CSUB sweeps Grand Canyon in conference opener

Peter Castillo

September 26, 2016

CSUB redshirt-sophomore middle hitter Miranda Sanches attempts a hit against Grand Canyon Friday, Sept. 23 in the Icardo Center. Photo by Allison Lechman/The Runner

Reporter

The CSU Bakersfield volleyball team opened its Western Athletic Conference schedule with a resounding win in straight sets over Grand Canyon University Friday, Sept. 23 at the Icardo Center.

The Roadrunners (4-10, 1-0 WAC) outscored the Antelopes (4-9, 0-1 WAC) by 21 points in the three sets.

CSUB was led with 13 kills from senior outside hitter Carol Grasso and redshirt-sophomore Miranda Sanches.

“The things we’ve worked on was a lot of eye contact and talking to one another. I think that helped up as team to play together,” said Grasso.

The first set was tied at 11 until CSUB went on a run and took control. The Roadrunners won the set 25-18 on the strength of some solid teamwork.

The Roadrunners jumped out to a strong start in the second set. They led 12-4 at one point and eventually led 24-15.

Grasso set the tone as she collected 6 of her 13 kills in the set.

However, GCU trimmed the lead to 24-20 and forced CSUB to take a timeout. The Roadrunners won in the ensuing point to finish off the set and take a 2-0 lead.

GCU then got off to a quick 5-2 lead in the third set, but the Roadrunners stormed back.

They were firing on all cylinders and took a 20-12 lead when GCU was forced to take a timeout.

Junior setter Fabiana Andrade totaled all four of her aces during this run, including three straight at one point.

She also finished the night with 17 assists.

CSUB eventually won the set, 25-16, to ensure the victory and swept the match, 3-0.

“They did a good job on the little things we were working on. They were patient and able to place the ball where we wanted to,” said Director of Volleyball Giovana Melo.

Up next for the Roadrunners they host defending WAC champions New Mexico State University on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Icardo Center.

“I feel that this game is making us want to work harder and it felt great tonight. I think we’re gonna kill it against New Mexico State,” said Sanches after Friday night’s win.

This is the first matchup between the two teams since New Mexico State eliminated CSUB in the WAC Tournament last season.