SAN MARCOS, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay volleyball team lost on the road in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday afternoon to Cal State San Marcos, which rallied from an 0-2 deficit to top the Pioneers in five sets.
It was the first ever California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) victory for the Cougars (4-10, 1-5 CCAA), who are in their first year of competition in the conference.
East Bay hit .308 and .387 in the first two sets, respectively, to grab a 2-0 lead in the match. But San Marcos bested the Pioneers in attack percentage in the final three frames, winning narrow decisions in games three and four to complete the comeback.
"I was very proud of the team's play in the first two games," said head coach
Jim Spagle. "They played brilliant, poised volleyball. But we let up just enough to allow San Marcos to regroup and pull out a win. We have more work to do in the consistency department and being able to finish off an opponent when the opportunity is there."
A trio of Pioneers notched double-digit kills, led by
Kiki Leuteneker with 15 kills and four total blocks.
Darlene Lee posted a double-double with 13 kills and 17 digs.
Freshman
Kathy McKiernan added 10 kills with just one attack error for a team-best .600 hitting percentage.
Deja Thompson and
Julie Navarro scored nine kills each, with Thompson contributing four block assists in the middle.
Setter
Kylie Fraga racked up 54 assists to go along with seven kills and nine scoops. Senior libero
Angie Maina tallied 27 digs to lead all players and added an ace at the service line. Through 12 matches, she leads the CCAA in aces and ranks second in digs per set.
Brooke Butler notched 21 kills, 15 digs, and a .380 attack percentage to lead the Cougars, who hit .254 for the match.
"Credit goes to San Marcos for for some stellar play in the last three games," added Spagle. "Our athletes need to file this in the learning department and focus on playing relentless, passionate volleyball each and every match."
Next up, the Pioneers (3-9, 1-3 CCAA) return home to take on Chico State on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.
