SEASIDE, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay women's basketball team notched a victory in its California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) opener on Friday, erasing an early deficit to defeat Cal State Monterey Bay 68-62 in the Kelp Bed.

The defending conference champion Pioneers (4-3, 1-0 CCAA) have now won 12 straight regular season CCAA games dating back to last year.

East Bay got off to a sluggish start in the first quarter, allowing the Otters to take an early lead. The Pioneers shot just 5-for-15 from the field in the period and trailed 20-11 after the first 10 minutes.

The visitors righted the ship in the second quarter, however. After a few buckets by Monterey, the Pioneers caught fire and came storming back to take the lead. They out-scored the Otters 26-10 in the frame and finished the quarter on a 15-1 run over the final five minutes before halftime. 

The Pioneers continued to shoot efficiently and limit turnovers in the second half, preventing a comeback by Monterey Bay. They never trailed after halftime, leading by as many as 14, and hitting enough free throws down the stretch to seal it.

"To open up conference play on the road against an extremely hot shooting team is a challenge," said head coach Shanele Stires. "We dug a hole early with silly fouls and poor three-point defense. Once we re-grouped, I thought we had incredible contributions from our bench. Everyone was ready to go when their number was called. I'm so proud of the way we hung together and executed down the stretch to pull out a road win."

Shomari Harris had a monster performance, leading the Pioneers with 21 points, five assists, and four steals. She went 9-for-16 from the field, pacing an East Bay squad that shot 50 percent for the game.

Sophomore Elayshia Woolridge reached double figures for the second time this season with 12 points on 6-for-9 shooting in 19 minutes off the bench.

Freshmen Kincso Kelemen and Kayley Hsiung both posted eight points and three rebounds. Morgan Greene added seven points and four boards, while Remy Puou contributed six points.

The Pioneers entered the game leading the CCAA in rebound margin (+9.0 per game). They did not continue hat trend tonight, as they pulled in just 27 boards and were out-rebounded overall by the Otters. But East Bay was solid behind the three-point arc (42.9 percent) and they racked up 31 points off turnovers to capitalize on CSUMB's mistakes

"We are learning how to close games as a team," Stires added. "Shomari led the way with some outstanding play-making down the stretch, but I couldn't prouder of our younger group, and how they continue to improve."

East Bay is back in action Saturday evening after traveling up to the City for a 5:30 p.m. showdown with cross-Bay rival San Francisco State.