2023 Bakersfield Volleyball: The Setters

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The 2023 volleyball season kicks off this weekend for the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners. Heading into her tenth season at the helm, Head Coach Giovana Melo has crafted a talented squad with an even mix of returners and newcomers.

When Friday rolls around, the `Runners will embark on another run toward their first Big West title and a return to the NCAA Tournament. This weekend, Bakersfield will play host to the Roadrunner Classic, featuring four teams playing six matches over two days in the Icardo Center.

Before the season officially starts on Aug. 25, we want to introduce fans to the team, providing more insight into the person behind the name, number, and uniform. First up in our position-by-position breakdown of the `Runner volleyball team, meet Bakersfield's setters.

Notable

Melo, a former setter herself, talked about the importance of the position: "A setter is somebody who is making people on the court better. It's like the quarterback of the team. Both of our setters have different levels of experience, but both are talented and are capable of getting the job done."

`Runner Setters

#2 Ella Erteltova (Returners)
- 5-foot-10, junior
- From Zilina, Slovakia
- Transferred to CSUB from FIU in 2022
- Last year, played a vital role in Bakersfield's 6-2 system, averaging 3.66 assists per set
- Posted three double-doubles, including a 20-assist, 12-dig performance against UC Irvine
- A kinesiology major
- Melo on Erteltova: "What I love about her is her volleyball IQ. She understands the game better than just about anyone on our team. She is very athletic and I think she has a much better understanding of our system now."
#7 Nene Hawkins (Newcomer)
- 5-foot-8, freshman
- Native of Ewa Beach, Hawai'i, went to Le Jardin Academy
- Led Bulldogs to a 2022 State title with a 17-0 run through league play and the postseason
- Played overseas in Croatia and Philippines with ProspectHI, winning medals at the Global Challenge in 2021 and 2022
- Plans to major in business with an emphasis on marketing
- Melo on Hawkins: "I love the type of player she is. She grinds, she's constantly in the gym, and she has aspirations of doing big things. She's a natural athlete and has great hands."

Up Next on the Schedule

Roadrunner Classic
Aug. 25-26
Bakersfield, Calif. / Icardo Center
Season Ticket and Single-Game Ticket information available at GoRunners.com/Tickets.

~GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#2 Ella Erteltova: S; 5' 10"; Junior

#7 Nene Hawkins: S; 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#2 Ella Erteltova
: 5' 10"; Junior
: S

#7 Nene Hawkins
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: S

Players Mentioned

#2 Ella Erteltova

#7 Nene Hawkins

Players Mentioned

#2 Ella Erteltova

#7 Nene Hawkins