SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay volleyball team fell in straight sets to a nationally ranked opponent for the second straight night on Saturday, coming up short against defending CCAA champion and No. 5 ranked Cal State San Bernardino.

Despite the loss, the Pioneers turned in a solid effort against one of the best teams in Division II, hitting .228 with just 13 attack errors in the match. However, the CSUSB attackers were simply too much to overcome, as the home team posted a .354 hitting percentage and added six service aces.

East Bay had an inspired performance in the opening set, which was tight the entire way. The teams traded the lead back and forth several times, and the Pioneers even had a late advantage at 20-19. But the Coyotes rattled off six of the final seven points to seize a 25-21 win. 

CSUEB also held its own in the first half of game two, which wasn't as one-sided as the 25-14 final score suggests. After back-to-back kills by Kiki Leuteneker, the Pioneers trailed just 13-12 midway through the frame. Unfortunately, the home team closed the set on a 12-2 run. East Bay put up a good fight in the final game as well, but the never led after the third point as San Bernardino closed out the sweep. 

Leuteneker had an outstanding match for the second evening in a row, finishing with 12 kills, seven digs, and a .346 attack percentage. On the right side, freshman Taylor Templeman hit .417 with seven hills, while seniors Deja Thompson and Lindsey Ray added five kills apiece. 

Katie Ireland, one night after becoming CSUEB's all-time career assist leader, tallied 29 assists in the loss and matched Leuteneker with seven digs.

The Pioneers have lost three straight, but for their next match they return home to Hayward where the team has a 6-1 record this year. Next Saturday's showdown against Cal State Monterey Bay has major implications in determining a CCAA North Division champion. It will also be the annual "Senior Night" match, and will thus be preceded by a brief ceremony to honor this historic senior class.