TURLOCK, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay volleyball fell on the road to Stanislaus State in four sets Friday evening in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play.

It's the third straight loss for the Pioneers early in their conference schedule, and their fifth in their last six matches overall.

East Bay turned in a solid effort offensively, totaling 51 kills with 46 assists and receiving excellent performances from both senior middle blockers. But after entering the match ranked last in the CCAA in opponents' hitting percentage and kills per set, the Pioneer defense struggled again, allowing the Stanislaus attackers to hit .279 with 59 total kills. 

CSUEB jumped out to an early lead in the opening set, but it didn't last long, as the Warriors won seven straight points to go ahead. The home team led for the remainder of the frame, putting it away with another scoring run late.

The Pioneers bounced back and out-hit Stanislaus .279 to .197 in game two to even the match. It was the team's best defensive set of the night, as they led 22-9 at one point and held off a late Warrior rally for the win.

Unfortunately, that was all East Bay had to cheer about this evening. Stanislaus quickly shifted momentum following intermission, and pulled away to win each of the final two sets handily for the 3-1 victory.

Kathy McKiernan had one of her best matches of the season, turning in an efficient offensive effort. The senior racked up 13 kills to go along with a team-best .355 hitting percentage.

Fellow middle Deja Thompson also posted 13 kills, and she led the squad with four total blocks. Kiki Leuteneker was the third Pioneer in double figures with 12 kills, and she and Tiana Weeks each had three blocks.

Senior Katie Ireland tallied 42 assists to maintain a season average that ranks among the CCAA leaders and picked up another double-double with 13 digs. Libero Natahlee Wilson paced the team with 17 digs in the back row. 

The Warriors were able to limit the effectiveness of senior Lindsey Ray, who entered the match as East Bay's leading scorer, but was held to just four kills on 18 attempts. On the other side, Alana Wilson-Reid was nearly unstoppable for Stanislaus, hitting .613 with 20 kills on 31 attempts.

The Pioneers have now played 11 of their first 13 matches this season on the road, and they'll make it 12 out of 14 on Saturday when the team travels to Chico State for another important North Division showdown.