Box Score HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay volleyball team got its 2014 season started on the right foot with a decisive three-set victory over visiting Notre Dame de Namur on Thursday afternoon. 13 different players contibuted to the win as the squad took all three sets handily, 25-16, 25-13, 25-10. 

The Pioneers got strong performances from their seniors as Samantha Bruno led the team with seven kills, Ashia Joseph posted a team-high 12 assists, Amber Hall notched five kills and five digs, and Veronica Sanchez racked up 10 scoops.

In addition, seven freshmen saw their first collegiate action on Thursday, and the results were largely positive. Middle blocker Micah Hammond dominated at times, finishing with six kills, a .300 hitting percentage, and a team-high six total blocks. Outside hitter Kiani Rayford also totaled six kills to go along with four digs and two blocks.

"I thought our seniors did an excellent job of setting the tone early in the match," said head coach Jim Spagle, "and our two freshman middles did a great job of transitioning and always making themsevles an option for the setter. All the freshmen did a terrific job of maintaining the energy the seniors started with."

Veronica Fabiano split the setting duties with Joseph in her team debut, and the Arizona native filled up the scoresheet wth three kills, three digs, and 10 assists. Brandi Brucato played the entire third set at libero and finished the match with seven digs and a pair of service aces. Marina Aragao scored two kills, and Jovan Turner and Megan Johnson each posted a kill in their first action as Pioneers.

East Bay played consistently overall, out-hitting the Argonauts in each frame and posting team attack percentages of .258, .250, and .250 in the three sets. The Pioneers needed just 32 kills to secure the win thanks to 29 attack errors and six reception errors on the part of NDNU.

CSUEB is back in action tomorrow morning with the opening match of the third annual Route 92 Showdown. Pioneer Gymnasium will play host to eight matches over the course of Friday and Saturday, with East Bay scheduled to play at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. both days. The Pioneers kick off the tournament by taking on California Baptist. Follow all the action at the Route 92 Showdown homepage.

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