The Bakersfield College Beach Volleyball Team played their first-ever home matches on the sand courts at Cal State Bakersfield Friday against Rio Hondo College and Antelope Valley College.
BC swept both schools 5-0, and won 21 of 22 sets in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
"What an experience to bring a new sport to Bakersfield College Athletics," Athletic Director Sandi Taylor said, "It's not everyday that you get to do something like this, and we are thrilled to offer even more opportunities for student athletes to apply their talents, and hopefuly transfer to a four-year school."
While BC explores options and plans to build Beach Volleyball courts on the Panorama Campus, CSUB has been very generous in providing practice and competition facilities to the fledgling program.
"The generousity shown by Cal State has been huge, and we can't thank them enough for sharing their space with us," Taylor said.
CSUB also offered BC the opportunity to test themselves against Division 1 talent in a 10am exhibition on Saturday. While the Roadrunners were clearly the stronger team, it gave priceless experience to a young team with many members playing the Beach variety of the game for the first time this year.
Here are the Lady 'Gades scores from Friday:
BC 5, Rio Hondo 0
#1 Alyssa Mathews & Sarah Aurin def. Carleigh Cruz & Paula Alferez (21-11, 21-12)
#2 Mackenzie Hernandez & Hannah Pope def. Gabby Cruz & Jacqui Chaidez (21-5, 21-15)
#3 Kelsey Henderson & Savanah Cano def. Stephanie Rios & Erika Mendoza (21-13, 21-10)
#4 Kayla Romero & Brea Lidgett def. Brenda Alvarado & Kassandra Cuellar (21-2, 21-14)
#5 Ali Sikes & McKenna Baameur def. Remy Ramos & Kassanda Casas (21-16, 20-22, 15-12)
BC 5, Antelope Valley 0
#1 Alyssa Mathews & Sarah Aurin def. N. Douglas & G. Navarro (21-5, 21-10)
#2 Mackenzie Hernandez & Hannah Pope def. Maryah Tatum & D. Frederick (21-10, 21-11)
#3 Kelsey Henderson & Savanah Cano def. L. Devine & B Bloemendaal (21-14, 21-10)
#4 Kayla Romero & Brea Lidgett def. G. Perez & N. Pallum (21-11, 21-5)
#5 BC wins by Forfeit