Thursday, November 12, 2009
Trio Named to All-MPSF Teams
Matt, a senior central midfielder from Bridgewater, England, was named to the 11-member first team. Alberto, a junior defender from Delano, earned second team honors and Eric, a freshman goalkeeper from Valencia, was an honorable mention pick.
The full story on their selection can be found at www.gorunners.com.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Men's Soccer Wrap-Up
In the final regular-season conference statistics report, freshman midfielder Jesus Sanchez sat atop the league in assists (7) and assists per game (0.44), while junior forward Robbie Gouk led the league in game-winning goals (3). Gouk and freshman Evan Fassler tied for fifth in goals scored (6), while freshman goalkeeper Eric Shannon was second in saves (62) and shutouts (5).
Now the Roadrunners await the release of the 2009 All-MPSF teams, scheduled to be released Thursday by the conference office.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wear Pink
It's still over 24 hours from the game and we have already sold one of the pink Jerseys for $250!! A few other players have bids also but any jersey not bought online will be available on Friday at the front entrance to the soccer field. Each jersey has the players' name and number and look pretty sharp.
The first 200 fans through the door also get a free pink CSUB wristband!
While Friday's game against Seattle is no walk through the park, the Roadrunners have played much better offensively at home and their defense has allowed just one goal in the past three contests, including two double overtime ties.
Sophomore Kym Gause now has four clean sheets to her credit, tying her for sixth in the CSUB single season record book. Her 80 saves and current 1.43 goals against average are also sixth best on that list.
At Long Beach on Sunday, both Sam Peña and Brittany Thomas had great chances to end the Roadrunner's current scoreless streak. Peña hustled after a 50-50 ball and chipped the keeper. It had all indications that the ball would easily find the back of the unguarded net but a before Peña could get a second touch on it, a 49er defender came in and headed it away at the last second. Thomas' shot was collected off a rebound and after she collected it and fired, looked as though it would be her first strike of her collegiate career. The ball cleared the keeper's outstretched hand but clanged off the cross bar and back to a Long Beach defender who cleared it away. So close.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Rankings, Stats and a Surging Freshman Class
The Roadrunners are riding a four-match unbeaten streak following a 0-0 double overtime draw against Big West member Cal Poly. Prior to that, they had strung together a trio of victories for their longest win streak since making the move to Division I.
Those results granted the 'Runners a No. 74 ranking in the first official RPI poll, released by the NCAA Monday. The only opponents on their schedule ranked higher are No. 14 New Mexico, No. 34 UCSB, No. 37 Loyola Marymount and No. 53 Cal State Fullerton. And from that list of four, the 'Runners have two wins, a 1-0 decision over LMU and a 2-1 final against Fullerton.
Key to CSUB's recent success has been the development of the freshman class. A minimum of six freshmen have seen significant field time in each of the last four matches, and their contributions have continued to grow.
Eric Shannon has been a mainstay in goal since day-one and has flourished as of late, allowing just one score in his last four outings. He is tied for first in the MPSF in shutouts (4) and shutouts per game (0.40), while also making 28 saves to go along with a 1.16 goals against average. Last Saturday against Cal Poly, he came up with two tremendous saves, diving to punch potential game-winners just over the crossbar in the final minute of regulation and the final seconds of overtime.
Other freshman getting into the mix include midfielder Jesus Sanchez, who leads the team with four assists. He has been the set-up man on two game-winners and is also looking to become a direct threat in front of the goal. Kory Kindle made the most of his second collegiate start, tallying a goal and assisting the other in a 2-0 win over Appalachian State. He is also one of CSUB's biggest threats in the air.
Evan Fassler (two goals), Justin Finch (one goal) and Ernesto Hinojosa (one assist) have also infused the Roadrunner lineup as of late, showing great promise for the final swing of matches in 2009 and the overall future of the program.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Last Time
As mentioned in the article, Garcia's third round 64 was the lowest round by a CSUB golfer since Kevin Kelbe did it back in 2000. The last time a CSUB golfer won an individual tournament came back during the 2006–07 season when Bakersfield native Brady Baguio won his opening tournament and went on to win two more times that year.
Garcia is one of four new Roadrunners for the 2009–10 season. As you may have noticed, we haven't yet had time to go take some shots of our new players yet but they are coming soon. Hopefully we will get to use a lot of these new pics as it seems the team is off to a great start for the upcoming season.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
A Step Back to Move Forward
1. Arianna Celis and Casey Glasey continue to establish themselves as the team's top runners. Celis ran a personal best time of 18:30.20. That time is almost 29 seconds faster than any mark turned in last season by a member of the CSUB team. Glasey's 18:32.60 also clear's 2008's best mark by nearly 17 seconds.
2. Lina Nuñez also took a step forward this past weekend, finishing third on the team in 19:33.20. That's over a five second improvement from last season's race and marks the first time this season she has ducked under 20 for the season.
3. True freshman Cecilia Lopez has also been fairly consistent in the middle of the pack in 2009. She has already broken 20 minutes at 5K and is picking up quality experience in highly competitive meets.
4. Despite taking a small step backwards at the meet, sophomore Judith Mata has made a great stride forward in 2009. Mata has already broken the 20 minute barrier twice, a feat that she was unable to accomplish as a freshman. Her 19:24.7 at the UC Riverside Invitational is the team's third fastest individual time of the year.
Cutting Strokes, Making Strides
Along with broken team records, junior Ashley Neal, fresh off the second sub-par round of her life on her way to winning the Kern County Women's Amateur Golf Championship, tied the CSUB record of 74 on the second day of the tournament.
Consistency in all aspects of the game will be the key for the Roadrunner squad as they head off to their next tournament on Oct. 5-6 – the Cal Poly Coast BMW Tournament, held at the Monarch Dunes Golf Course in Nipoma.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Halfway Post
1. CSUB is a combined 1–13–1 against the remaining opponents on the schedule. Cal State Fullerton and North Dakota have never faced the Roadrunners.
2. Long Beach State, the only win CSUB has recorded against remaining opponents, was a NCAA Tournament participant in 2008.
3. Seattle currently holds a 6-0 advantage over the Roadrunners. A win over another NCAA DI transitioning team would be a good measure for where the 'Runners are at.
4. The 2008 team finished the season with a 1–8–0 record during its final nine contests. CSUB will play three of those same opponents this season to close out its schedule.
A couple thoughts midway through:
1. Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke seems to have found a group that she is most comfortable out on the field with. In the first eight games of the season, her bench extended to 7.125 subs per game. In the past two contest, that number has dropped to three in each game. She also stayed with the same starting lineup in back-to-back games for the first time since opening weekend.
2. Kassi Massey, Alexa Ngo, Tara Corcoran, Kym Gause and Sarah Gaskins all have started each contest for the Roadrunners. While the first four listed have been stabilized in each poistion throughout the year, Gaskins has moved from defender to midfielder to starting at forward the past two contests. Brittany Thomas, Sam Peña and Daisy Vazquez have each made nine starts while appearing in all 10 games.
3. Gause continues to move up the Roadrunners' record book. She is now 11th in single season saves (58) and is tied for ninth in shutouts (2). Her 855 minutes thus far puts her in 15th place.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
A 'Runner Reunion In North Carolina
A pair of familiar faces now walk the sidelines for the 49ers in the form of Head Coach Jeremy Gunn and Assistant Coach Kyle Gookins. Gunn was a standout on the 'Runner side from 1989-92, earning three first team All-CCAA selections while twice being named to the NSCAA All-Far West team. He remains at the top of CSUB's career record book in goals (46), assists (36) and points (128). He went on to serve as an assistant coach for the 'Runner men's and women's teams from 1993-99, and was named the CCAA women's coach of the year in 1997. Gookins is a more recent familiar face, having donned a 'Runner kit from 2000-03 and walking the sideline from 2007-08.
Coming off a two-match homestand that featured a 3-2 win over UC Riverside and a 1-1 draw against St. Mary's, the Roadrunners, now 2-2-1, open play at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern) against the 2-2-1 49ers. Charlotte is ranked No. 1 in the latest NSCAA Regional poll and should be the more formidable opponent of the weekend for CSUB.
This past weekend, the 'Runners got a pair of goals from redshirt freshman Evan Fassler and will continue to look for his speed up top. Senior co-captain Matt Shaxton, provided the assists on both of Fassler's strikes, and continues to provide leadership and distribution from the central midfield.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Rowdy About Reading connects CSU Bakersfield Athletes to local kids

The Rowdy About Reading program is about to kick off it’s 7th year and continues to be a great vehicle to connect CSUB athletes to local kids. It’s a win-win-win-win! The kids win – they are encouraged to read and rewarded for doing so. The teachers win – they have access to a no-cost program that the kids seem to enjoy. The student-athletes win – they have a ton of fun on school visits and really enjoy the interaction with the kids. The community wins – connecting nearly 6,000 local youth to successful young adults who are, arguably, some of the most successful on the CSUB campus through a reading program.
Thanks to our always generous partners in the program: Bank of America, Bakersfield West Rotary, Subway Sandwiches, 107.9 KUZZ, The Bakersfield Californian, and B.E.T.A (Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Assoc.). We couldn’t do it without you!
Registrations for K-6 classrooms are being accepted through 10/2. The contest begins 10/6. Visit gorunners.com to register on-line or call 654-6226 for more information.
Fresno State Awaits
Hopes may have been deflated early as the Roadrunner defense let in an early goal in just the third minute of play. Adding to the uphill climb CSUB was facing was the fact that the team had yet to score a goal in the first half of play in 2009. But freshman midfielder Sam Peña (who came off the bench for the first time this season and I suspect the first time in a very long while) took a nice pass from sophomore Veronica Ramos and hit a curling shot from 25 yards. Junior Faith Perry would score in the 42nd minute and the Roadrunner defense would hold from there, moving CSUB to 3–1 at home.
The win was CSUB's second comeback victory this season. The upset victory over then–No. 13 San Diego was CSUB's first since October 23, 2008 against Utah Valley.
A couple thoughts heading into the weekend:
1. Jamie Havelin had one of her best games of the season on Sunday, coming off the bench and sparking the Roadrunner defense. The additions of Tara Corcoran and Brittany Thomas have been key as well but the progression of Havelin's play has really elevated the back line's presence in games. Raquel Gervas and Sarah Gaskins have also provided valuable minutes on the back line.
2. Over the past three contests, goalkeeper Kym Gause has tallied 21 total saves including a season high nine saves on Sunday. She made a huge save late in the contest on Sunday to deny Cal Poly a tying goal, diving to her left, fully extended.
3. Fresno State, the defending WAC champions, have yet to win a game this year (0–5–0). Always dangerous playing a team, in their own stadium. On top of the Bulldogs' frustrations has been the in ability to score goals. Fresno State has yet to score a goal in 2009 (exception being an exhibition game). Expect to see a hungry team that needs a win to get back on track. Even with a new head coach, there is no other non-conference win the Bulldogs would rather have than against the Roadrunners.
See you on the field on Friday night!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Ups and Downs in Oregon, Looking Ahead to This Week's Home Opener
The win was also a move in the right direction for the CSUB defense, as it marked the fourth shutout victory since moving to Division I. All three previous shutouts were 1-0 finals. Finally, it marked the largest margin of victory, with all previous wins since 2007 being by just one goal.
Struggles followed two days later against Pac-10 member Oregon State, however, as the Beavers' powerful offense pushed it's way to a 4-0 win over the 'Runners.
This weekend, CSUB will look to regroup and take advantage of a pair of matches on their home field. Friday's opponent is UC Riverside (0-2-0) while Sunday features a meeting with Saint Mary's (2-0-1). The Highlanders have dropped a pair of one-goal decisions, including a 2-1 overtime loss to Saint Mary's on Sunday. The Gaels other win came in the form of a 1-0 final against Alabama A&M.
The Roadrunners hold a 1-0-1 record against UC Riverside in the Division I era, including a 2-1 victory one season ago. CSUB has also found recent success against Saint Mary's, posting a 1-0 win over the Gaels in 2007.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Williamson Nearly Breaks Record At Sac State
The match was a war of attrition, with both teams earning points and sets as much by surviving rallies as by winning them. Nobody was more responsible for keeping her team in those extended rallies than Williamson, who posted 39 digs, an almost unheard of number for rally-scoring matches, especially in the NCAA's second year of 25-point scoring.
Williamson set the CSUB record with 41 in a five-set win over Sonoma State on Oct. 13, 2006 (her mark Friday night is the Roadrunner record at the NCAA Division I level). We're checking with the NCAA to see where that mark ranks all-time among DI defenders, given that the current record book doesn't list a digs record set after 2006 (when the 30-point scoring format was still in use).
WIlliamson needs just eight kills in Saturday's tournament finale versus UC Riverside to move into the CSUB career top 10 for digs. She should return from the Texas trip as the 10th player in Roadrunner history to record 1,000 digs.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Roadrunners Need You Now More Than Ever
I wanted to share with you some of the significant accomplishments and serious concerns that the Roadrunner Athletic Program has experienced since our transition to NCAA Division I. It is a classic story of good news and bad news.
I want to focus on the good news first. Most important is to sincerely thank you for being a part of advancing the university’s goals. Shortly after we started this process, nearly four years ago, the NCAA declared a moratorium on institutions seeking Division I status and passed more stringent rules. The NCAA’s goal is to limit the number of NCAA Division I institutions and close the door on institutions seeking upward mobility. The NCAA is currently trying to change the $15,000 Division I application fee to $1 million.
Nevertheless, we have overcome many obstacles and will be completing our final year of NCAA Division I reclassification this June. We are very proud of the hard work and effort that has gone into elevating the status of the University, its athletic program, and this region. In terms of academic excellence, for example, this past year we were able to accomplish the following: Seven teams, previously under the required NCAA APR of 925, now have exceeded the required 925. Five of the teams, including Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s Golf, Men’s Soccer and Women’s Water Polo, stand at the highest score of 1000 (Men’s Wrestling is at 984 and Women’s Soccer at 963). In addition, 5 of our teams have an average GPA above a 3.0 as of the end of Winter Quarter and no team is below a 2.5.
The move to Division I has brought an even higher caliber of student-athlete. The quality of competition, the development of new facilities such as Hardt Field and the Recreation Center and the addition of baseball have all improved the image and substance of our University.
The bad news is that the budget crisis, particularly as it impacts CSUB’s Athletics Program, has been significant. Not only has it reduced staffing and state support, it has also increased our scholarship fees this year by 30%, which amounts to more than $250,000 in additional and unexpected expenses. Cumulatively, it also marks the third consecutive year of state budget reductions. Our ability to turn this around will depend upon our ability to encourage community volunteers to help us and to make significant progress in growing our donor base. Without considerable growth and support in both of these areas, it will have a profound effect on our future.
One can easily see that we need growth and not reductions in support to be able to sustain the 19 Division I sports we currently offer. While the average donation has grown over the last few years, the number of donors has fallen. We really need your help, and there are many ways that you can assist us. For example, if each of our current donors recruited just one new donor, we could double our donor base. It is that simple, and you could make that happen.
There are many ways to be involved. Our special events require volunteers, our teams need fan support and sponsorships are an effective way to promote any business while supporting the University. In order to grow our support, we ask that you encourage a friend to become involved.
We have a small staff that is committed to working hard to make this a successful NCAA Division I university. We have a short window, less than a year, to get this done. The time to act is now! Together we can give our deserving student-athletes the best chance to succeed in the classroom and in the arena of competition by expanding our donor base and providing a greater understanding of the importance of your donations. These contributions fund scholarships, the lifeblood of our sports program and result in educational opportunities for our student-athletes. This is so important. It is critical to our success, and yes, even our survival. The future of YOUR CSUB sports program will ultimately be decided by what each of us does to make it strong.
You can make a difference by a simple click of your mouse on our website. Send this letter and the link to five friends and ask for a scholarship donation to the Roadrunner Club or other avenues of support. We really need your help.
What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas
Freshman Raquel Gervas was called to take a penalty kick for the second time this season. Last year, CSUB earned just one penalty kick. Departed senior Alexa Vickroy scored against the University of the Pacific on senior day.
During both weekend games, CSUB used different lineups from the opening weekend. Sophomore Maritza Rumbo earned the starting nod on Friday while junior Faith Perry and Gervas started on Sunday.
Interesting note: In the Roadrunners' two wins, CSUB committed five more fouls than its opponents. In the two losses, CSUB trailed in fouls, 25–18.
No yellow cards for the 'Runners all weekend either so expect to see everyone this weekend for the homestand.
New Faces Lead Cross Country
Riverside Community College transfers Arianna Celis and Casey Glassey were CSUB's top finishers at Pepperdine, placing second and fifth, respectively. Running on one of the west coast's more challenging courses, both juniors ran very well and drew praise from Boyles. Last season, CSUB was unable to displace any of the Wave's top five place finishers. On Tuesday, both Celis and Glassey were right in the mix of Pepperdine's top runners.
On a scheduling note, Pepperdine, along with Fresno State and Westmont, have committed to running at the Roadrunner Invitational on September 26. CSUB's 5-kilometer course has produced some of the region's fastest times.
Finishing ninth overall was sophomore Judith Mata. Mata steadily improved over the course of the season and her time of 20:27 on Tuesday's 5K course would have been her second fastest time from last season. She ran a 20:00.63 on CSUB's extremely fast course in 2008. Look for her to duck under 20 minutes at next week's Irvine Invitational.
In just her first collegiate meet, freshman Cecilia Lopez placed 15th overall. The Bakersfield native ran 20:19 and was the second fastest freshman in the race behind Pepperdine's Megan Doeding.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Short On Stature and Experience, But Long On Heart

After watching the gritty performance of the Roadrunner volleyball team at the Fresno State Invitational last weekend, I'm feeling a bit sorry for all of the Roadrunner fans who will have to wait until Sept. 30 to see their team open at home against Big West Conference rival Cal State Northridge.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Women's Soccer: Regional Ranking
The 2–0 start marks just the third time in program history the team has began the season with two victories. For anyone that was able to make it to the games, not only did the outcome suit Roadrunner fans but each were incredibly exciting to watch, from the kick off until the final buzzer. As exciting as the UC Riverside last minute corner kick, it was trumped two days later as San Diego lined up for a free kick with just 38 seconds remaining. San Diego came in as the nation's No. 13th ranked team and dismantled Cal State Northridge on Friday, 3-0, before heading to Bakersfield.
A couple thoughts from the weekend:
1. Kym Gause asserted herself as the Roadrunners' starting keeper with 180 minutes of strong play. Against UCR, Gause was never tested directly but made a couple of nice grabs on crossing passes. It was a different story against San Diego who peppered her with nine shots on goal. She finished with eight saves and the lone goal she gave up was a 50-50 ball in the box that she just couldn't quite reach in time.
2. The defensive back line was incredible all weekend. Jamie Havelin has picked up right where she left off last season and is improving with every minute of action she sees. The addition of Tara Corcoran to the center back slot has really opened up the field. Her ability to control and create was a welcome sight for 2009. Freshman Brittany Thomas put together a couple of strong games. She looked controlled and really complimented the play of the rest of her line. One of the bigger surprises on the back line is junior Sarah Gaskins. The crafty converted forward has made more than one jaw drop with her ball handling on the back line. The newest defensive addition, freshman Raquel Gervas, showed early that she has Van Dyke's trust as she was called upon in the second game to take an important, and ultimately game tying, penalty kick. Gervas did not disappoint, burying the shot.
3. Sam Peña and Alexa Ngo in the midfield really played off each other well and should continue to step up their play as they play more minutes together. Peña's goal against Riverside showed her creative ability. One of the more unlikely contributors was Breanna Flores. After seeing little action as a freshman, Flores has earned the opportunity for more playing time. I was told she was one of the team's most improved players during the off season.
4. Great to see Kassi Massey get on the board early in the season. 2008's leading scorer was looking for a strong start to her season. I had to listen for a year about how good Daisy Vazquez was and her debut didn't disappoint. As I said in an earlier post, I expect her to score a goal sooner rather than later. A big game from junior Denise Hernandez on Sunday. Not only did she draw the foul to get the penalty kick but her defensive presence was a main contributing factor in the victory.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Men's Soccer: One More Tune-Up Before Regular Season Play Begins
CSUB had just four days of training prior to a 2-1 exhibition win over The Master's College on Aug. 20. The lack of time together was evident as the squad struggled to find much flow, but second-half goals by junior Oscar Coppieters and redshirt freshman Evan Fassler secured the win. Just three days later, the 'Runners took on No. 19 nationally ranked UCLA. Despite suiting up just 16 players, they turned in a much higher quality performance in a 2-0 loss. Playing toe-to-toe with the Pac-10 member, it was a pair of their own miscues (a loose ball in the box and a turnover in the midfield) that allowed the Bruins on the board.
Wednesday, the 'Runners head to Turlock for an exhibition match against former CCAA rival Cal State Stanislaus. A few bumps and bruises in preseason training have held a handful of 'Runners off the field, but everone is expected to get some field time against the Warriors in preparation for next week's opener against the Gauchos, who are the pre-season favorite to take the Big West title.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Women's Soccer: Game Two
San Diego beat Cal State Northridge, 3–0, on Friday evening.
Couple thoughts from the first game:
1. We saw a much improved back line. The defense limited the Highlanders to just one shot on goal, an attempt that was easily handled by goalkeeper Kym Gause. Tara Corcoran, Brittany Thomas, Jamie Havelin and Sarah Gaskins started the game and Raquel Gervas saw significant action in both halves off the bench.
2. Sam Peña really showed that she belonged out on a Division I field on Friday. The Bakersfield HS graduate looked calm, composed and really gave fans a taste of what can be expected from her for the next four seasons. While her ability to create on her goal was incredible, she had a chance earlier in the first half that she executed just as well, if not better. Unfortunately, that shot sailed just wide. The center midfield combination of her and Alexa Ngo has a lot of potential.
3. While she didn't score Friday, redshirt freshman Daisy Vazquez was certainly entertaining to watch. The Redwood City native was always around the ball and her speed to elude defenders makes you think that she will find the back of the net sooner rather than later.
4. Great crowd for the opening game. The fans seemed into the match the entire game and were rewarded with a great wire-to-wire performance by the 'Runners. Got a little tense near the end and I'm sure I was not the only one out of my seat for that final corner kick. A very encouraging way to begin the 2009 season.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Soccer Season Officially Begins
1. Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke has added nine new players to the mix this season. It will be interesting to see how the newcomers and the returners come together throughout the season.
2. Very excited to see the two new keepers Van Dyke has added. She has talked highly of both Kym Gause (So.) and Jessica Montaño (Fr.) during the preseason sessions.
3. I remember watching last season the progression of Jamie Havelin who noticeably improved throughout the season, eventually earning a starting outside back slot. It will be very fun to see how much more the Valencia, Calif., native with the big leg can improve in 2009.
4. Kassi Massey is the lone returning forward from the 2008 squad but if it had come down to a choice, we probably would still choose her again. Her speed and athleticism up top has had a year to mature. She should be in for a big year.
Thats all for now. Check GoRunners.com after the game for full results!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Runners Win!
A big test for the Roadrunners on Sunday when they head to Westwood to take on UCLA in their final preseason tuneup.
But first the CSUB women open the season for real tomorrow night when they host Big West Conference foe UC Riverside on the Main Soccer Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Mustangs Cut Lead In Half
Fassler Makes His Mark In Debut
It's been an encouraging start for many of the Roadrunner youngsters tonight.
Coppieters Opens The Scoring
Action-Packed First Half
Shots 7-3 in favor of CSUB. Freshman goalkeeper Eric Shannon looked composed in goal for the Roadrunners. Fellow freshman Shane Ascheri takes over between the pipes to open the second period.
The Final Season Of Transition Is Underway!
Hard to believe that it's been four years since President Mitchell made the announcement that we were going to Division I -- and even harder to believe the last year before the process is complete begins tonight.
Go Runners!