CCAA Postgame Press Conference

TURLOCK, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay volleyball team's 2018 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament run came to an end Friday evening with a three-set loss to No. 17 ranked Cal Poly Pomona in the semifinal round. 

This is the second straight year the Pioneers have been among the final four teams in the CCAA postseason, but after claiming the program's first North Division crown this year, the veteran squad fell just a bit short of capturing the first conference title. 

Although they didn't pick up any set victories, the Pioneers gave the Broncos a great battle. It didn't look promising in the opening frame, however, as Pomona raced out to a six-point lead and closed the set on a 10-3 run to claim a 10-point win.

It was more of the same early in game two, with CPP grabbing a 9-2 lead. But the Pioneers were able to make some adjustments and get right back in it. Head coach Kimberly Lambert switched to a 6-2 rotation, utilizing sophomore Audrey Lamoureux, and it seemed to ignite East Bay offensively. They stormed back, winning eight straight points to take the lead. It was back-and-forth the rest of the way in what turned out to be an extremely dramatic game. The Pioneers had two chances at set point, but both times the Bronco attackers had an answer, until All-CCAA outside hitter Kristen Hamlin scored three straight kills to clinch the victory for Pomona. 

That tough loss could easily have defeated CSUEB's energy and confidence, but the Pioneers never rolled over. Game three was extremely tight, as neither team led by more than two points the entire way. The lead changed hands 11 times, and East Bay found itself with a 23-22 advantage after a service ace by senior Cassidy Caton. But unfortunately, the Broncos came up with the winning points once again, notching three straight kills to finish off a 25-23 win.

The Pioneers out-blocked Pomona 9-3 for the night, but they simply weren't able to match CPP's efficiency on offense. The Bronco attackers hit .264 as a team, compared to just .150 for East Bay.

Deja Thompson tallied 10 kills in the match and posted a .296 hitting percentage. Fellow senior Lindsey Ray also reached double figures with 10 kills and 11 digs.

Senior Kiki Leuteneker added five and four service aces, while CCAA Championship Scholar Kathy McKiernan contributed four kills and a team-high six total blocks. 

Katie Ireland totaled 21 assists at the setter position at Lamoureux added six. Libero Natahlee Wilson led all players in the match with 21 digs.

There is a chance, however slim, that CSUEB's season is not over, as the Pioneers and their 16-12 overall record now await the announcement of the eight-team NCAA Division II West Regional field on Sunday evening. East Bay was slotted at No. 9 in the most recent rankings before defeating Cal State San Marcos and falling to Cal Poly Pomona at the CCAA Tournament. 

If this is the team's final match, it marks the end of remarkable careers for East Bay's six seniors. Their individual and team accomplishments are impressive, and their names will live on in the Pioneer record books for years to come. More importantly, their impact on the Cal State East Bay volleyball program will not soon be forgotten.