MARQUETTE, Mich. — Cal State East Bay opened the 2026 season Thursday against No. 5 St. Cloud State, battling the nationally ranked Huskies throughout a three-set loss, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21, at Vandament Arena.
Despite the straight-set result, the Pioneers stayed within striking distance throughout the afternoon, with the first two sets each decided by just two points.
St. Cloud State created separation in the opening set before East Bay began working its way back. The Pioneers continued to cut into the deficit and made a late push, but the Huskies held on for the 25-23 win.
The second set developed into the closest battle of the match.
Neither side was able to create much separation in a frame that featured 11 ties and five lead changes. East Bay continued to answer throughout the set, but St. Cloud State again found the final points it needed to take another 25-23 decision and move ahead 2-0 in the match.
East Bay produced its best offensive numbers of the afternoon in the third set, recording 12 kills with just two errors on 31 attacks for a .323 hitting percentage. St. Cloud State countered by hitting .341 in the frame and closed out the match with a 25-21 win.
Barakat Adekola led the Pioneer attack in her East Bay debut, finishing with 15 kills on .314 hitting while adding 10 digs and a service ace. Lamona Lauhingoa was right behind with 14 kills and 10 digs, giving East Bay a pair of double-double performances in the season opener.
Pi'ilani Carvalho directed the offense with 32 assists and a team-high 12 digs. Natali Herrera added four kills on .273 hitting and made an impact at the net with three solo blocks and one block assist.
As a team, East Bay finished with 38 kills, 36 assists and 50 digs while hitting .209 for the match. St. Cloud State recorded 51 kills and finished with a .285 hitting percentage.
Cal State East Bay continues play at the UP North Tournament on Friday against Minnesota Duluth. First serve is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Pacific at Vandament Arena.
