LAS CRUCES, N.M. – After the opening set, New Mexico State (20-6, 10-1 WAC) could not find a rhythm or clean up the errors as they fell to CSU Bakersfield (10-13, 7-3 WAC) 25-14, 18-25, 18-25, 25-19 in their home finale. The loss snapped a streak of 24-straight Western Athletic Conference wins for NM State. However, the Aggies still hold a two-game lead in the WAC with three matches left in the regular season.
 
NM State was paced by sophomore Tatyana Battle who set a new career high serving up five aces to go along with her 11 kills, 12 digs and three blocks. Junior Jordan Abalos contributed with nine kills, 12 digs and three blocks. Junior Sasha-Lee Thomas added eight kills and seven blocks.
 
The Aggies started hot as they opened the match on a 6-2 lead. However, the 'Runners slowly worked their way back in to the match eventually knotting it up at 12-12. NM State would not be denied as they proceed to go on a 10-0 run, putting their lead at 23-13. They eventually claimed their only set 25-14.
 
Whatever momentum the Aggies built in the first set did not carry over, as they never led and only had four ties in the second frame. This was due in large part to 13 attack errors. CSUB opened on a 4-2 run and never looked back. They took the frame with a 25-18 decision.
 
After the break, the Aggies tried to regain their footing as they managed to keep the third set close early, which featured four ties and two lead changes. The 'Runners began to break away at 8-5 and ran out to a 15-9 lead. CSUB took the set 25-18.
 
The fourth set was the closest, featuring seven ties and three lead changes. The Aggies actually held a 5-3 lead early in the frame, but gave it up as the 'Runners took over 9-5. NM State fought back to tie at 12-12 and kept it close for short time. CSUB began to run away again 16-14, and took the match with a 25-19 decision.
 
The Aggies are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 5 as they travel to Edinburgh, Texas to take on UT Rio Grande Valley.