SAN FRANCISCO – The Cal State East Bay volleyball team fell to San Francisco State in four sets Saturday afternoon at the San Francisco Federal Credit Union Gym at Don Nasser Family Plaza. The Pioneers claimed the opening set before the Gators responded to take the next three, winning 25-20, 10-25, 22-25 and 11-25. East Bay moved to 7-12 overall while remaining 5-4 in CCAA play following the nonconference matchup.
East Bay opened the match with a strong offensive performance, recording 14 kills while hitting .286 in the first set. The Pioneers used an efficient attack to claim a 25-20 victory and take an early 1-0 advantage.
San Francisco State responded in the second set, holding East Bay to five kills and a -.067 hitting percentage. The Gators took the frame 25-10 to even the match at one set apiece.
The Pioneers continued to battle in the third set, recording 10 kills and three points off blocks. Despite the effort, San Francisco State pulled away for a 25-22 victory to take a 2-1 lead.
East Bay was unable to regain its offensive rhythm in the fourth set, finishing with three kills as San Francisco State closed out the match with a 25-11 victory.
Barakat Adekola led the Pioneers offensively with 12 kills on 48 attempts while adding eight digs and two service aces. Gianna Navarro and Lamona Lauhingoa each contributed five kills, with Lauhingoa adding 12 digs and Navarro finishing with seven.
Pi'ilani Carvalho directed the East Bay offense with 28 assists, 14 digs and two service aces. Her performance marked a double-double as she also contributed two block assists.
Carys Fouser provided a strong presence at the net, recording one solo block and five block assists to go along with two kills and four digs. Saniya Kimbrough added four kills, while Kale'a Kuamo'o contributed 11 digs and a service ace.
As a team, East Bay finished with 32 kills, 65 digs and seven service aces while hitting .038. San Francisco State recorded 51 kills and 68 digs with a .261 hitting percentage. The Pioneers also finished with six total team blocks.
The Pioneers opened the match with their most efficient offensive set, hitting .286 to take an early advantage. East Bay will look to build on that opening performance as it continues its season.
