HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal State East Bay opened its CCAA volleyball slate Thursday night at Pioneer Gymnasium with a hard-fought effort against Cal State Monterey Bay, but the Pioneers were unable to overcome key scoring runs and dropped their home opener in straight sets, 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-18). Despite a strong performance from senior Barakat Adekola, who posted her fourth double-double of the season, East Bay struggled to maintain momentum in critical stretches. The Otters capitalized on early leads and closed each set with poise, handing the Pioneers their first conference loss of the season.

BY SET SUMMARY

First Set (25-22)
The match opened with a service ace from Monterey Bay, but East Bay responded with four straight points to take an early lead. The teams traded blows throughout the first set until the Otters surged ahead 21-16. A kill from Fane Paua sparked a late rally for the Pioneers, who closed the gap to 22-21. However, Monterey Bay held firm, scoring three of the final four points, including a bookending ace to win set point.

Second Set (25-23)
Monterey Bay carried its momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 5-0 lead. East Bay found itself trailing for most of the frame, but mounted a furious comeback late, scoring seven of eight points to tie the set at 22-22. The Otters responded with two quick points to reach set point, and despite a final exchange, closed out the set 25-23. The early deficit proved costly for the Pioneers, who were unable to fully erase the gap.

Third Set (25-18)
East Bay showed signs of life early in the third set, taking an 8-7 lead on a kill from Gianna Navarro. But the Otters responded with an eight-point run that shifted the momentum for good. The Pioneers were unable to recover, and Monterey Bay controlled the remainder of the set en route to a 25-18 win and a three-set sweep.
 

NOTABLE STATS

• Barakat Adekola led East Bay with 11 kills and 12 digs, recording her fourth double-double of the season.
• Fane Paua hit .400 with eight kills, added a service ace, and contributed three blocks.
• Team Attack Percentages: East Bay hit .239; Monterey Bay finished at .243.

POSTGAME QUOTE

Cal State East Bay head coach Kimberly Lambert acknowledged the team's struggles under pressure:
"We had early moments in the match where our response to pressure was not where it needed to be. The opponent was executing in areas we were not and we struggled to put the right foot forward."
 

RECORDS

Cal State East Bay: 3-6, 0-1 CCAA
Cal State Monterey Bay: 2-6, 1-0 CCAA
 

UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY

The Pioneers return to Pioneer Gymnasium on Saturday for a matchup against (RV) San Francisco State. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. as East Bay looks to bounce back and earn its first conference win in front of the home crowd.