HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay volleyball team picked up an impressive victory in its California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) opener Wednesday evening, defeating North Division rival Cal State Monterey Bay in four sets at Pioneer Gymnasium.

The Pioneers were outstanding on both sides of the net in their return home following last weekend's trip to Oregon. They out-hit the Otters .311 to .170 for the match, marking the second straight contest they've posted at least a .300 attack percentage. 

East Bay finished strong on this night, as the team has several times en route to a 7-2 record thus far. But things were a bit tense early and momentum was not in CSUEB's favor after dropping an extremely tight first set, 29-27. The Pioneers fell behind 17-11 in the opening frame before rallying back to take the lead. They had two chances at set point near the end, but couldn't manage to close it out. 

To their credit, this experienced squad didn't let a frustrating game one loss faze them. Led by a huge performance from Kathy McKiernan in the middle, the Pioneers pulled away for a 25-17 win to even the match at 1-1. Monterey played well in the third set following the intermission, but East Bay hit .469 as a team in the frame and snuck out a two-point victory.

The Pioneers put the match away in game four with another overwhelming performance offensively. Reigning CCAA Player of the Week Deja Thompson and freshman outside hitter Tiana Weeks both had tremendous success on the attack, as East Bay closed out an Otter team that had played extremely well in non-conference action and entered with a 6-2 record.

McKiernan had a monster night statistically, leading the team with 16 kills, three total blocks, and a .652 attack percentage. The junior made just one attack error and is now hitting .418 for the season, the second-highest mark in the conference.

Kiki Leuteneker racked 13 kills, and Thompson reached double figures for the fourth time in her last five matches with 11.

Weeks posted an impressive .412 hitting percentage, totaling nine kills on just 17 attempts. Lindsey Ray also posted nine kills to go along with 17 digs in a strong defensive effort. Julie Navarro added seven kills and a pair of blocks on the right side. 

Senior Brandi Brucato tallied 22 digs to lead all players in the match and has now surpassed 20 scoops in five of her last six contests. Katie Ireland (30 assists, 14 digs) and Audrey Lamoureux (27 assists) split the setting responsibilities, and both facilitated effectively in the team's most efficient performance of the young season.

The Pioneers now have a couple days off before they resume CCAA play Saturday at 5 p.m. against Humboldt State in another North Division matchup.