POMONA, Calif. -- Southern California's inland empire continues to be a trouble spot for the Cal State East Bay volleyball team after falling in four sets to Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday evening at Kellogg Gym.

The Pioneers (8-4, 2-2 CCAA) entered this weekend's trip having not defeated Cal Poly Pomona or Cal State San Bernardino on the road since 2013. That streak will continue, as East Bay ran into a huge offensive performance by its opponent for the second straight night.

CSUEB shined early, out-hitting the Broncos .234 to .157 in a tight first set and squeaking out an impressive victory. After Pomona jumped out to a five-point lead in the frame, the Pioneers answered with an 8-1 scoring run. The teams were tied 23-23 entering the final points. Pomona then had three straight chances at set point, and each time the Pioneers staved off defeat until they finally took advantage of two straight Bronco attack errors to escape with a 28-26 win. 

The Pioneers showed tremendous heart in hanging on to win that first set and seemed to have significant momentum towards pulling off a road upset. Unfortunately, the Broncos played like a different team in the final three games, storming back to win all three handily.

Pomona hit .359 in the second set, .469 in the third, and .297 in the fourth, committing a total of six attack errors during that time. East Bay, meanwhile, posted percentages under .150 in all three frames. 

Ultimately, the Pioneers were unable to slow down Pomona's attackers, and they allowed six total service aces as the Broncos pulled away. CSUEB did have some offensive success of its own, however, led by Kiki Leuteneker and Deja Thompson with tremendous efforts.

Leuteneker hit .344 and led the way with 14 kills. She also posted 12 digs to record a double-double. Thompson racked up 13 kills and notched team highs with three total blocks and a .524 hitting percentage.

Katie Ireland notched a double-double as well, while handling the bulk of the setting duties. The junior finished with 11 digs and 37 assists, which moved her into ninth place in program history with 1,278 assists for her career.   

Kathy McKiernan tallied eight kills, Julie Navarro added four, and Lindsey Ray contributed six kills to go with 12 digs. Senior Brandi Brucato paced the squad in the back row, totaling 24 digs.

The Pioneers are back in action next Friday when they head to Seaside for their second showdown of the season against Cal State Monterey Bay, a huge match in the North Division standings.