HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay women's basketball team opened its preseason schedule with a 57-37 win over visiting Bristol University in an exhibition contest on Thursday evening at Pioneer Gym.

The Pioneers jumped out to a 24-12 lead after the first quarter and never looked back against Bears team that played with an extremely shallow bench. 

After starting hot and making four of their first six attempts from long distance, the Pioneers struggled to get their shots to fall consistently in the final three quarters. Nonetheless, the game was never in doubt as East Bay held Bristol to just 30.2 percent shooting for the game. The Pioneers finished at 39.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range.

Senior Tori Breshers led all players with 17 points and eight rebounds, going 6-for-16 from the floor. Laci Effenberger also reached double figures for the Pioneers. She knocked down her first three from long distance and finished with 12 points, three assists, and a team-high three steals.

Fellow senior Shannon Bland was solid in the backcourt, scoring eight points on 3-for-7 shooting and leading the team with 32 minutes and four assists.

Junior Ashleigh Anderson notched five points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Senior newcomer Madison Craig also added five points in 31 minutes off the bench.

Senior Bianca Littleton got the start and scored four points, while junior Katrina Bacovcin grabbed three boards in 11 minutes. Freshman Elayshia Woolridge also scored four in her first collegiate contest. 

The Pioneers have two more preseason games against a pair of tough Division I opponents before opening he regular season back at home. Next up, the team visits Fresno State for a 5 p.m. exhibition on Friday, Nov. 6.