Set two proved to be the turning point. CSUB battled through a back-and-forth frame, overcoming multiple set points to edge out a 31–29 win. From there, momentum swung fully in Bakersfield’s favor.
The ‘Runners dominated the final two sets, hitting .294 in the third and an impressive .452 in the fourth. Junior middle blocker Nele Broszat anchored the defense with seven blocks, while setters Luiza Da Cruz (22 assists, 13 digs) and Evelyn Triviño Espinosa (21 assists, 12 digs) kept the offense balanced and unpredictable.
Senior libero Julia Udell led the back row with 20 digs, helping CSUB outdig UC Irvine 70–67 and outblock them 9–7.
With the win, CSU Bakersfield improves to 4–13 overall and 1–4 in the Big West, notching a milestone victory for co-interim head coaches Felipe Nogueira and Cinthia Angus.