MORAGA, Calif. – The California State University at Bakersfield women’s volleyball team came from behind to defeat the Saint Mary’s Gaels in a thrilling five-set match, 18-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21, 15-9, Tuesday at UCU Pavilion.
The Roadrunners hit an impressive .550 in the fifth set and controlled the net with 15 team blocks compared to Saint Mary’s four, marking the third-highest blocking total in CSU Bakersfield Division I history.
Suelen Lima led the Roadrunners with 19 kills on .314 hitting and also contributed 14 digs for a double-double. Defne Yanik recorded a match-high seven blocks, including five solo blocks, while Leylah Duran added seven kills on .412 hitting and four blocks. Setter Samantha Capinpin distributed 31 assists. Luiza Da Cruz led the defense with 19 digs, and Boden Liljedahl added 11 digs.
For Saint Mary’s, Antonie Kelnárová tallied match highs of 20 kills, six aces and 17 digs.
The Gaels took an early lead in the first set and closed it out with a run, but CSU Bakersfield responded by winning the second set and rallying after a third-set loss. The fourth set featured multiple ties and lead changes before the Roadrunners secured the win. In the decisive fifth set, CSU Bakersfield never trailed and secured the victory on Lima’s 19th kill.
The Roadrunners will next compete in the Eastern Volleyball Tournament starting Thursday. Tickets for upcoming home matches are available at GoRunners.com/Tickets.
CSB Take
CSU Bakersfield’s victory demonstrates the team’s ability to overcome early deficits and seize momentum through strong team blocking and balanced offense. Suelen Lima’s double-double performance and defensive contributions from Defne Yanik and Luiza Da Cruz underscore the Roadrunners’ depth and resilience. This win provides positive momentum as CSU Bakersfield prepares for the challenges of their conference schedule and upcoming tournaments.
Source: Original report
