HAYWARD, Calif. -- The inaugural "Battle of the Bays" between the athletic departments of Cal State East Bay and Cal State Monterey Bay is tied at 10-10 following the completion of the five Fall sports contested between the two universities.

CSUMB took an early advantage with head-to-head victories in both men's and women's soccer. The Otters also won the first volleyball match against the Pioneers, a four-set affair in Seaside, to take a 10-0 lead.

East Bay picked up its first "Battle of the Bays" points with a home volleyball victory over Monterey Bay to even the season series and split the volleyball points, 2-2. The Pioneers and Otters went onto finish tied atop the standings. CSUEB won the tiebreaker to claim its first CCAA North Division title, and after reaching the CCAA Tournament semifinals, edged the Otters for the final West Region at-large berth to the NCAA Division II Tournament. 

Cal State East Bay then tied up the overall standings on the backs of its cross country teams. The Pioneer women and men both finished ahead of CSUMB at CCAA Championships, placing fifth and sixth overall, respectively. East Bay earned four points in both those sports, bringing its total to 10. 

The battle continues this weekend when the CSUEB men's and women's basketball teams travel to Seaside for the first of two regular season matchups with the Otters. The Spring will be the busiest time of the athletics calendar, with the two schools battling in baseball, softball, men's and women's golf, women's water polo, and women's track. Each sport has four points available to be won. Points are earned based on head-to-head victories during the regular season, except in cross country, track & field, and golf, which are based on results at CCAA Championships.