HAYWARD, Calif., -- The Cal State East Bay volleyball team concluded the 2021 NorCal Kickoff with a 3-0 victory over Fresno Pacific Saturday evening inside Pioneer Gymnasium. CSUEB captured 25-15, 26-24, 25-10 set wins to capture the overall victory.
 
For the Pioneers (3-1) this was their three consecutive victory and third consecutive win in straight sets. CSUEB carried the momentum of their two wins in San Rafael into their matchup against FPU (2-3).

East Bay Pioneer's head volleyball coach Kimberly Lambert expressing nothing but pride for how her young squad has competed in the early matches of the season. "It's really fun to watch our team compete," said Lambert. "I'm really proud of the steady progress we are making each time we take the court. The chemistry and team dynamic is special for this group and I'm proud of our effort. A great four matches considering it's been 22 months since we've last competed inside Pioneer Gymnasium or on the road."  
 
The Pioneers turned in a dominating performance as two of their set victories with by double figures. Junior Breyan Ashley led East Bay with 15 kills and 10 digs, her first double-double as a Pioneer. Kara Green came just short of a double-double of own, finishing with a team best 12 digs, nine kills, two assists and an ace.
 
CSUEB hung in tough during the second set of action as they trailed the Sunbirds by four twice during the set. But the Pioneers would rally back with a tremendous effort to take the set and claim a 2-0 lead.
 
Sophomore Megan Crecelius set a new career high with 41 assists, which passed her previous mark of 28 she set just yesterday against Holy Names. Crecelius added nine digs and two kills. Chloe Ortega recorded 12 digs to tie for the team lead while adding five assists.
 
Steena Hubbard compiled eight kills, two aces, two blocks and two digs for CSUEB. Sophomore Mia Jordan also turned in eight kills and two blocks. Freshman Alexandria Gloria also played well for the Pioneers scoring seven kills and five digs.
 
The Pioneers will return to action next week with a trip to the Aloha State to compete in the Hawaii Challenge hosted by Chaminade University September 10-11. The Pioneers will play four games against Montana State, Billings, Hawaii Hilo, Saint Martin's and Chaminade across two days. Both live video and live stats will be available for each match.