SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay volleyball team's 2016 season came to an end on Thursday night with a three-set loss to No. 14 Cal State San Bernardino in the first round of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament at Coussoulis Arena (15-25, 14-25, 19-25).

Despite the early playoff exit, it was a memorable season for the Pioneers, who qualified for the postseason for the first time as members of the CCAA. They finished the season with 13 wins, the program's highest total since 2011. 

However, East Bay had the tough task of taking on the top-seeded team in the conference -- and one of the best teams in the nation -- in their home arena. The Coyotes (22-4, 15-2 CCAA) extended their win streak to 13 matches, led by a dominant front line that showed what it led the CCAA in both attack percentage and blocks. CSUSB out-hit the Pioneers .323 to .096 and held East Bay under .200 in all three sets. 

After San Bernardino won the first set easily, the Pioneers put up a good fight in the next two. They traded points with the Coyotes to start game two and trailed just 11-9 before CSUSB stretched its lead out and finished on a 5-0 run. 

San Bernardino jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the third set, but the Pioneers fought back, eventually taking a 13-11 lead. However, the Coyote attackers were simply too much, as they countered with six straight points to take the lead and held on to complete the sweep. East Bay had eight blocks on the night, but they totaled just 21 kills, while the Coyotes racked up 11 service aces. 

"Our serve receive skills did not show up this evening, and the Coyotes served us off the court," said head coach Jim Spagle. "I'm disappointed in the result, but proud of a group of young women who, for most of the Fall, competed not only together, but for one another."

All-CCAA outside hitter Kiki Leuteneker was the team's leading scorer with eight kills, and she finished with seven digs to match Darlene Lee for the team high. All-CCAA middle Deja Thompson added four kills, and All-CCAA setter Katie Ireland notched 18 assists. All-CCAA libero Brandi Brucato finished with six digs, bringing her career total to 894 heading into her season season.

Kathy McKiernan posted three kills and paced the squad with five total blocks. Julie Navarro tallied three kills with four blocks, and Cassidy Caton had three kills with three blocks.

Lessons were learned this evening," Spagle added. "This group will come back stronger and much tougher next year. Their future is extremely bright!" 

There is tremendous reason for optimism in the Hayward hills after a promising 2016 campaign. Spagle will enter his 22nd season with the Pioneers in 2017 just two wins shy of 450 for his career, and with perhaps his most talented roster since joining Division II. East Bay returns seven rotation regulars next season, including all four All-CCAA honorees. That group got to attend the CCAA Awards Banquet and take the court in postseason competition for the first time this week, and they'll go into next Fall looking to make that a regular occurrence for Cal State East Bay.