HAYWARD – Pioneer Gymnasium has not been a friendly place for the Chico State volleyball team recently. Similar to last year's visit, the Wildcats were victims of the long scoring run as their hosts, Cal State East Bay, swept them 20-25, 11-25, 20-25 on Saturday.
 
The Wildcats see their overall record dip to 4-8 and 1-7 in the CCAA. The Pioneers, move to 8-7 overall while move to an even 4-4 after starting conference play with four straight defeats.
 
Brooke Ono had a 21 assist, 13 dig evening while Zoe DiNardo led the effort on the attack with 11 kills.
 
The Wildcats were up by two at the start of the match until a five-point run gave the Pioneers a 10-7 lead. Chico State battled back and managed to tie the game on multiple occasions. East Bay, though, broke the 14-14 tie and went on a nine-point run to move away from Chico State.
 
The Wildcats were protecting a three-point lead at the start of the third game until the Pioneers went on an 8-2 run to take a 16-13 lead. Chico State got to within one thanks to a pair of kills from Brooklynn Anderson and a service ace by Dinardo. However, the Wildcats couldn't make the leap and the Pioneers ended up winning six of the next seven serves to take command of the set and eventually the match.
 
Chico State has a short week to prepare a battle with its Highway 99 rivals Stanislaus State. The Wildcats conclude their long five-match road trip in Turlock Wednesday and the two will shift the series to Acker Gym Friday where they will host Dig Pink Night. Both matches are at 5 p.m.