SAN FRANCISCO — Cal State East Bay volleyball returned to the win column Thursday afternoon with a commanding 3-0 sweep over Menlo College at SFFCU Gymnasium at Don Nasser Family Plaza. The Pioneers showcased a balanced attack and resilient defense to take the match in straight sets: 25-11, 25-23, 25-21.

The match opened with a dominant first set, but it was the Pioneers' comeback in the second set that proved to be the turning point. Down 22-19 late, East Bay surged with a 6-1 run to steal the set and take full control of the match. Makaiya Gerhardt sealed both the first and second sets with kills, highlighting her standout performance.​

BY SET SUMMARY

First Set (25-11)
Gerhardt opened the match with a kill that sparked a 7-0 run. The Pioneers built a commanding 12-1 lead and never looked back. Gerhardt closed the set with another kill to secure a 25-11 win.

Second Set (25-23)
Menlo responded with early momentum, jumping ahead 11-4. A kill from Barakat Adekola ignited a 9-1 East Bay run to take a 13-12 lead. The Oaks regained a 22-19 advantage, but the Pioneers rallied again, finishing the set on a 6-1 run capped by Gerhardt's kill for a 25-23 win.

Third Set (25-21)
East Bay maintained a steady lead throughout, with Menlo staying within reach. A service ace from Kale'a Kuamo'o brought up match point at 24-18. Menlo extended the set with three straight points, but a service error handed the Pioneers match point for a 25-21 win and the sweep.
 

NOTABLE STATS

• Gerhardt led the Pioneers with a standout offensive display, recording 15 kills and hitting at an impressive .483 clip.
• Barakat Adekola contributed across the board with 12 kills and a team-high 16 digs, earning a double-double.
• Jada Stone also notched a double-double, finishing with 11 kills and 14 digs.
• Setter Pi'ilani Carvalho orchestrated the offense with 35 assists while adding 15 digs of her own for a third Pioneer double-double on the day.
• From the service line, both Adekola and Kale'a Kuamo'o delivered three aces apiece.
• On defense, Natali Herrera anchored the net with three total blocks.
• As a team, Cal State East Bay hit .363 compared to Menlo's .126, showcasing their efficiency and control throughout the match.

POSTGAME QUOTE

Cal State East Bay head coach Kimberly Lambert following Thursday's bounce back win:
"I was proud of the execution thought from the team. We had some critical components that we identified for the match and it was great to see the team capitalize on them."

RECORDS

Cal State East Bay: 2-3
Menlo College:  1-3
 

UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY

Cal State East Bay returns to action Friday, September 12, taking on No. 6 Tampa at 2 p.m. in the Gator Classic, hosted at SFFCU Gymnasium at Don Nasser Family Plaza on the San Francisco State campus. The matchup presents a high-level test for the Pioneers as they continue tournament play.