HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay women's volleyball team rallied for a thrilling five-set victory over Montana State Billings on Saturday night in the final match of the Route 92 Showdown. It was the first win of the season for the young Pioneer squad.

The momentum swung back and forth several times in what ened up being an extremely dramatic contest. The Yellowjackets came out hot, hitting .435 in the first set and running awar with the first set 25-12. But the Pioneers bounced right back and tallied 15 kills in a 25-17 victory to even the score heading into intermission.

The third frame was tightly contested as MSU Billings held off a late East Bay rally and hung on for a 25-23 win to grab a 2-1 advantage in the match. But the Pioneers refused to wilt on their home court. They came back and claimed the fourth game, 25-20, holding the visitors to a .026 attack percentage.

CSUEB had a 14-9 lead in the fifth and deciding set before the Yellowjackets rallied to draw within one point. But after a timeout, Michaela Gardner slammed her eighth kill of the night to secure a thrilling 15-13 victory for the home team.

"It's great to win," said head coach Jim Spagle. "We really needed that. We have a lot to improve on after one week, but with determination, intensity, and a passion to succeed, this groupo will evolve into something very special.

Junior transfer Darlene Lee led the way with 14 kills and added 16 digs for the Pioneer, notching her first double-double. Freshman Julie Navarro was also impressive, posting a season-high nine kills in just two sets of play.

Kiani Rayford and Kathy McKiernan each scored seven kills, and Deja Thompson added six to go along with a team-best three blocks. Senior libero Angie Maina paced the team with 26 digs and three aces, while setter Kylie Fraga racked up 41 assists and four kills.

Next up, the Pioneers travel south for four matches at the Coyote Classic, hosted by Cal State San Bernardino. East Bay will take on Concodia Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.