HAYWARD, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay volleyball team hung on to defeat Humboldt State Saturday, September 16 in five sets in front of the fans in Pioneer Gymnasium. The victory moved East Bay to 8-2 on the season and a 2-0 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play.
 
The Pioneers seemed to control the game from the start jumping out to 1-0 lead and a 12-8 advantage midway through the second set. East Bay would fall in the second set 25-22. But fortunately for the Pioneers they did not let the Lumberjacks steal their momentum for the entire game.
 
East Bay would take the third set 26-24, including a streak of six straight points. After falling in the fourth, the Pioneers exploded for a 9-3 lead before claiming the final set 15-8.
 
Five CSUEB players registered double digit kills paced by a team-best 14 from junior Kathy McKiernan. She also led East Bay with 16 points, adding two blocks and two digs. Deja Thompson chipped in 13 kills, five blocks, three digs and 15.5 points.
 
Newcomer Lindsey Ray finished with 11 kills, 18 digs and three assists. Juniors Julie Navarro and Kiki Leuteneker both compiled 10 kills apiece for CSUEB. Navarro also had two blocks and seven digs while Leuteneker had nine digs and three blocks.
 
Katie Ireland racked up a double-double with 26 assists and 17 digs. She was recorded a double-double in all but one game this season. Senior Brandi Brucato tallied 18 scoops and seven helpers. Freshman was second on the team with 24 assist.
 
The Pioneers are off to a strong start and will embark on a four game CCAA road trip. The Pioneers start their road trek with Southern California matchups against Cal State San Bernardino on September 22 and Cal Poly Pomona on September 23.