LA JOLLA, Calif. -- Unable to erase an early deficit, the Cal State East Bay volleyball team was defeated in four sets by UC San Diego on Saturday in UCSD's Main Gym.

The Pioneers dropped both matches on their weekend road trip, and are now 1-3 to start the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) schedule. It was the first conference win of the year for the Tritons (1-2). 

CSUEB turned in a more efficient performance offensively than it did Friday in San Marcos, posting a .225 team hitting percentage at UCSD with 56 total kills. However for the second straight night, the Pioneers fell victim to an even stronger effort by their opponent's attackers. 

The Tritons hit .290 for the match and were particularly successful at the net, as middle blockers Jessica Rieble (16 kills, .600 pct) and Micah Hammond (10 kills, .333 pct) led the way.

The home team started hot, winning each of the first two sets over the Pioneers without trailing. In both frames, UCSD closed impressively by rattling off big scoring runs to secure the final points.

CSUEB bounced back in game three to avoid the sweep, hitting .286 and besting UCSD in kills, 17-12. The score was extremely tight throughout, but this time it was the Pioneers who took care of business at the end to squeak out a narrow win. They seemed to keep that momentum going into the next set, and led most of the way in the fourth. With a 24-20 advantage, it appeared as though the Pioneers might force a fifth set and have a chance to pull off an epic comeback.

However, the Tritons rallied back facing set point. They won four straight points to even the score before closing out a 27-25 comeback win to end the match.

Lindsey Ray led CSUEB in kills for the second straight night, racking up 18 to go along with 12 digs and .359 hitting percentage. 

Fellow seniors Deja Thompson (10 kills, three blocks, two aces, .261 pct.) and Kiki Leuteneker (12 kills, nine digs, three blocks) filled up the scoresheet as well. Setter Katie Ireland tallied 34 assists and a team-high 18 digs. She also had a great deal of success going over on two to surprise the defense, notching six kills on seven attempts.

East Bay returns to Northern California next weekend, but their road trio continues with visits to Stanislaus State on Friday, Sept. 21 and Chico State on Saturday, Sept. 22.