PUEBLO, Colo. - The Cal State East Bay women's volleyball team demonstrated their competitive spirit on Friday, splitting a pair of matches during the second day of the Steel City Classic held at Massari Arena on the campus of CSU Pueblo. The Pioneers faced tough competition in their opening match, falling to Lubbock Christian in straight sets (25-18, 25-20, 25-19). However, they bounced back impressively in their second match, sweeping Lake Superior State (25-15, 26-24, 25-13).
Lubbock Christian 3, Cal State East Bay 0Â (25-18, 25-20, 25-19)
In the first match against Lubbock Christian, the Pioneers showed early promise, leading 8-5 in the opening set. Despite this strong start, the Lady Chaps rallied to take control. The second set saw Cal State East Bay build a commanding 16-9 lead, after a kill from Fane Paua. However, Lubbock Christian's late-set surge proved decisive. The third set remained competitive until the midway point, with the teams tied at 12-12, before the Lady Chaps pulled away to complete the sweep.
Cal State East Bay 3, Lake Superior State 0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-13)
The Pioneers' resilience shone through in their second match of the day against Lake Superior State. From the outset, Cal State East Bay dominated the Lakers, with Alexandria Gloria's ace setting the tone for a convincing first-set victory. The second set provided a nail-biting finish, with the Pioneers clinching it 26-24 thanks to crucial kills from Mia Jordan and Gloria for the final two points to win the set. In the final set, a spectacular 11-1 run, sparked by a kill from Pi'ilani Carvalho, sealed the match and the sweep for Cal State East Bay.
- Alexandria Gloria emerged as a key player, leading the team with eight kills and 15 digs in the first match, while contributing 13 digs in the second.
- Lexi Pagani spearheaded the offense in the second match with 12 kills and an impressive .226 attack percentage.
- Fane Paua's serving prowess was on full display, delivering three of the team's seven aces in the victory over Lake Superior State.
|
|
UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
Cal State East Bay head coach
Kimberly Lambert following Friday's tournament action:
"Nice team effort to turn it around from the morning match to the evening's match. Looking to finish the tournament with positive momentum and another great team effort."
Â
|
|
UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
With a 1-2 overall record, the team's final match of the Steel City Classic is scheduled for Saturday at 10:30 a.m. MT (9:30 a.m. Pacific) against Eastern New Mexico, providing another opportunity for Cal State East Bay to finish the road trip with an even record.
