CHICO, Calif. -- The road woes resumed on Friday for the Cal State East Bay volleyball team, as the Pioneers fell in straight sets to California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) North Division rival Chico State at Acker Gymnasium.

The loss snaps a three-match winning streak for the Pioneers, who are now 2-5 on the road this season. They drop to 12-6 overall with a 5-4 mark in conference play. The win puts the Wildcats right on East Bay's heels in the standings with a 4-6 CCAA record.

Chico State out-hit the Pioneers .187 to .094 for the evening, although neither squad was particularly efficient on the attack due in part to strong defensive play at the net. The two teams combined for 20 blocks in just three games, with the Pioneers accounting for 11 of them. 

None of the three sets were blowouts, but the home team managed to put all of them away without significant drama. In game one, it was tight nearly the entire way until the score was tied 17-17. But CSUEB was unable to muster a closing rally, as Chico won eight of the final 10 points. 

The Pioneers briefly led early in the second set, and it was tied as late as 13-13. However, a 5-0 run by the Wildcats midway through the frame gave them a lead they never relinquished. Chico then jumped out to an early 8-3 advantage as they went for the sweep in game three. To East Bay's credit, they didn't roll over and allow an easy win. The Pioneers immediately answered with a 3-0 run and got within two points at 15-13, but they ultimately never got the lead in the final frame. 

It was another solid performance for junior Deja Thompson, who led the team with nine kills and a .286 hitting percentage. She also assisted on three of East Bay's blocks.

Julie Navarro hit .235 with five kills on the right side, while Lindsey Ray had five kills to go along with a team-high 12 digs on the left side. Setter Katie Ireland reached a double-double with 19 assists and 10 digs.

Kiki Leuteneker racked up five total blocks and Kathy McKiernan was responsible for three, but the two juniors finished with just three kills each as the Pioneers totaled just 27 for the match.

The team has a chance to bounce back and snag a crucial road win on Saturday night, when they travel down Highway 99 to Turlock for a 7 p.m. matchup with Stanislaus State.