HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay women's volleyball team hung on to defeat Biola University on Saturday in five sets amidst the heat in Pioneer Gym. The victory gave CSUEB a 3-1 record to close out the sixth annual Route 92 Showdown.

The Pioneers were in control early and jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the match. The Eagles had no answer for Kiki Leuteneker, who racked up 12 kills in the first two games.

But just as they had done earlier in the morning against Chico State, Biola rallied back to even the score. The visitors hit .316 to take game three, then out-lasted East Bay in extra points in game four to force a deciding set.

Fortunately, the Pioneers didn't let Biola steal the momentum and the match. CSUEB jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the final frame, and they hit .333 in a 15-9 victory. Overall, East Bay topped Biola's hitting percentage .219 to .194 for the afternoon.

Defensively, the Pioneers tallied 16 blocks, including seven total blocks by Kathy McKiernan, six by Deja Thompson, and five each by Leuteneker and Julie Navarro. They had five players reach double figures in digs, with Brandi Brucato leading the way with 24 scoops.

Offensively, Leuteneker finished with 18 kills to pace the Pioneers. Navarro also reached double figures with 10, while Thompson and McKiernan posted nine apiece.

Lindsey Ray notched 15 digs to go along with seven kills. Meanwhile, the team's two setter each recorded a double-double. Katie Ireland had 29 assists and 11 digs, while freshman Audrey Lamoureux notched 23 assists and 10 digs.

After a sold start to the season at home, the Pioneers will now hit the road for the second annual D2 West Region Crossover. This year's schedule takes East Bay to Western Oregon, where they will play four more non-conference matches next weekend.