play after winning its most recent match 3-1 against California Baptist. The Titans look to Julia Crawford's 4.04 kills per set to lead the way while setter Elizabeth Schuster runs an efficient offense to the tune of 10.40 assists per set. Fullerton suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of Air Force two weeks ago, a team the `Runners defeated 3-2 in their season opener.

Long Beach State will welcome CSUB to the unique Walter Pyramid with a 6-5 record on the season. The 49ers have faced one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the league as LBSU suffered losses against teams like UCLA, Georgia Tech, and Washington State. Outside hitter Kashauna Williams leads the Big West and ranks 12th in the nation with an impressive 4.77 kills per set.

Fans can watch the `Runners live as both of this week's matches will be streamed on ESPN+. First serve against Cal State Fullerton on Friday is scheduled for 5 p.m. (PT) while Saturday's match in Long Beach will start at 4 p.m. Links to the broadcasts, live stats, tickets, and more are available at GoRunners.com/volleyball.

~GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#1 Seleisa Elisaia: S; 5' 10"; Junior

#18 Hayley McCluskey: OH; 6' 0"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#1 Seleisa Elisaia
: 5' 10"; Junior
: S

#18 Hayley McCluskey
: 6' 0"; Junior
: OH

Players Mentioned

#1 Seleisa Elisaia

#18 Hayley McCluskey

Players Mentioned

#1 Seleisa Elisaia

#18 Hayley McCluskey