BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball team (18-2) is back in action for the halfway mark of Big West play as the Gauchos take on the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners and the CSUN Matadors. Santa Barbara will make the trip to Bakersfield for their match against the Roadrunners on Thursday, Oct. 19 before returning to The Thunderdome on Saturday, Oct. 21 to take on the Matadors.
LAST TIME OUT
UC Santa Barbara had a pivotal week of Big West play as they hosted the Cal Poly Mustangs and the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors. Against their first opponent, the Gauchos took care of business, winning the first leg of the Blue-Green Rivalry in three sets. From there, UC Santa Barbara carried over that same momentum against Hawai'i as the Gauchos won in a thrilling five-set match.
FACING THE ROADRUNNERS
Cal State Bakersfield is coming off a big sweep over Cal State Fullerton on the road after taking a loss to UC Irvine in the Bren Center.
When it comes to aces, the Roadrunners are one of the best teams in The Big West. They are currently second behind UC Davis in this category as they have 128 on the season.
Senior outside hitter Ava Palm has been the biggest asset on offense for the Roadrunners. She currently has 209 on the season. Following up behind her is middle blocker Breklyn Pulling, who has 180 kills and the best hitting percentage on the team, hitting at a .288 clip.
On defense, freshman libero Grace Moss has been the most impactful. She leads the team in digs, notching 269 so far on the season.
The Roadrunners appear to run a 5-1 offense with freshman Nene Hawkins coming up with the plays. She currently has 534 assists on the season
Cal State Bakersfield is coached by Giovana Melo, who is in her ninth season with the team. She has accumulated an overall record of 116-144 during that time.
MATCHING UP AGAINST THE MATADORS
CSUN is coming off a 1-1 week, sweeping Cal State Fullerton on the road before getting swept by UC Irvine in the Anteaters' home gym.
Carisa Baron ranks fourth in the NCAA and No. 1 in The Big West when it comes to triple-doubles. The junior setter has contributed three so far this season against Fresno State, Cal State Bakersfield and Cal State Fullerton. She does a little bit of everything for CSUN as she leads the team in assists with 349 while sitting in second in kills with 175.
Perri Starkey is the main offensive weapon for the Matadors. The junior outside hitter has contributed the most kills on the team with 184.
Senior libero Kelsey Knudsen has made the biggest influence on the team's defensive efforts. She has the most digs on the team by far, contributing 287 so far this season.
The Matadors are coached by John Price, who is in his second season as a head coach with the program after being on staff as an assistant. Price also has experience in The Big West as he was the head coach of Bakersfield for 14 seasons.
WHEREABOUTS
The first match for the Gauchos against the Roadrunners will be Thursday, Oct. 19 with first serve at 6 p.m. Then, when the Gauchos return to Santa Barbara on Saturday, Oct. 21, they will take on the Matadors with first serve at 7 p.m. Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+.
