Cuesta Women's Volleyball finally got to make-up their cancelled early season match with #5 Bakersfield, however, despite playing at home it could still be considered a road game.  The Cougars had only 12 hours off after beating LA Mission in Sylmar the night before.  The Renegades, who are now 16-1 on the year, came out swinging and took the first set, 25-16.  Cuesta regrouped in the second set and matched their ranked foe point-for-point until Bakersfield broke the tie at 18-18 and reeled off seven of the next eight points to take control of the match, 25-19.  The Renegades closed strong in the final set by winning 18 of the first 25 points en route to a 25-13 victory and a 3-0 sweep.  Returning Freshman Christelle Mouret (Morro Bay HS) led the Cougars on both offense and defense against the Renegades.  She posted team-highs with both seven kills and 10 digs.  Freshmen Whitney Thompson (Arroyo Grande HS) and Meredith Donovan (Templeton HS) each recorded six kills on the day.  

The loss drops the Cougars to 12-9 on the year with three matches left in the season.  Bakersfield has dropped only two sets over the past month, and it has been two months since they suffered their lone defeat of 2021.  The Renegades should be a lock to return to the post-season, while the Cougars will need some help as they make a bid for their first playoff berth (Top 18) since 2007.   Cuesta is slated for another round of back-to-back matches next week but should get a little more rest.  The Cougars host Antelope Valley on Tuesday (6 PM) and hit the road to conclude their second swing through the Western State Conference at #8 Moorpark on Wednesday (6 PM).  The Spikers last regular season game is their WSC North-South Crossover on November 17.  Cuesta's opponent from the WSC-South has not been determined, however Cuesta did win the coinflip and will host the contest.