MORAGA, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay women's volleyball team competed in an exhibition match Tuesday evening against Saint Mary's College at University Credit Union Pavilion. Despite falling to the Gaels 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16), the Pioneers demonstrated their potential with a strong opening set victory.
The Pioneers came out swinging in the first set, taking an early 10-7 lead and extending it to as much as six points at 15-9. Senior middle blocker Mia Jordan was instrumental in this early success, contributing five kills and four total blocks. Although Saint Mary's battled back to within a point at 21-20, Cal State East Bay finished strong with four unanswered points, sealed by a decisive kill from Alyssa Zaragoza to take the set 25-20.
Saint Mary's claimed the next three sets, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16.
In an additional fifth set played by mutual agreement, Saint Mary's edged out Cal State East Bay 15-11, providing both teams with valuable extra playing time as they prepare for the upcoming season.
- Lexi Pagani led the team with 10 kills and added four service aces over a span of five sets.
- The Pioneers' defense was impressive with Alexandria Gloria and Kale'a Kuamo'o each recording 11 digs throughout five sets played.
- Also through a total of five sets, Jordan finished the night with a solid all-around performance of nine kills and six total blocks.
The Pioneers will now set their sights on their 2024 season opener on Thursday, September 5 in the Steel City Classic in Pueblo, Colorado. Cal State East Bay is set to take on Minnesota-Crookston at 5 p.m. MT (4 p.m. Pacific Time) on the campus of Colorado State-Pueblo for the first day of the tournament.
