ARCATA, Calif. - Cal State East Bay opened its 2025–26 campaign with a hard-fought loss to Central Washington on Friday evening at Lumberjack Arena in Arcata. Despite trailing by double digits for much of the night, the Pioneers surged late behind Taylor Eldredge, whose 18 points kept East Bay within striking distance down the stretch
 
The Pioneers struggled to find an offensive rhythm early, managing just 10 points in the first quarter and eight in the second as cold shooting stalled their momentum. Central Washington used a 15–8 second quarter to build a 28–18 halftime lead, but East Bay answered after the break.
 
A 12-point third quarter from the Pioneers—fueled by fast-break conversions from Sierra Morris and Aloha Akaka—trimmed the deficit to as little as six. Eldredge attacked relentlessly, converting three straight free throws and a layup midway through the period to spark the comeback. East Bay forced nine turnovers in the quarter, turning several of them into transition points to stay within striking distance.
 
In the fourth, the Pioneers made their strongest push. Eldredge scored on the opening possession, and Lailah Carey drilled a three moments later to cut the Wildcats' lead to four at 45–41 with just over nine minutes left. After Central Washington answered with a run of its own, Carey struck again to bring East Bay within 50–45 at the 3:53 mark. CWU responded with the next five points to push ahead by ten and put the game away. 
 
Eldredge led all scorers with 18, while Morris and Akaka added seven apiece off the bench. East Bay generated 26 points off turnovers while shooting 30.8 percent from the field and 28.6 from the 3-point line. 
 
Cal State East Bay returns to action tomorrow night when they finish off the CCAA/GNAC Challenge with a game against Northwest Nazarene.