The Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners women’s volleyball team opened their Big West Conference game with a win of 3-2 against Cal State Northridge Matadors on Sept.19.
Starting with a win for the first set with a score of 24-20, Setter Nene Hawkins dove and saved the ball from the Matadors scoring. Incredible teamwork from starting middle blocker Breklyn Pulling and starting outside hitter Naomi Chankoumi prevented the Matadors from scoring a point. With the Roadrunners raising the score to 24-20, ‘Runners fans in the stands had their ‘Runner symbols raised high for that next point to make the set winner.
Completing the first set with a win, the Roadunners did not stop there. Middle blocker Sophia Bertotti Metoyer and outside hitter Paige Dugan had teamwork blocking hits from the Matadors over the net. The Roadrunners lost the second set 20-25, but this was only the beginning.
As the game went on into the third set, the Roadrunners had a change of demeanor. Keeping their head in the game with the scoreboard going back and forth between both teams, communication on the court was key. This got the score up to 24-22, a nail-biting set, but the Roadrunners ended it with a win of 25-22.
Progressing into an intense fourth set, both teams got points on the scoreboard fast. They were leading to a neck-and-neck gameplay, 23 -24. The Matadors took the win in this set with a score of 24-26. The team progressed into the fifth and final set of the match.
The Roadrunners were determined for the Big West opening win, and they concurred it with a finishing score of 15-11 in their final set. The team could not contain their excitement for that win, running onto the court, embracing each other with smiles, blowing kisses to the fans that showed up, and proudly waving their ‘Runner hand signs and signing the alma mater.
The job is not finished yet. Check out CSUB’s volleyball team at the next home game on Friday, Sept. 29, against UC Davis at 6:00 p.m.
