SEASIDE, Calif. - In a thrilling five-set CCAA match, Cal State East Bay volleyball emerged victorious against Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday evening at The Kelp Bed, snapping a four-match losing streak. The Pioneers showcased their resilience and skill, securing a hard-fought 3-2 win (25-23, 23-25, 25-21, 23-25, 19-17).
 

MATCH SUMMARY

The match was a back-and-forth affair from the start, with both teams trading set wins. Cal State East Bay took the first set 25-23, setting the tone for a competitive night. The Pioneers had a set point opportunity ahead 24-20. Despite the Otters attempt to tie, the Pioneers closed out the set on a kill from Coco Ikpe. 

Cal State Monterey Bay bounced back in the second set, evening the score with a 25-23 win of their own.

The Pioneers regained the lead in the third set with a 25-21 victory as East Bay's final three points were from blocks, capped off by a solo block by Alexandria Gloria.

The Otters refused to go down without a fight, forcing a decisive fifth set by winning the fourth 25-23.

In an intense fifth set, Cal State East Bay displayed their mental toughness and teamwork. The lead changed hands multiple times. The Pioneers had a match point opportunity up 14-11, but CSUMB scored four unanswered to set up a new match point opportunity for the Otters. However, A kill by Jada Stone tied the set at 15-15, forcing extra points. With neither team able to clinch the match as the set reached 17-17, Ikpe broke the tie with a kill, then served an ace to win match point and secure the win for the Pioneers on Saturday. 

NOTABLE STATS

• Cal State East Bay's offense was led by senior outside hitter Lexi Pagani, who delivered an outstanding performance with her Pioneer career-high 23 kills. Her 19 digs was a season-high as she achieved her seventh double double of the season. 
• Of the eight service aces for the Pioneers, Coco Ikpe had a team-high three on Saturday.
• Defensively, the Pioneers were anchored by senior Alexandria Gloria, who recorded an impressive career-high 24 digs. 
• The setting duties were shared effectively between Pi'ilani Carvalho and Jada Stone, who dished out 26 and 22 assists, respectively.
• The team's blocking effort was led by Fane Paua and Coco Ikpe, each contributing three total blocks.
• The Pioneers hit .237 for the match, outpacing Cal State Monterey Bay's .186 hitting percentage.

RECORDS

Cal State East Bay: 8-10, 3-7 CCAA
Cal State Monterey Bay: 4-13, 3-7 CCAA
 

UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY

The Pioneers will look to build on the momentum as they return home to face Sonoma State on Friday, October 25. The match is set to take place at Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward, California, with the opening serve scheduled for 5 p.m.