SAN FRANCISCO — Cal State East Bay volleyball faced a tough challenge Friday afternoon at the SFFCU Gymnasium at Don Nasser Family Plaza, falling in straight sets to No. 6 Tampa, 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-18), in the opening match of the Gator Classic. Despite the loss, the Pioneers showed flashes of resilience, particularly in the first and third sets, and will look to build on those moments heading into Saturday's doubleheader.
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BY SET SUMMARY |
First Set (25-22)
Tampa maintained a slim lead throughout, but a series of errors allowed East Bay to pull within two at 24-22. The Spartans responded with a decisive kill to take the set 25-22.
Second Set (25-14)
Tampa took control early and never looked back, building a 12-point lead and cruising to a 25-14 win. The Spartans' aggressive attack and consistent serving kept East Bay off balance.
Third Set (25-21)
The Pioneers stayed close late in the set, with kills from Natali Herrera and Gianna Navarro cutting the deficit to 22-18. However, Tampa closed the match with three consecutive kills to complete the sweep.
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NOTABLE STATS |
- Navarro was nearly flawless at the net, finishing with nine kills on 12 swings for a .750 hitting percentage and no errors. She also delivered East Bay's only service ace of the match.
- Kale'a Kuamo'o continued to anchor the back row, leading the team with 14 digs.
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POSTGAME QUOTE |
Cal State East Bay head coach Kimberly Lambert following Friday's match in the Gator Classic:
"Taking the positives out of today's match and looking to apply them in tomorrow's matchups."
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RECORDS |
Cal State East Bay: 2-4
No. 6 Tampa: 4-0
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UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
Cal State East Bay returns to action Saturday with two matches at the Gator Classic in San Francisco. The Pioneers will open the day against Fresno Pacific at 11 a.m., followed by an afternoon matchup against Western Oregon at 3:30 p.m. Both contests will be held at the SFFCU Gymnasium at Don Nasser Family Plaza on the campus of San Francisco State. Saturday's slate for East Bay will wrap up non-conference play in the 2025 regular season.
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