Northridge Sweeps Volleyball Opener

Cal State Northridge began defense of its California Collegiate Athletic Assn. women’s volleyball title with a 16-14, 15-5, 15-7 win at Cal State Bakersfield on Friday.

Returning starters Franci Bowman and Anna Garcia each had eight kills to lead CSUN. Kathleen Dixon also had eight kills for Northridge, ranked third in Division II.

“We played a very consistent match,” CSUN Coach Walt Ker said. “I was real impressed with Bakersfield. I think it will be one of the top teams.”

Northridge (12-4) has won four consecutive CCAA championships and Bakersfield (6-6) is coming off a last-place conference finish.

The Lady Matadors play host to UC Riverside at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. It will be the first meeting between the teams since Riverside defeated CSUN for the Division II championship last year.