Pioneers snap three-match losing streak with win over Chico State
Freshman Katie Allen put away 13 kills in the win over Chico State. (Photo: Ron Allen)
- September 25, 2010
Chico, Calif. - The Pioneer women's volleyball team put it all together in a four-set victory over host Chico State on Sept. 25. The scores were 16-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-22.
With the victory, the Pioneers snap a three match losing streak. East Bay is now 4-3 in CCAA play and 9-3 overall. Chico State falls to 3-4 and 8-5 for the season.
"The kids really stepped up tonight," CSUEB Head Coach Jim Spagle said. "That was the best team chemistry we've displayed this season. I'm proud of them."
The Pioneers hit for a .298 percentage and recorded 16 blocks compared to four for the Wildcats.
Katie Allen and Jit Athwal had 13 kills each. Kitona Offord had nine kills, a .389 hitting percentage, and six blocks. K.C. Walsh contributed to the Pioneer victory with 38 assists and 12 digs. Brianna Bryant had a season-high eight blocks.
Jessica Leek and Alex Shurtz had 11 and 10 kills respectively for Chico State.
East Bay took an early 4-1 lead in the first set on a kill by Offord. The Wildcats went on a 19-7 run to take a commanding 20-11 advantage. A kill by Makenzie Fahnestock followed by a Pioneer attack error enabled the Wildcats to take the first set.
Neither team led by more than four points in the second set. East Bay took an 8-7 lead and never trailed the remainder of the set. Athwal put down a kill to close out the second set victory for the Pioneers.
The Pioneers jumped out to a 12-7 lead in the third set. A kill by Katie Allen extended the Pioneers lead to 20-11. Allen put down another kill as the Pioneers maintained a 22-14 advantage. Chico State rallied with a 4-1 run to narrow the Pioneers' lead to 23-17. A kill by Bryant and a Wildcat attack error gave the Pioneers a 2-1 lead in the match.
In a close fourth set, the Pioneers took a 14-10 lead. East Bay maintained a 19-16 lead, only to see the Wildcats cut the margin to 23-22. Consecutive kills by Offord and Walsh sealed the hard-earned victory for the Pioneers.
"Our team really competed after the first set," Spagle said. "Jit and Katie did a great job hitting on the outside as well as Ariel Ajagu on the right side. K.C. had some great sets and Laura Massa was once again solid on defense. Our middle blockers, Brianna Bryant and Kitona Offord, did an outstanding job."
Following five straight CCAA road matches, the Pioneers will host Cal State Dominguez Hills on Oct. 1.