`Runners to Host First Big West Home Matches

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – On Friday, Oct. 1, it will have been 690 days since the CSU Bakersfield volleyball team lasted hosted a home match in the Icardo Center. The streak will finally be snapped when the Roadrunners play their home opener against CSUN followed immediately by another Big West Conference matchup with UC Santa Barbara on Saturday.

"We are excited to finally be playing at home again," said CSUB's Director of Volleyball, Giovana Melo. "It has been almost two years since we played on the blue court so the girls are looking forward to playing again in front of our crowd. It should be an exciting weekend."

This weekend will feature a couple of "firsts" for the `Runners. The contest against CSUN is not only Bakersfield's home opener for the 2021 season, but it is also the first time CSUB volleyball will host a Big West match. The `Runners (8-2, 1-1 BWC) kicked off league play on the road last weekend, dropping a close, four-set match at Cal State Fullerton before recording their first Big West victory, 3-1, at Long Beach State.

CSUN (1-11, 0-2 BWC) will come to town with a potentially misleading record. While the Matadors have notched just one victory this year, CSUN has taken a set from each of its last six opponents. Over that same span, the squad has averaged over 19 points scored per set, which suggests the Matadors have been in many tight, competitive sets and they cannot be taken lightly by CSUB.

UC Santa Barbara (6-8, 2-0 BWC) is coming out of a rigorous non-conference schedule with momentum. The Gauchos are 5-2 over their last seven matches including going 2-0 at home to open Big West play last weekend. UCSB has gained valuable experience while suffering defeat at the hands of well-known programs like Illinois, Valparaiso, Kansas State, No. 21 Pepperdine, and Washington State.

Both matches in the Icardo Center this week are scheduled for 5 p.m. (PT) first serves. Tickets to CSUB volleyball matches are available online or at the door and fans can find more information about season tickets, single-match tickets, and more at GoRunners.com/tickets. Fans who cannot attend matches in the Icardo Center can watch live on ESPN+ all season long. For links to the broadcasts, live stats, tickets, and more, visit GoRunners.com/Live.

~GoRunners.com~

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