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.

To be certain, the 2009 Roadrunners possess a wealth of raw talent. But they are among the smallest and least experienced teams in NCAA Division I volleyball this season. Eight of CSUB's 12 players are either freshmen or sophomores. A ninth, defensive specialist Allison Cote, is seeing her first real action at the collegiate level. As if that wasn't enough inexperience, junior Lindsay Toone saw her first NCAA action as an outside hitter last weekend.

Despite the inexperience--or, perhaps, because of it--they played with a rare passion in Fresno. That alone kept them in competitive matches against bigger and more seasoned Fresno State and University of the Pacific teams that, on paper, should have easily swept them aside. So it was especially gratifying to see their effort rewarded in their final match when they came from two sets down to upend the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in five sets. It marked the first time CSUB has come from 2-0 down to win at the NCAA Division I level.

In a microcosm of the match and the weekend, Toone made a receiving error at 24-24 in the fourth set that gave Green Bay match point. But instead of folding, she bounced back with a huge kill on her very next swing to bring the Roadrunners from behind and point the way to ultimate victory.

CSUB continues its marathon 32-day trip to open the 2009 season at the Sacramento State Invitational Friday and Saturday. They'll jump out of the frying pan and into the fire, facing a Sacramento State team that has won 10 of the last 11 Big Sky Conference championships; a Santa Clara team ranked 25th nationally in the first NCAA Division I poll of the season; and former Division II and CCAA rival UC Riverside.

This team is so young that a few bumps and bruises early in the season are almost inevitable. But if we've learned anything so far, it's that the 2009 edition of Roadrunner Volleyball plays hard and is fun to watch. If you can't make it on the road to see the Roadrunners play in person in September, be sure to follow them on GoRunners.com, Facebook and Twitter (CSUB Athletics) as they take the long way home to the Icardo Center for their Sept. 30 opener.

Women's Soccer: Regional Ranking

For the first time in program history, the CSUB women's soccer program has earned an NSCAA Pacific Region ranking. The Roadrunners checked in at No. 10, tied with BYU. The region primarily features teams from the Pac–10 and the Mountain West.

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.

Men's Soccer: One More Tune-Up Before Regular Season Play Begins

With two exhibition matches under their belts, the Roadrunners head into this week with one more tune-up contest before opening the regular-season on Sept. 1 at UC Santa Barbara.

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.

Women's Soccer: Game Two

So the CSUB women's soccer team is off to a 1–0 start for for the second consecutive season after defeating the UC Riverside Highlanders, 1–0, Friday evening on the Main Soccer Field. Here in about two and a half hours, the 'Runners will face one of their biggest tests of the season in San Diego, who was ranked No. 13 in the preseason. Last year, the Toreros beat CSUB, 3–0.

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.

Soccer Season Officially Begins

Tonight, the CSUB women's soccer team takes to the field for the first time in 2009 against the UC Riverside Highlanders at 7 p.m. Just a few quick thoughts before the two teams take the field.

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!

Runners Win!

2-1 final and a nice win against a Master's College team which looks like it will be a force in the GSAC this season.

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

Joel Peluffo buries a free kick upper right V from just outside the box in the 81st minute to pull The Master's College to within 2-1. The goal came against the flow of play.

Fassler Makes His Mark In Debut

Freshman striker Evan Fassler made his debutante appearance a memorable one, taking a brilliant through ball from Robbie Gouk and, after a short run, burying it under the crossbar from 25 yards to put CSUB up 2-0 in the 70th minute.

It's been an encouraging start for many of the Roadrunner youngsters tonight.

Coppieters Opens The Scoring

Oscar Coppieters opened the CSUB scoring ledger for 2009, finishing a quick series of passes from sophomores Chico Ruesga and Ken Taylor, poking a goal home from inside the six-yard box in the 54th minute. 1-0 Runners!

Action-Packed First Half

Lots of action but no scoring in the first half. Peter Carlson earned a late penalty, but Mustang goalkeeper Andrew Bushell made a nice save at the post. Seconds later, Alberto Navarro floated a header on which the far post made a brilliant stop.

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!

The final season of transition to full NCAA Division I status for CSUB Athletics kicked off officially at 7:07 p.m. with the Roadrunner men's soccer team hosting The Master's College in an exhibition match on the Main Soccer Field.

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!

Welcome!

Welcome to the debut of "Roadrunner Report," an ongoing blog of notes about CSU Bakersfield Athletics. First and foremost, we hope this will serve to feature those stories that may not get much play from the mainstream media or make it into the daily game recaps. It will also offer our take on issues raised by those who have an interest in the program, to highlight upcoming events and involvement opportunities and to answer questions from those who follow Roadrunner Athletics. We’ll also use this as an opportunity to give a more personal take on CSUB Athletics news and to give you behind the scenes glimpses of the events, student-athletes and coaches who have brought so much excitement to the campus and the greater Bakersfield community for more than three decades. This blog is the latest in the continuing development of GoRunners.com and CSUB Athletics' presence on the World Wide Web. If you haven’t had the opportunity yet, we invite to to sign up to follow the Roadrunners on Twitter and Facebook. For those who would like to follow the Roadrunners on their mobile phones, please bookmark our mobile Web page at m.GoRunners.com. In the coming weeks and months, we will be adding more content – including more streaming audio and video – to the main GoRunners.com site. We certainly hope you will check back often and take advantage of all the site has to offer. Remember, like every one of our lives, this blog is a work in progress. We welcome your feedback as we explore new avenues to chronicle the remarkable journey that is Roadrunner Athletics. Enjoy!