by David Aliaga
Staff Writer

Despite being down 2-0, the ‘Runners found new hope in set three as they defeated the Western Athletic Conference leader, New Mexico State, 3-2, in a thriller at the Icardo Center.

The Aggies entered the match with a six game winning streak and an undefeated record in WAC play, 6-0. In the early stages of set one, CSUB found themselves playing catch up as the Aggies started the set with fire while holding the ‘Runners to a .000 hitting average. The Runners showed no signs of intimidation after a kill by sophomore outside hitter Kelsee Sawyer that cut New Mexico’s lead to 17-13. However, the Aggies regained momentum and won the opening set, 25-14.

The ‘Runners opened set two with a 4-3 lead, but New Mexico responded by taking advantage of Bakersfield’s continued poor hitting. The Aggies went on to take the second set, 25-18.

Senior outside hitter Debora Araujo said, “We went into the locker room and we said that we were capable of turning the game around, we just had to be patient and work hard.”

After what seemed to be like a probable sweep, Bakersfield showed just how patient it could be as the team came together as a rejuvenated unit in the third. Defense was the key to success as the ‘Runners turned the tables on the Aggies and held them to a .128 hitting average in set three. The third set was suspenseful with 16 ties, and 9 lead changes. CSUB took the lead off of a Danika Youngblood service ace late in the third set to make it 21-20, but New Mexico State retaliated with a kill to tie it up once again. Araujo’s kill gave the ‘Runners the advantage 25-24, and an attack error by New Mexico State’s Bradley Nash gave CSUB the victory.

The Aggies kept it close throughout the fourth set, but CSUB had the advantage as they entered the set with the momentum in their favor. The score was tied after a Taylor Livoti (NMSU) service error, and CSUB capitalized with 3 straight points that gave them the 17-14 lead. There were 10 ties, and 3 lead changes resulting to a CSUB victory, 25-22.

The Aggies seemed to be in control throughout the fifth set as the Runners fell behind early, 6-10. Araujo gave CSUB new life as she recorded 7 of her 20 kills in the fifth set. An attack error by Desiree Scott (NMSTU) turned the tables around for Bakersfield as the score was tied at 11 for the last time in the entire match. CSUB held the Aggies to a low .095 hitting in the fifth set as the Runners poured on their best offensive run by hitting .350 to seal the deal. A pair of attack errors by Lauren Loerch (NMSTU) ended the night for the Aggies as Bakersfield rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win the match in the fifth set, 15-12.

CSUB Head Coach, Jolene Shepardson said, “We weren’t executing our defensive game plan early on, but I love how aggressive we were on offense.”

The ‘Runners’ will to win drove them to an impressive victory as they never showed signs of defeat.

“My team helped me a lot with the passes, and they trusted me so I was confident in myself and I was going hard for them,”said Araujo on her game high 20 kills.

Bakersfield’s 55 kills and .180 hitting average was enough to give New Mexico State its first loss in WAC play.